If I have laser resurfacing around my eyes, will it cause my eyes to be drier? The laser that would be used is a Contour TRL.

Any time you consider having a procedure done around your eyes, it is extremely important that you have a thorough physical exam of your eyes, especially in a setting of dry eyes. The physiology of your eyes will change and you are likely to have a temporary relative dryness of your eyes as they are healing. Therefore, I highly recommend you see a physician who is capable of performing a thorough exam on you, and also make sure that if you have an ophthalmologist or if you have an eye condition, that you get their clearance prior proceeding with the treatment. Having said that , a laser procedure by itself will not affect the tearing mechanism of your eye, if it is done at a relatively shallow depth. The advantage of the TRL laser is that it can be adjusted to provide the result, while maintaining a consistent depth that will give you a  quick recovery and minimize any dryness or other eye conditions. 

Dear Iamhopeful, Laser skin resurfacing is a great technique for improving the quality and health of the skin and the Erbium Based Contour is a great laser to use for this treatment. Depending on your age, dryness can be a normal part of the aging process. Also depending on your age, often the lower eyelid ligaments become looser and since laser skin resurfacing can tighten skin in the lower eyelid region, it could result in the eyelid pulling away from the eye resulting in an Ectropion or turned out lower eyelid. This would result in dryness.But, an easy way to overcome this is to have the lower eyelid tightening by a canthopexy at the time of the procedure. If this is done, it tightens loose lower eyelids and make it unlikely the an ectropion would result.I'd suggest you seek an Oculoplastic surgeon experienced in Laser Skin resurfacing and canthopexy's to do your procedure. I hope this helps.

Thank you for sharing the question. The eyes only become dry if the skin is excessively tightened by the laser. This problem is rare to encounter. Discuss your concerns with your physician. Good luck.

Co2 laser can be done around the eyes, and shouldn't affect the dryness as a metal shield is used to the protect the eyes and the ducts.  Best, Dr. Emer.

A safe alternative for improving the appearance of the lower and upper lids safely is thermismooth radiofrquency. Three sessions 1-3 weeks apart wil thighten and rejuvenate the skin. 

Unfortunately, eyes do tend to get drier with age, and many people have characteristics (such as more prominent eyes) that can predispose them to having even more severe symptoms. Most aesthetic eyelid procedures can exacerbate these symptoms.I would recommend that your discuss your desire to have a cosmetic procedure on your eyelids with your ophthalmologist and have testing done to determine how dry your eyes actually are. If they are very dry your ophthalmologist can recommend a variety of treatments to improve your situation. You should then bring these results to your consultation and discuss options with your surgeon. I have used the Contour TRL for years and have been very happy with the results. The aggressiveness of the procedure can be adjusted for every patient, and may be less risky than surgery for worsening dry eyes if not overdone.

Your question of "drier" eyes after laser implies that you have dry eyes before the treatment.  Dry eyes is a common condition due to a lack of tear production or poor eyelid function, primarily of the lower eyelids.  It can occur without surgery and sometmes is aggravated by almost any type of treatment.  It can be treated and improved, although perhaps not cured.  If your eyes are dry now before surgery perhaps you should rethink the need for eyelid  surgery because of the possibiity of making the condition worse.  Laser treatment may be safer than excisional treatment, but it is still not totally safe.  I would suggest that you get a second or possibly even a third opinion before proceeding.