Carbon dioxide laser blepharoplasty--advantages and disadvantages.

Ten patients underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty using the carbon dioxide laser on one eyelid and a conventional technique on the other. Administrative factors, safety considerations, ease of procedure, and short- and long-term results were evaluated. The carbon dioxide laser added considerable administrative, equipment, personnel, and organizational requirements to the procedure. The possibility of adverse safety factors or accidents was increased with the laser. Immediate and late postoperative results of pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and scarring were not significantly different on the two sides. No clear benefit other than a positive marketing factor could be demonstrated with use of the carbon dioxide laser for blepharoplasty.