Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty and CO2?

Question

I am considering an Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty and CO2. I know I have ptosis as well. Do I really need a lower Blepharoplasty? CO2? What are my options? I have slight dark circles under my eyes. Will this correct it? Is the CO2 really worth it? I have had a consultation but just looking for other opinions. I originally thought just an Upper Blepharoplasty with correction for Ptosis.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. A formal evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are both surgical and non-surgical options to correct this, depending on your particular situation.

UPPER EYELIDS:
-NON-SURGICAL: For less significant upper eyelid skin excess or more mild improvement, there are nonsurgical treatments: Radiofrequency (Thermage or Venus Legacy/Viva), injectable fillers, and a Botox brow lift can help contour the eyebrows and lift the eyelid skin.
-SURGERY: browlift and/or upper blepharoplasty is a great option for more significant improvement- for example if the hooded eyelids have more excess skin present.

LOWER EYELIDS:
-NON-SURGICAL: For less significant puffiness and sagging UNDER the eyes, or more mild improvement, there are nonsurgical treatment options: we often use Renuvion helium plasma radiofrequency (RF) energy to achieve incredible results and take years off of your appearance. Combining RF energy and cool helium plasma, the signs of aging (wrinkles, pigmentation, skin laxity) are improved in a ‘Nonsurgical Lower Eyelid Lift.' The focused heating tightens and peels the outer skin layer with extreme precision, leaving the surrounding area undamaged, smoothing and tightening the periorbital skin, and improving the overall skin quality around the eyes. It's an aggressive treatment, and the recovery time is longer than with other nonsurgical procedures, but the results can be life-changing.​ 
-SURGERY: A lower blepharoplasty (with or without canthopexy/canthoplasty or orbicularis muscle suspension) is a great option for more significant improvement- for example if there are more severe lower eyelid bags / bulging present. Sometimes the surgery can also be used to intentionally adjust the shape and/or size of your eyes, or correct any asymmetries!

Dr. Donald Groves is an expert facial plastic surgeon that I work with, who specializes in all these types of procedures. It is important that if you are considering surgery that you go to someone who is well trained and very experienced with these delicate operations to get the best results. I suggest getting a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert, or an aesthetic facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Groves; we are both located right here in Los Angeles.

Best, 
Dr. Emer

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. I recommend treatment with CO2 laser resurfacing. CO2 laser resurfacing offers a range of significant benefits for improving skin appearance and texture. This advanced treatment utilizes carbon dioxide laser technology to precisely remove damaged outer layers of the skin while stimulating the deeper layers to produce new collagen. The result is a marked reduction in wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, as well as enhanced skin firmness and elasticity. By addressing both surface imperfections and deeper skin issues, CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly rejuvenate the skin, leading to a more youthful and even complexion. Additionally, the treatment can improve skin tone and texture, diminish the appearance of acne scars and sun damage, and offer long-lasting results with a single procedure. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You are candidate for upper blepharoplasty and possibly the other procedures you listed. Need more detailed evaluation to determine.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Don't have CO2 resurfacing. You really do not need it. Don't have lower eyelid surgery.  You really don't need. it. Don't work with a surgeon who makes you feel bad because you don't want to do the blue plate special. Do what makes sense and don't be bullied into having a procedure you do not want to have.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are a candidate for an upper blepharoplasty.  A lower blepharoplasty may or may not be worth it as well as CO2 laser.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty and CO2?

Answers (7)

Answer: That surgeon has a CO2 laser because he or she bought it 15 years ago and now everyone gets CO2.

Answer: That surgeon has a CO2 laser because he or she bought it 15 years ago and now everyone gets CO2.

Answer: Upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Upper blepharoplasty

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Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty and CO2?

Answers (7)

Answer: That surgeon has a CO2 laser because he or she bought it 15 years ago and now everyone gets CO2.

Answer: That surgeon has a CO2 laser because he or she bought it 15 years ago and now everyone gets CO2.

Answer: Upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Upper blepharoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.