Carbon dioxide laser ptosis surgery combined with blepharoplasty.
BACKGROUND
Repair of levator aponeurosis pathology has become accepted technique for the correction of acquired ptosis. Extensive experience with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser blepharoplasty has been obtained.


OBJECTIVE
CO2 laser blepharoplasty techniques are expanded to repair acquired ptosis.


METHODS
A step-wise outline of laser surgical technique is presented.


RESULTS
A retrospective serial study of 82 patients is reviewed and compared favorably with other reported series. Improvement in appearance and reduction of asymmetry to less than 1 mm was observed in 69 patients (84%). Thirteen patients had more than 1 mm of asymmetry and eight underwent surgical revisions. No long-term complications such as chronic exposure keratitis were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The CO2 laser repair of acquired ptosis by aponeurotic surgery can be combined with blepharoplasty surgery. Improved intraoperative hemostasis, decreased operating time, and improved appearance in the immediate postoperative period are achieved with this technique.
D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques