Although laser skin resurfacing and eyelid surgery (a.k.a., blepharoplasty) can both rejuvenate the eye area, they are distinctly different. The procedures can be performed separately or, in some cases, combined into one operation for more powerful anti-aging results. Read on as Dr. Michael McCracken of McCracken Eye and Face Institute discusses when it is normally appropriate to perform laser skin resurfacing with blepharoplasty.
Multiple Aesthetic Concerns in and Around the Eyelids
As the eyes age, a few different things tend to happen to the eyelids and around the eye area.
- The skin’s supply of collagen and elastin dwindles, and the skin starts to lack its youthful, supple tone. Instead, it becomes thin and creased, resembling the tone and texture of crepe paper. The skin also loses its elasticity and can start to droop heavily from the lids. In the upper eyelids, the skin can actually droop over the lashline and into the visual field.
- Wrinkles called crow’s feet can form around the corners of the eye.
- Fat can become displaced underneath the eyelids, creating little bulges or “bags” underneath the eyes. These bulges can cast shadows that look like circles or half-moons.
Eyelid surgery can improve some — but not all — of these aesthetic concerns. The same is true of laser skin resurfacing. Eyelid surgery involves trimming excess skin, tightening the skin and muscles and repositioning displaced fat for more youthful looking eyes. Laser skin resurfacing involves using light energy to ablate the top layer of wrinkled, crepe-y skin and trigger the production of collagen for smoother, firmer skin. Certain types of laser skin resurfacing can also be used to soften the appearance of age spots and pigmentation problems.
Performing blepharoplasty without laser skin resurfacing is ideal for getting rid of under-eye bags and excess fat, but it generally does not address the finer lines and wrinkles under the eyes around the corners of the eye. On the other hand, performing laser skin resurfacing without blepharoplasty can smooth out the fine lines and wrinkles but not address displaced fat and loose, saggy skin and tissue.
Therefore, a combination of both procedures is the best way to target multiple aesthetic concerns in and around the eyelids. Combining procedures into one operation can cut down on some of the surgical costs (i.e., facility and anesthesia fees) and requires only one recovery period as opposed to two.
Contact Dr. McCracken
Dr. McCracken would be happy to meet with you to discuss your specific age-related concerns and recommend the most suitable approach to treatment. Please call (720) 851-6600 or email McCracken Eye and Face Institute to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
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