EYELID LIFT (Laser Blepharoplasty)

The Eyelid Lift or Laser Blepharoplasty can correct sagging eyelids, by removing excess skin in the upper eyelids. It can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as Laser Skin Resurfacing, The Dr. Mash UP~LIFT™, and/or a Chemical Peel.

Why is the laser an improved technique for this surgery?
The laser is an intense beam of light that can be focused to a pinpoint and used in place of a scalpel. The laser seals blood vessels as it cuts, so that bleeding is almost nonexistent.
Because the blood vessels are sealed, Dr. Mash has better visualization of the treatment area, and you recover more rapidly with less bruising than was possible with pre-laser eyelid lifts.

What should I do if I want an Eyelid Lift?
Make an appointment for a complementary cosmetic consultation, at which time Dr. Mash will discuss your expectations and the probable outcome of treatment. They will show you photographs of previous treatments they have done, and will answer any questions you may have. If you are a smoker, you will be required to sign a form that you will stop smoking for a period both before and following your surgery. If you are approved for an Eyelid Lift the earliest possible appointment will be made for you, and you will receive pre-and post-op instructions.

Do I need a Doctor Referral?
Yes. Besides making you look older, severely sagging skin around your eyes also can impair your vision. This procedure will be done after examination by a physician to meet medical necessity requirements. Upper eyelid lift is considered medically necessary for documented patient complaints of interference with vision or visual field related activities such as difficulty reading or driving due to upper eye lid skin drooping, looking through the eyelids or seeing the upper eye lid skin AND there is redundant skin overhanging the upper eye lid margin and resting on the eyelashes when gazing straight ahead. In addition, the physician will document that your visual field is hampered. If you need a list of physicians for your primary exam, Dr. Mash can assist you.

What should I expect on the day of my surgery?
Dr. Mash will perform your Eyelid Lift right here in our fully equipped, office-based surgical suite. When you arrive for your surgery, we will take “Before” pictures, and review your pre-and post-op instructions. To help you relax, you will be given light sedation and a local anesthetic. Following surgery you will spend a few hours in our recovery room for observation before you go home or to a hotel to rest. You will need a driver as our protocols do not permit driving after sedation. We will ask you to return for a follow-up visit after three days. “After” pictures will be taken at this time.

What is the recovery time?
Since the laser method causes minimal swelling or bruising as compared to non-laser methods, most of our patients can return to normal activities after a weekend. After surgery, you are required to apply ice compresses during the first 24 to 48 hour and use antibiotic eye drops for a week. Most patients return to work within a week of their procedure.

What about scarring?
On the upper eyelids you may see a thin, light-colored scar, which is concealed in the lid crease. This may be visible for several weeks or months, but only when the eyes are closed.