Is there a way to thicken and repair delicate under eye skin that may have been damaged with Retinol?

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

The best treatment to strengthen and repair under eye wrinkles is the CO2 fractional laser resurfacing treatment. This can significantly improve the appearance of sun damage and wrinkling of the skin. It is a quick in-office procedure with 5-7 days downtime. The CO2 removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method with minimal heat damage that is safe and effective. Unlike several other treatments, such as peels and filler this is typically a one time treatment.

Hi Becky. You need an in-person examination to determine what treatments would be best to improve the thin skin under your eyes. Usually, retinol helps improve the quality of the skin, but I have seen rare occasions in which adverse effects were experienced by over the counter products. Options for improvement include chemical peels, radiofrequency, ultrasound, microneedling, lasers, or fillers if there is lost volume. Again, you would need to be seen in person to determine which is most appropriate for you. Make sure you see an experienced physican. Best wishes.

This needs an in-person evaluation. Fillers (Belotero, Volbella, Restylane Silk) are good for improving under the eyes, but keep in mind, 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

Hi Becky, thank you for your question. Although I would recommend an in-person consultation to assess you further, laser treatments like CO2 fraxel and/or filler may be great options to help stimulate collagen production and smooth out wrinkles. Best of luck to you! 

It is best to have an in-office examination to evaluate your skin. Generally speaking, retinol type medications help reduce eyelid wrinkling and increases the thickness of skin. There may be something else going on which is causing this appearance. Non-retinoid solutions include chemical peels, lasers, or microneedling to help thicken and smooth out the skin under the eyes. It is best to have an in-office examination to determine your skin type as not all skin types are candidates for certain treatments.  Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Retinol can be dehydrating to the skin do it is important to use a moisturizer/hyaluronic acid mist (I like the Keracell brand for this) and drink enough water. The therapies that I use to address under eye wrinkles are Platelet Rich Plasma as an injection and using a dermal pen, which can stimulate new collagen development and Halo, which is a laser that can help thicken collagen and improves elasticity.