Laser eyelid surgery, which is also known as laser blepharoplasty, is a rather new cosmetic procedure to reduce sagging, puffy skin around the eyes. The procedure is becoming more popular than conventional eyelids cosmetic surgeries which require cutting of the skin with a scalpel and a longer healing time. Before considering laser eyelid surgery, a person should know exactly what she is getting herself into and be informed on what her options exactly are.
Overview of the Laser Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Laser blepharoplasty is a rather simple cosmetic surgery that is done on an outpatient basis. It can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to complete depending on the patient. The patient is usually given a sedative as well as a local anesthesia for the surgery.
A laser beam (CO2) is used to make a very small incision on the eyelid. Using a laser minimizes the amount of bleeding during surgery as well as lessons the recovery time from the surgery. Not only does this lessen the risk of infection but also is beneficial to the cosmetic surgeon who must be able to see as clear as possible during the procedure.
Once the small incision is made the surgeon removes skin, fat, and tissue that makes the patient appear to have sagging or puffy eyes. Once the excess material is removed, the incision is sutured up and the surgery is over.
Laser Eyelid Surgery Recovery Time
Unlike the eyelid surgeries that utilize knives or scalpels to cut the eyelid, laser blepharoplasty has a much quicker recovery time. The fact that a laser is used also minimizes bruising and swelling after the cosmetic surgery.
After surgery the eyelids will most likely feel tight and sore for at least 24 hours after the procedure. The surgeon will most likely prescribe medication to deal with the soreness once the anesthesia has worn off. Swelling will also occur around the eye and eyelids but should start to go down after 24-48 hours. Cold compresses on the eyes help to alleviate the swelling.
Although a patient can expect some scarring from laser eyelid surgery, most scars will disappear over time. The risk of scarring from this type of procedure is much less than from conventional eyelid surgery.
Patients must have someone who will be able to drive them home after the procedure as they will not be able to drive. Most doctors recommend that surgery patients not drive until the swelling and soreness has gone away. Most people will be back to normal within 7-12 days after the cosmetic surgery.
Laser Eyelid Surgery Cost
Laser eyelid surgery cost will vary from doctor to doctor as well as from region to region. One must remember to not only choose a doctor for the price of the surgery but for the skills and expertise that the doctor possesses.
The cost of laser eyelid surgery can range from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on the procedure and the cosmetic surgeon. A lower eyelid procedure is usually cheaper than an upper lid one. The national average for laser blepharoplasty is approximately $4,500. Since this procedure is considered cosmetic surgery, most insurance companies will not cover the cost of the surgery.
For people who don't like their sagging skin or wrinkles around their eyes, laser eyelid surgery may be the best choice. This procedure is not only safer than conventional eyelid surgeries but also has a faster recovery time. One should always do her research before rushing into cosmetic surgery and this is no different for laser eyelid surgery.
Sources:
Epione.com "Laser Eyelid Surgery" (accessed 6/20/2010)
Topdocs.com (accessed 6/20/2010)
Tiffany Brunskole - Tiffany is a freelance writer and web marketer. She has over three years of experience writing quality content for the web. She spends ...
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