Laser for under eyes. Is CO2 inappropriate for a 32 year old? (Photo)

Question

My under eye area is becoming more lined, crepey, and the skin is now slightly saggy and loose. I receive Botox treatments to help when smiling, however I’m now bothered by the appearance of the area when at rest. Is Co2 laser inappropriate for a 32 year old? What other treatments/lasers can effectively address these concerns?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

I think that CO2 would give you a very nice result. The CO2 laser works very well in addressing fine lines and wrinkles. At 32-years-old, it would be too early to perform an eyelid surgery so I think the CO2 laser is a great option for you. I recommend setting up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss the procedure further. Best of luck!

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are bothered by lines at rest, CO2 fractional laser is your best solution.  I would not recommend any other type of surgery.  Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Co2 or Fraxel are best for resurfacing. A combination approach will give the most improvement. Fillers, lasers, and microneedling/PRP can improve under the eyes. My patients try to get non surgical treatments to avoid surgery. We use PRP and stem cells there often. I suggest consulting with an expert to develop a treatment plan best suited for your short and long term goals. Best, Dr. Emer

Amy Miller, MD · Answer

I think CO2 is a great option for this area especially since a lot of the other things, such as botox and filler, are not ideal for those lines in the lower eye lid.  The younger you are when you get treatments, in general, the better results you will ultimately get.  When you are young and healthy you are going to have a more vibrant and vigorous collagen production response.  With the CO2 you will have some down time but if those lines bug you it would be worth it.  Best of luck!
Dr. Amy

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hi. C02 Laser can be done at any age. We routinely perform this treatment on young 20 year old patients who have acne scarring so don't worry about age being a factor! For the lines in motion (when smiling or squinting) Botox will be the best treatment. However, for the lines at rest your best option is C02 Laser Resurfacing as this will peel off the top layers of the skin to reveal fresh baby skin. The laser does require some downtime and you should not be tan at time of treatment and be sure to plan this when you can avoid the sun for about 6 weeks post treatment. Other options for these lines include medial grade microneedling which is also a skin surface procedure, however, it is less aggressive and less effective than a C02 Laser and requires many treatments. Because of your genetics either treatment will need to be repeated as you age. Hope this information was helpful!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I do think fractional is the best solution. CO2 over erbium, you will also benefit from a tiny (0.1-0.2) of filler. This address volume loss and can give you some support. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Laser for under eyes. Is CO2 inappropriate for a 32 year old? (Photo)

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