Cosmetic Blepharoplasty: A Comparison of CO2 Laser and Electrosurgical Technique

Abstract

A study of blepharoplasty results was performed comparing a conventional electrosurgical technique to the CO2 laser. Patients were recruited for the study, in which a direct comparison of the techniques was made on each patient using the electrosurgical technique on one eye and the CO2 laser on the other. Both the physician and the patient evaluated the results independently throughout the postoperative period with follow-up to 3 months. Results demonstrated greater operative time with the CO2 laser. No significant difference between techniques was found with regard to pain, bleeding, and itching during the postoperative period or the final postoperative appearance at 3 months. Swelling and discomfort were significantly greater with electrosurgery on day 4 with the trend extending through the third postoperative week. Bruising was significantly greater in the laser-operated eye more often, but the amount relative to the electrosurgical eye for each patient was not significant in the opinion of the surgeon. Both techniques were determined to be safe with acceptable results.