A non -invasive approach to blepharoplasty reduces recovery time, bruises

Patricia Buehler, MD, MPH, is trying to reform blepharoplasty by reducing surgery time, recovery and bruises using a non -invasive approach. In ASCRS, Buehler shared a piece of history to discover a new surgical technique and subsequent developing devices.

A game-change in Blepharoplasty

During a visit to an exhibition for ancient Egyptian medicine, Buehler found unexpected inspiration. The exposure presented a method of removing excess skin using compression -twigs tied tightly to cut blood supply, causing the skin to fall naturally. This concept, still used in processes such as circumcision, has caused an idea that evolved into Ziplyft, a patent -patented device that changes how the upper blepharoplasty is performed.

The Ziplyft device uses the contour of the compression skin to remove excessive eyelid skin without cautery or stitches. This technique dramatically simplifies the surgical process, making it faster and less invasive. “Instead of a 45 to 60 minute process, it can now be completed in less than 10 minutes,” Buehler notes.

An important innovation in Ziplyft is the inclusion of a surgical guide, which ensures greater symmetry and consistency – which is often difficult to achieve in traditional, free blepharoplasty.

Best for patients, easier for surgeons

For patients, the benefits are clear:

• Few bruises
• No stitches or hot
• Fastest Recovery Time
• More natural results

Surgeons involved in the current pilot study report that the Ziplyft technique not only reduces operating time up to two -thirds, but also relieves the tedious steps usually involved in the process. With reduced patient interruption and higher satisfaction, the appeal to both providers and patients is significant.

From kitchen table to operating room

The development of the Ziplyft device began during the Covid-19 pandemic. With eclectic procedures, the inventor and her husband, an orthopedic surgeon, began to pioneer in their kitchen using chicken skin. Tests followed in 60 corpses before moving to clinical use. From now on, 84 patients have undergone blepharoplasty using ziplyft and 4 surgeons are actively trained in its use.

Identification of industry and future perspectives

Innovation has not gone unnoticed. At ASCRS 2023, the company won the Niki Award for the Best Early Stadium company-serving the first time a women’s company won the award. The following year, they received the People’s Choice Award at Eyecelerator, further validating the device’s potential.