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Laser Resurfacing or Non-surgical Procedures to Tighten Under Eye Area?

I had upper eyelid surgery about 4 years ago and fat removal and laser resurfacing as well. I would like to further tighten the skin under my eyes. Can I do that with more laser resurfacing or other non-surgical techniues? I prefer not to be under anesthesia again.

Asked 28 months ago by spcy2122eye in 94541
Sort 14 expert answers by:
+3

Many options for the lower eyelids

There are several techniques that are effective for the lower eyelids depending upon what needs to be altered. Laser resurfacing is great for tightening loose skin, removing pigmentation and sun damage and for smoothing wrinkles. For bulging fat pads, surgery is still the best treatment and can be done without deep general anesthesia. Almost all of my eyelid procedures are done under local anesthesia with some oral sedation ( valium or ativan). Filling in hollows or a prominent tear... more
Edgar Franklin Fincher, MD, PhD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+3

Ultrashort incision cheeklift to tighten skin under the eyes

The lower eyes are a tricky area. If you just remove fat, hollowness ensues. If you remove skin in order to tighten the area, the corners of the eye pull down. This in turn causes a rounding of the eye or a distored eye shape. Yet the lower eyelid has both hollowness and bulges as fat deflates and the center mass of the cheek slides downward. In our practice we prefer to perform an ultrashort incision cheeklift to tighten the lower eyelid skin. The premise of this procedure is that... more
Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Eyelid tightening

I agree with all that Dr Fincher says (see his comments below). Laser resurfacing will tighten the lid skin and address crepey skin and fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid soft tissue filler for the sunken area under the eye is a nice easy procedure. All of these can and should be done under local anesthsia as the risks of general anesthesia compared to using local far outweigh the need and make the procedure safer for you and less expensive as well.
Shawn Allen, MD
Boulder Dermatologist
+2

Skin resurfacing for improving lower eyelid appearance

Hi, Laser resurfacing, chemical peel, and injectable fillers all are minimally invasive procedures that will help improve the appearance of your lower eyelids. Your lower eyelid seems to have a reasonably large tear trough (groove between inner portion of lower eyelid and cheek), which can be treated very effectively with Restylane or Juvederm. If you also have some loose skin, an in office chemical or laser peel can effectively tighten the lower eyelids. Best of luck!
Sam Jejurikar, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Laser able to tighten lower lids in most cases

This should be possible , however only after a skilled surgeon can evaluate your lower lids. You have to make sure there is no laxity that needs to be surgically tightened, prior to laser. I use the Pearl laser for its unique wavelength, but others could be used as well. Down time also varies with each device. Ask your physician all these questions.
Barry E. DiBernardo, MD
Montclair Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tightening the skin under your eyes

 Laser resurfacing of the lower lids is very effective at tightening the skin and treating fine wrinkles.  You may also consider a TCA peel which can achieve a similar effect and possibly for less cost.  Good luck.
David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Lower eyelid options

The appearance of your lower eyelid is very typical but very difficult to address using only laser. Your lower eyelid had small compartments of fat (3 compartments) which are held in place by a fibrous structure. In youth, the fat is not visible but as we age the fibrous support system weakes and the fat begins to bulge out giving you the appearance of having "bags." In addition this creates transition zones between the lower eyelid and cheek and the lower eyelid and nose... more
John Burns, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Prefer Peels under the eyes

I actually prefer phenol chemical peeling under the eyes and actually peel more than 50% of my lower blepharoplasty patients. Generally this is done 2-3 months following the surgery. At times we actually combine the peel with a transconjunctival blepharoplasty (internal incision only) while the patient is under intravenous anesthesia.
S. Randolph Waldman, MD
Lexington Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Tightening lower lid skin

Your photo is a little blurry, so it is hard to give you a good recommendation. Probably Botox injections and laser resurfacing or Active and Deep FX can help you with further tightening the under eye skin. You have to be careful not to overdo lower lid tightening to prevent the lid retraction and similar problems. See an experienced provider to further discuss your options.
Stella Desyatnikova, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Laser Resurfacing will tighten the skin further

You can re-laser the skin of the lower eyelid. I have done this numerous times and you will get further tightening. Can be done under local as well.
Jason Pozner, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

You need to determine if you are a good candidate for any more procedures

First, you need to have determined if you are a good candidate for any more procedures. Eye revisions are often followed with complications because only so much skin can be removed before the eyelid droops, known as an ectropian. Only go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon experienced in eyelid revisions to understand your options.
Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD
San Francisco Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Fractional or Confluent Ultrapulse CO2 Laser

The most effective laser for tightening the skin around the eyes is the Active and Deep FX Ultrapulse CO2 laser. There are many different fractionated lasers that may help. But the Ultrapulse CO2 appears to be the most effective with the least pain and down-time. Physician experience is also important, since the laser can be used in a variety of settings. So be sure to select an experienced Board Certified Dermatologist or Cosmetic Surgeon. In my office, this procedure is performed entirely... more
Mitchel Goldman, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Lower lid skin tightening

 The photo was somewhat blurry. If you have loose skin, a small skin pinch blepharoplasty can be helpful.  Laser may tighten fine lines .  
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Non-surgical treatments for lower eyelid

Yes, laser resurfacing may be useful and/or skin peels. Fillers to the tear trough may also be used to soften the deep groove between your eyelid and cheek which may help to give the illusion of a tighter lower lid.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
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