Laser resurfacing before & after photos
64%
94 reviews
Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
Laser Resurfacing Cost $2,100 average cost

Laser Resurfacing Wrinkles - Around Eyes and Mouth

I am considering Laser Resurfacing for lines around my mouth and around my eyes. Would CO2 Laser resurfacing or the newer Total FX be more effective? I would like to know the pros and cons of each procedure.

Asked 34 months ago by tea in Doniphan, ne
Sort 9 expert answers by:
+2

Laser around the mouth

Laser around the eyes and mouth is excellent but the two big factors to keep in mind are: 1) use either the new CO2 fraxel or The Erbium laser only. 2) Have it done by an experienced surgeon in this type of laser work. The Erbium can go from very mild to very deep depending on the setting and the number of passes made. I personally use low energy and multiple passes to paint the area and get just the right amount of smoothing and tightening. This can be very precise around the eyes... more
Richard Galitz, MD
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser resurfacing around the eyes and mouth

Periorbital and perioral Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing (around the eyes and mouth, respectively) can be quite satisfactory. There is really no need to consider the traditional CO2 laser resurfacing as the additional clinical benefit does not quite justify much prolonged recovery period, demarcation of treated areas and increased risks of infection and/or scarring. The make of a FDA-approved Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing does not make as much difference as the experience of the... more
William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser resurfacing for wrinkles around eyes and mouth

The thickness of the skin is different on the eyelids and on the lips. The results in both areas are far superior with the old fashioned traditional CO2 Lasert han with the fractional CO2 Laser. However, the traditional CO2 Laser resurfacing requires a 7-9 days recovery time. Using a combination of low power traditional CO2 Laser followed by the fractional CO2 laser can give the best results. A rare patient will not respond to 4 consecutive (every 4 weeks)... more
Eugene Mandrea, MD
Chicago Dermatologist
+1

Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Mouth and Eyes

TotalFX IS CO2 laser resurfacing delivered fractionally to facilitate shorter post treatment recovery, while maintaining the benefits of CO2 laser treatment. TotalFX combines narrow column delivery of CO2 laser energy to the dermal layer (DeepFX) for long term collagen remodeling and more shallow, epidermal delivery for skin surface refinement. TotalFX can be used effectively in one treatment session to improve lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.
Anifat Balogun, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Best Lasers for around the Eyes and Mouth

I use both an Erbium laser and a Microfractional Carbon Dioxide to get the Best results. The erbium laser gently planes down the ridges or hills on each side of the "valley" and the Microfraction co2 laser provides the tightening and removes pigment. This  "Microfractional Plus"  treatment can reduce lines up to 90%.
Michael Tomcik, MD
San Francisco Dermatologist
+1

Which is more effective CO2 or Fractional

Dear Tea Both can be very effective or a failure. So much depends upon the skill and experience of the operator. Both require a device to scan the laser beam across your skin. The depth of the peel for both depends upon the settings selected by the operator. The depth of the peel determines the effectiveness. Regardless of which technique you choose the most important factor is the expereince of the operator.
Richard Sadove, MD
Gainesville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Combined non-ablative and Ablative Erbium Laser resurfacing

Older flat beam CO2 laser resurfacing removes lines and wrinkles but recovery is horrible and the skin is usually left white or hypopigmented. Most experienced doctors today are using fractional laser resurfacing--the active FX and Deep FX are fractional CO2 lasers. I have used most of the lasers that have been available in the last 15 years and continue to work hard to improve results, lessen downtime, and avoid complications. Like Dr. DiBernardo I now use Fractional Erbium, because it is... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser for around the mouth and eyes for wrinkles

I totally agree the operator of the instrument must be experienced with that device and is an important part of the equation....but all wands are not alike either. In the area you are considering, there are several variables. The wavelength of the device: CO2, Erbium , and the newest YSGG (Pearl) The physics of each of these are beyond the scope of this question/answer, but I prefer the Pearl for its comination of 1) removal of upper pigmentation and fine lines 2) easy recovery period 3) stimula more
Barry E. DiBernardo, MD
Montclair Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser resurfacing

As I state in many other answer, it is often the magician and not so much the wand.  You want someone who has expertise inthe machines that they use.  A CO2 or erbium can give excellent result around the eyes and mouth provided that they are done well.  Fraxel is just another modality.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
Use of this website and the posting of any reviews or other content on this website constitutes acceptance of the RealSelf® Terms of Service. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. © 2011 RealSelf, Inc. All rights reserved.