CO2 laser resurfacing not the way to go

Richard P. Rand, MD answers: Artefill lumps: can CO2 laser help?

I had Artefill injected into my tear troughs (Intra-orbital rim hollows) 15 months ago. It was a traumatic experience. After all of the initial swelling subsided I was left with telangiectasia matting which gave me the appearance of two permanent black and blue eyes. I had this lasered which improved the color.

Over time now I have become asymetrical. One side looks great but the other is left with a lump. Due to all the discussion of the permanency of the product and my continual aging (I am 34 now) I am concerned that this lump will become more apparent.

I do not want to have the lump surgically excised but would consider fractional CO2 if it were to improve or smooth out the texture. Please let me know your thoughts.


Richard P. Rand, MD
11 months ago
By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Unfortunately, I doubt lasering of any kind would help. The ArteFill would have best not been used at all, let alone around your eyes.

The temptation to use something more permanent and avoid repeated injections has led many patients down a slippery road towards problems like you are having.

The problem with permanent fillers is the permanence. Whatever isn't right is hard or impossible to resolve. In addition, years later these products are known to cause infections and granulomas in some patients.

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