If you’re considering lower eyelid surgery, you might be wondering if laser resurfacing should be part of your treatment plan. Lower eyelid surgery, also known as lower eyelid blepharoplasty, is a popular facial plastic surgery procedure that targets under-eye bags, excess skin, and signs of aging around the lower eyelids.
But what about issues like fine lines, crepey skin, and dark circles? That’s where laser treatments might help. Let’s explore whether you need laser with your lower blepharoplasty and what it could mean for your overall results.
What is Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Lower eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids by removing or repositioning fat, tightening lower eyelid skin, and sometimes addressing loose eyelid muscle.
It’s a type of eyelid blepharoplasty performed to reduce eye bags and loose skin, improve contour, and enhance the youthful appearance of the eye area.
Depending on your anatomy and lower eyelid rejuvenation goals, your plastic surgeon may use a transconjunctival approach, where the incision is made inside the eyelid, or an external approach along the lash line.
Both surgical techniques have their advantages and are chosen based on factors like the amount of excess skin, fat, and the condition of your eyelid region.
This type of eyelid procedure is especially beneficial if you:
- Have persistent eye bags or puffiness that don’t go away with sleep or skincare
- Notice sagging or drooping in the lower eyelids
- Want a more refreshed, alert appearance
- Are experiencing functional concerns, such as irritation from skin folding over the lash line
By removing or adjusting fat and tightening skin, lower eyelid surgery gives the eyes a more youthful and balanced look.
Why Add a Laser Resurfacing Procedure?
Laser resurfacing targets the surface of the skin. While lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses puffiness and sagging, it doesn’t necessarily treat superficial skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
That’s where the laser comes in. Laser treatments can smooth the skin, reduce dark circles, and improve texture, especially in the thin, delicate skin of the lower eyelids.
You might need laser if your concerns go beyond eye bags and excess skin. For example, if you’re also dealing with crepey skin or stubborn lines and wrinkles, combining laser resurfacing with your eyelid procedure could offer more comprehensive results.
Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery and Laser Healing
It’s natural to wonder how recovery might be affected if you add laser treatment to your lower eyelid surgery. The healing process depends on the extent of both the blepharoplasty and the laser.
Lower blepharoplasty recovery on its own typically includes swelling and bruising for the first week or two, with visible scars becoming less noticeable over time, especially if the incision is hidden inside the eyelid.
When you add laser, expect additional sensitivity in the eyelid skin. Redness, flaking, and tightness are common during laser healing. That said, combining both treatments into a single surgical procedure may actually shorten your overall downtime, since you’re healing from both at once.
Postoperative care is crucial to promote proper healing. Your surgeon may recommend:
- Cold compresses during the first few days
- Prescribed eye drops and ointments
- Sleeping with your head elevated
- Avoiding sun exposure and using gentle skincare products
These steps support a smooth recovery and protect your delicate eyelid skin while it heals from both the surgery and the laser treatment.
What Laser Can and Can’t Fix
Laser resurfacing works well for improving surface-level skin issues. If your primary concern is crepey skin under the eyes or pigmentation contributing to dark circles, a laser might be an ideal add-on.
Laser treatment on its own, however, won’t reposition fat or correct significant eyelid laxity. That’s why it’s not a replacement for eyelid surgery—it’s a complement.
Some patients also notice improvement in the appearance of the entire face after a laser session, thanks to enhanced collagen production and skin tightening.
Still, it’s important to have realistic expectations. If your dark circles are caused by shadowing from eye bags or hollows, lower eyelid blepharoplasty will make the bigger difference.
A combination approach allows you to target multiple issues at once, giving you a more complete transformation. Your doctor will assess whether the laser is right for you based on the quality of your eyelid skin and your overall goals.
Are There Complications With Combining Laser and Surgery?
As with any cosmetic procedures, there are potential complications when combining laser resurfacing with blepharoplasty surgery. These may include prolonged swelling and bruising, dry eyes, delayed healing, or sensitivity in the treated eye area.
In the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Casso, however, these risks are minimized with proper technique and timing.
Some other considerations include:
- Skin tone: darker skin tones may have a higher risk of pigmentation changes
- Previous treatments: prior chemical peels, fillers, or surgeries may affect how your skin responds
- Healing conditions: conditions like rosacea or eczema may impact laser healing
Dr. Casso will thoroughly review your medical history and skin characteristics before recommending a combined approach.
Realistic Results After Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery can significantly improve the appearance of the eyes, making you look more rested and youthful. The final results take shape after the swelling resolves, typically within a few weeks to a few months. If laser is performed at the same time, you may see additional benefits in skin texture and tone.
Keep in mind that results vary depending on individual anatomy and the specific eyelid procedures performed. Following your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions—including the use of eye drops, proper sleep positioning, and suture care—will support the best outcome and reduce the risk of visible scars.
You may notice the following improvements:
- Reduced puffiness and eye bags
- Smoother, tighter lower eyelid skin
- Less shadowing and discoloration under the eyes
- More youthful appearance and facial harmony
Combining surgical and non-surgical techniques allows for more complete facial rejuvenation and more natural-looking results.
Final Thoughts
So, do you need laser with your lower eyelid surgery? The answer depends on your unique goals and the condition of your eyelid region. Laser isn’t required for everyone, but it can enhance the results of lower eyelid blepharoplasty by addressing lines, wrinkles, and discoloration that surgery alone won’t fix.
Combining laser with lower eyelid surgery offers:
- A smoother eyelid surface and more even skin tone
- Enhanced tightening and texture improvement
- Improved appearance of dark circles and fine lines
If you’re considering this combined approach in Houston, be sure to follow your doctor’s schedule, questions, and operative care instructions closely for the smoothest recovery and most satisfying appearance.
