Conventional practices for eyelid surgery involve deep incisions and tissue manipulation to get results, but this can be a painful process and require weeks of recovery. When you want to achieve a tightened and toned appearance around the eyes, laser surgery presents another option; the recent unveiling of EyeTight, a non-surgical blepharoplasty procedure, is proving to be a promising alternative to surgery.  

EyeTight was unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) in May 2008, offering an innovative approach for treating droopy eyelids. The procedure was demonstrated by LaserTight, the company that developed the EyeTight treatment, and the procedure has received FDA clearance for laser blepharoplasty.

How does EyeTight work? Here’s a closer look at this innovative treatment for droopy eyelids and sagging skin:  

Eyelid Surgery Basics  

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a skin tightening and ‘lifting’ procedure that targets the upper or lower eyelids; the procedure effectively removes wrinkles, sagging skin and fatty deposits to create a more youthful appearance. Conventional practices to get rid of droopy eyelids involve both surgical and non-surgical procedures, and most offer permanent results.  

Eyelid surgery accounted for nearly a quarter of a million cosmetic procedures for men and women in 2007, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and it continues to be a popular choice for the antiaging market. It can be create a significant change in the appearance for those who naturally have droopy eyes, bags around the eyes, or even for individuals with crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eye area.  

Key benefits of eyelid surgery include:  

• Visible improvement in the upper folds of the eyelids
• A more vibrant, attractive look
• Tighter and more toned skin around the eyes and eyebrow area
• Reduced puffiness around the eyes
• Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes Removal of dark circles and ‘eye bags’ Improved self-esteem and higher level of self-confidence  

The EyeTight Difference  

Dr. Mark Solomon, LaserTight’s Medical Director and a practicing plastic surgeon in Philadelphia, PA led the EyeTight presentation at the ASAPS conference, and showed surgeons how the advanced techniques used in this procedure can provide dramatic, long-lasting results. EyeTight works by delivering high powered laser energy through an ‘endoprobe’. This helps break down fat cells and tightens up the skin at the same time, effectively removing excess skin tissue and helping the skin retract into a more attractive formation.  The entire process takes under 15 minutes to complete, and the skin around the treatment area slowly begins to tighten and firm up for up to two months after the procedure.  

Since EyeTight does not require any incisions or extensive surgery, an eyelid surgery patient can enjoy the benefits of a scarless procedure that provides visible results within a few weeks. The process is relatively painless, and most patients can resume normal activities within a few days after the EyeTight treatment. Detemrining whether eyelid surgery or the EyeTight procedure is the right match for you begins with a consultation with a blepharoplasty doctor. 

Your cosmetic surgeon can help you determine which eyelid lift procedure is the best match for your skin’s condition, and can walk you thorugh the EyeTight treatment if they think you are a good candidate.  

Learn more about blepharoplasty procedures in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area for the latest treatments to get rid of droopy eyelids and tighten and tone your skin.