Reveal brighter, more refreshed eyes with eyelid surgery in Gulf Shores by Carrie L. Morris, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon. This advanced, bladeless laser procedure treats drooping lids, puffiness, and under-eye bags—refining what already makes you you. It’s precision care sculpted with intention—because feeling confident should never feel out of reach.
Reveal your most refreshed and alert eyes
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a specialized procedure that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, reducing puffiness, and restoring youthful contours. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, Dr. Morris uses an advanced CO₂ laser technique—minimally invasive and bladeless—for unmatched precision and minimal downtime. This trailblazing approach refines tired, heavy lids without external incisions, leaving you looking naturally refreshed, awake, and more like your best self.
Eyelid surgery treats:
- Sagging or drooping upper eyelids that impair vision
- Puffy upper eyelids caused by excess fatty deposits
- Under-eye bags and hollowness
- Loose or crepey lower eyelid skin
- A tired, aged, or heavy-lidded appearance
- Asymmetry between the eyes
- Deep tear troughs or volume loss under the eye
Eyelid surgery techniques available
Upper eyelid surgery
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing excess skin and fat that can cause the eyelids to droop or feel heavy, sometimes even obstructing vision. Dr. Morris uses the UltraPulse CO₂ laser to perform this procedure internally—without external incisions—allowing for precise reshaping with minimal bruising and no visible scarring. This technique is ideal for restoring a more open, refreshed eye appearance while maintaining natural eyelid contours.
Lower eyelid surgery
Lower eyelid surgery targets under-eye bags, puffiness, and loose or crepey skin that can make you look tired or older than you feel. Dr. Morris utilizes a transconjunctival approach with the UltraPulse CO₂ laser, meaning all incisions are made inside the lower eyelid. This allows her to remove or reposition fat and tighten the lower lid with exceptional control and a smooth, natural finish—without leaving external marks.
Ptosis Repair
Ptosis repair corrects drooping upper eyelids that can obstruct vision or make the eyes appear tired, uneven, or aged. Dr. Morris evaluates the eyelid’s lifting muscle and uses precise, minimally invasive techniques to restore function and symmetry—often through hidden incisions in the natural eyelid crease. The result is improved vision and a more refreshed, alert appearance that still feels uniquely you.
How eyelid surgery is done
Dr. Morris performs blepharoplasty in Gulf Shores using the UltraPulse CO₂ laser, which delivers controlled thermal energy to vaporize tissue with unmatched precision and minimal collateral damage. For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, she typically creates a laser incision along the natural eyelid crease to access and excise redundant skin, muscle, and orbital fat. In select cases, a transconjunctival (internal) approach may be used to avoid any external incision. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, significantly reducing intraoperative bleeding and post-operative bruising.
For lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Morris prefers the transconjunctival approach, entering through the inner eyelid to preserve the integrity of the skin and lash line. Herniated fat pads are then either conservatively removed or repositioned to smooth the lid-cheek junction. Laser skin resurfacing may be performed concurrently to tighten crepey skin. This technique maintains natural anatomy, reduces downtime, and enhances long-term outcomes.
Benefits of laser-assisted eyelid surgery:
- Reduced bleeding due to simultaneous cutting and cauterization
- Minimal bruising and swelling for faster recovery
- No external incisions with transconjunctival technique
- Lower risk of scarring or pigment changes
- Enhanced precision around delicate eye structures
- Smoother skin tightening when paired with CO₂ resurfacing
- More natural, refined results with less tissue trauma
Why Dr. Morris uses the UltraPulse® CO2 laser
Traditional eyelid surgery often requires external incisions, leading to more bruising, swelling, and visible scarring. Dr. Morris—one of the region’s only female facial plastic surgeons—uses the UltraPulse CO₂ laser to offer a bladeless, minimally invasive alternative. This trailblazing technology allows for internal incisions with pinpoint precision, reducing trauma to surrounding tissue and speeding up recovery. With her mastery of this laser technique, Dr. Morris helps you achieve elegant, more natural results while preserving the anatomy of the eye area.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery?
Recovery depends on the technique used and your healing process, but most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities within 3–5 days. With laser-assisted eyelid surgery, swelling and bruising are usually much less than with traditional methods. You may have mild tightness, dryness, or blurred vision for a few days, but these symptoms resolve quickly.
Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery?
In most cases, no. Dr. Morris often uses a transconjunctival approach, which means incisions are made inside the eyelid, completely hidden from view. Even when an external incision is needed—for example, in upper eyelid surgery—it’s placed within the natural crease, making it virtually invisible once healed. The UltraPulse CO₂ laser also minimizes tissue disruption.
How long do the results last?
While eyelid surgery can’t stop the aging process, the results are long-lasting—typically 10 years or more. Proper skincare, sun protection, and occasional non-surgical treatments can help maintain your results for years to come.
Why choose us for blepharoplasty in Gulf Shores?
Dr. Carrie L. Morris is a triple board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience and expertise in laser-assisted eyelid surgery. Her approach blends her surgical mastery with an artist’s eye, always grounded in individualization. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, you won’t find one-size-fits-all solutions—only treatments tailored to refine what already makes you feel like you. If you’re ready to invest in yourself, schedule a consultation for your eyelid surgery in Gulf Shores, AL, today.