Radiosurgery versus carbon dioxide laser for dermatochalasis correction in Asians

Background and Objectives Carbon dioxide (CO2) 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 CO2 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 CO2 laser, with better intraoperative hemostasis. There was no significant difference in postoperative hemorrhage and wound swelling between radiosurgery and CO2 laser. No significant intraoperative complications were noted. Conclusions Both radiosurgery and CO2 laser are equally safe and effective for upper lid blepharoplasty. CO2 laser achieves shorter operative time with superior intraoperative hemostasis. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:176–179, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.