BACKGROUND: Baker et al. used a CO2 laser for blepharoplasty for the first time. The ultra-pulse CO2 laser provides a sophisticated instrument that makes more application alternatives possible in ophthalmology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 1997 to February 1998 surgical operations were performed in the eye clinics in Hagen and Darmstadt using the CO2 laser: 145 eyelid operations and 8 others (enucleation, evisceration, oral mucosa plastic surgery, secondary hydroxyapatite implantation, squint operation). In 34 patients in a total of 64 operations, after an average follow-up period of 7 (4-11) months, an examination was carried out. RESULTS: There were serious complications in only one case. Three weeks after transconjunctival fat resection and resurfacing, one patient developed an inflammatory reaction with resulting ectropion on both sides. During steroid therapy the left lower lid flattened, but on the right side a slight ectropion remained. CONCLUSION: The CO2 laser proved to be a very useful instrument for bloodless tissue-protective surgery without conspicuous scar formation.
BACKGROUND: Baker et al. used a CO2 laser for blepharoplasty for the first time. The ultra-pulse CO2 laser provides a sophisticated instrument that makes more application alternatives possible in ophthalmology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 1997 to February 1998 surgical operations were performed in the eye clinics in Hagen and Darmstadt using the CO2 laser: 145 eyelid operations and 8 others (enucleation, evisceration, oral mucosa plastic surgery, secondary hydroxyapatite implantation, squint operation). In 34 patients in a total of 64 operations, after an average follow-up period of 7 (4-11) months, an examination was carried out. RESULTS: There were serious complications in only one case. Three weeks after transconjunctival fat resection and resurfacing, one patient developed an inflammatory reaction with resulting ectropion on both sides. During steroid therapy the left lower lid flattened, but on the right side a slight ectropion remained. CONCLUSION: The CO2 laser proved to be a very useful instrument for bloodless tissue-protective surgery without conspicuous scar formation.