Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to address issues such as sagging upper and lower eyelids, puffy eyelids, and fine wrinkles. This restores a youthful, revitalized appearance to the eyes and face. By reducing upper-eyelid drooping, eyelid surgery can also correct sagging lids that negatively affect a person’s field of vision.

This procedure can be used to address either the upper eyelids or the lower eyelids. When both sets of eyelids have age-related issues, both sets can be addressed during a single operation.

• Upper blepharoplasty works on the upper eyelids. It involves making a tiny incision at the natural crease between the upper eyelid and the brow. After this, excess tissue is addressed to rejuvenate the upper lids.
• Lower blepharoplasty works on the lower eyelids. It can be performed using a tiny incision made either just below the lower lid’s lashes (the transcutaneous incision) or on the inside of the lid (the transconjunctival incision).

The transcutaneous incision is best for dealing with excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue. The transconjunctival incision, on the other hand, doesn’t allow for addressing excess skin or sagging muscle tissue, only excess fat. However, this option fully conceals the post-surgical mark within the lid, while the transcutaneous incision camouflages it in the lash line.

At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic & Dermatology, Dr. Grushchak often performs state-of-the-art CO2 laser blepharoplasty for patients in San Diego County. This technique uses CO2 laser energy to create small surgical incisions in the eyelids gently. 

Because laser technology is used, the procedure is incredibly precise. The laser’s heat ablates excess tissue layers, and the scanning pattern ensures that surrounding structures are protected from heat damage.

CO2 laser blepharoplasty seals blood vessels while removing tissue. As a result, bleeding is greatly reduced, which in turn minimizes post-surgical bruising. Scarring is also minimized in comparison to traditional blepharoplasty, as are swelling, pain, and discomfort. Additionally, there is a reduced likelihood of infection and other complications.

Because tissue trauma is minimized, the total recovery time is shorter compared to traditional eyelid surgery. Patients can often return to their everyday activities in about one week, and full recovery usually takes about two weeks.

CO2 laser eyelid surgery also offers benefits that traditional blepharoplasty doesn’t offer. The heat from the laser boosts collagen protein creation, resulting in tighter, smoother, and more elastic skin in the treatment areas. Fine wrinkles, pigmentation irregularities, and scars near the eyes can also be treated.

Blepharoplasty surgery in San Diego County usually takes around two hours or less to perform. It begins with administration of anesthesia. Either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation will be used, depending on the details of the procedure and the patient’s needs.

Next, Dr. Grushchak will create precise incisions in the eyelids. She will address excess fat and skin as needed, along with drooping muscle tissue. Finally, she will seal the incisions and dress them, completing the procedure.