As refractive surgery has increased in popularity, the number of people seeking blepharoplasty who have already had or are actively considering having LASIK has increased dramatically. Fortunately, the two procedures are compatible. When planning treatment, however, several factors should be considered.
Timing of the Two Procedures:
While each procedure may be performed before or after the other, the two should not be performed simultaneously or very close together.
If a blepharoplasty is performed initially, the patient should allow at least several months to pass before undergoing LASIK calculations.
If LASIK is performed initially, the patient should allow six months or more to pass before undergoing blepharoplasty. Since in certain circumstances some LASIK surgeons may prefer a longer interval (for instance, if an enhancement is planned), the LASIK surgeon should direct the timing.
Eyelid Surgery Precautions:
To lessen the chance of corneal stress after eyelid surgery, it is important that overcorrection be avoided. Since the most common adverse reaction following lower eyelid blepharoplasty performed by the traditional skin approach is eyelid retraction, this version of the operation is best undertaken with caution. Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty is safer and almost free of the risk of lid retraction.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty performed under local anesthesia with sedation (as opposed to general anesthesia) allows for more intraoperative feedback. The chance of an inadvertent overcorrection is thus decreased.
Use of Artificial Tears:
Following LASIK, some patients experience dry eyes. Since blepharoplasty may temporarily lessen the force of blinking in the immediate post-operative period, the liberal application of artificial tears is often helpful.
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