Laser blepharoplasty in Asians

Radiosurgery versus carbon dioxide laser for dermatochalasis correction in Asians

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser and radiosurgery are techniques commonly employed in oculoplastic surgery. However, there is no literature comparing their results in blepharoplasty.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty Chinese patients with dermatochalasis underwent radiosurgery in one upper eyelid and CO(2) laser in the contralateral eyelid. Intraoperative time, hemorrhage, and pain control were assessed. Subjects were evaluated at postoperative 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months for hemorrhage and wound healing by a masked assessor.

RESULTS

All patients reported minimal pain with either technique. A significantly shorter operative time was achieved with CO(2) laser, with better intraoperative hemostasis. There was no significant difference in postoperative hemorrhage and wound swelling between radiosurgery and CO(2) laser. No significant intraoperative complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Both radiosurgery and CO(2) laser are equally safe and effective for upper lid blepharoplasty. CO(2) laser achieves shorter operative time with superior intraoperative hemostasis.

Laser Resurfacing of Smallpox Scars

BACKGROUND

At the beginning of the twentieth century, smallpox affected every continent and country in the world, but over the first half of the twentieth century this disease was eliminated in most countries, including Korea, thanks to the World Health Organization's eradication program. Most survivors of smallpox have facial scars with a distinct cobblestone appearance. Though most smallpox scar patients want smooth skin, it is difficult to achieve good results with dermabrasion or chemical peeling. Recently, with advances in laser technology, laser resurfacing has become more effective and safer than conventional methods because of its depth control precision.

METHODS

Between September of 1996 and August of 2001, 76 patients with significant smallpox scars were treated with a high-powered carbon dioxide laser at Korea University's Anam Medical Center. Different resurfacing methods, such as even-depth resurfacing, the shoulder technique, and the laser punch-out method, were applied according to the depth and pattern of the scars.

RESULTS

The authors found that 54 patients (71 percent) had excellent or good results. The sharply demarcated margins of the smallpox scars faded out, and the depth and width of the depressed scars improved in most patients. Only seven patients sustained hypertrophic scarring after laser resurfacing, but this was resolved by intradermal triamcinolone injections. Prolonged erythema occurred in six patients (7.9 percent) and hyperpigmentation occurred in 15 (19.7 percent), but the erythema disappeared spontaneously and the hyperpigmentation could be readily managed with postoperative skin care.

CONCLUSION

Laser resurfacing was found to be a useful treatment method for smallpox scarring.

Transconjunctival laser blepharoplasty of lower eyelids: Asian experience with 1,340 cases

BACKGROUND

Lower eyelid bulging is a result of the aging process, but it can sometimes be severe in young people. This condition can cause considerable aesthetic problems to many patients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of transconjunctival laser blepharoplasty in treating Asian skin.

METHODS

Since 1995, our clinic has performed 1,340 procedures to remove the fat bulging of lower eyelids using a carbon dioxide laser.

RESULTS

The most common complaints were edema and transient discomfort and red eye; 82% of the patients were satisfied (1,099 patients rated a score of 3 or 4). The incidence of complications was very low.

CONCLUSION

Transconjunctival laser blepharoplasty of lower eyelids is a safe, low-risk procedure with excellent cosmetic results. It makes no visible scar and reduces downtime. This is also good for patients with previous surgical scars on their lower eyelid.