Can laser resurfacing remove wrinkles from under the eye?

Question

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say I have level 6 under eye wrinkles. I do not have bags at all. What is the best laser to use for this area?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Laser resurfacing can be done to one specific region of the face, including the areas under the eye. There are many different types of cosmetic lasers being used. With each of these techniques, the outer layers of wrinkled and damaged skin are treated to achieve a more refreshed appearance. Please post photos here so we can provide you additional direction. Also, I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

Nothing beats laser resurfacing for improving skin quality.  In the lower lid it may tighten things enough that people look like they had full blepharoplasty surgery done.  The recovery is a week or so, with some potential for prolonged redness another week or so in most patients.Obviously your surgeon will know what you need best and can make better recommendations after having consulted on you.Dr. Rodger Shortt is a plastic surgeon in Oakville, Ontario.  His strives to provide the best plastic surgery results and care.  He is one of few plastic surgeons in Canada with a top rating on RealSelf, RateMD and Ontario Doctor Review.  He is the Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training Program and an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University.

Adam Scheiner, MD · Answer

Dear Beth,
Skin wrinkles are of two types. Dynamic wrinkles occur when smiling and are best addressed with neuromodulators like Botox. Static wrinkles are primarily due to sun exposure in the past. First, its important to wear sun block regularly to prevent a further worsening of the wrinkles. Next, if it is static wrinkles with which your dealing, certain skin creams containing retin-a can help. The next level involves procedure such as Broad Based light to cause new collagen to form. Finally, deep procedures during as Laser Skin Resurfacing can cause the biggest improvement in facial wrinkles.
I hope this was helpful. Seek out a specialist in your area for help with your concerns.

Manjula Jegasothy, MD · Answer

Erbium Fraxel® resurfacing laser is ideal for smoothing wrinkles in the delicate undereye area. As this is an advanced procedure, please consult a board certified aesthetic dermatologist for a consultation.

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are looking for most effective non-surgical treatment for wrinkles under the eyes then it is laser resurfacing. The downtime is usually 7-10 days where you apply a heavy ointment on the top and bottoms of the lids. The eyelids could be pink for several weeks but can be camouflaged with make up.

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

Hello,Laser Resurfacing is the "gold standard" when it comes to eyelid skin quality.  A deep laser resurfacing is far and away the most effective as it gives substantial collagen remodeling and repair.  However, this is only appropriate for lighter skin types.  It also has the longest healing time.  I use two methods depending on the degree of wrinkles and the patient skin color and tolerance for healing.  Either a fractionated CO2 laser for a more mild procedure, or the Sciton for a full fledged resurfacing.  You should also understand that 2 (or 3 or 4 or 10) more superficial procedures is not as effective as a single deep one.Regards,Dr. A

Rebecca Jackson, MD · Answer

Hello KissBeth,
I use 2 techniques to remove under eyelid skin, depending on the depth and severity of wrinkling, patient age, and skin color. Without seeing you or even a photo, I usually use a very strong TCA peel , which I do myself, on younger patients with mild wrinkling, faster and easier recovery . If the wrinkles are deep and there is a lot of XS skin I like the Erbium Scion laser. Its a much deeper treatment with a longer recovery but has dramatic effects.So you may be a candidate for laser but unless your wrinkling is severe I'd peel your skin,  less down time, less color change, less uncomfortable.

The Sciton IS the gold standard. All the best for your procedure.

Rebecca Jackson M.D.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, KissBeth.  As I am sure you are aware, nothing substitutes for a thoughtful examination, assessing your skin quality, testing the tone of your lower lid, and looking at your expression as you animate and smile.  It is important to differentiate extra skin from wrinkles due to skin texture, and to differentiate deep lines that develop with movement from those that are there at rest. When the concern is simply one of fine lines etched into the skin, really the resting skin texture, I favor the Sciton erbium laser.  Treatments can be performed in the office, under local or topical anesthesia, and with limited downtown can produce significant improvement.  Considering seeing a Board Certified physician with considerable experience with periorbital rejuvenation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Loose skin are better treated by a small skin pinch excision. Fine lines can be treated pretty successfully with laser although it does not remove them completely.

Can laser resurfacing remove wrinkles from under the eye?

Answers (12)

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