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

Question

26yoF - have never struggled with bad skin/fine lines/wrinkles. 2 months ago decided to incorporate a Retinol eye cream to my routine as a preventative measure; I chose Neutrogena rapid repair. Used this nightly for about a month, and perhaps applied it too thickly. I never had any irritation, and always used SPF the following day, so didn't think it would lead to problems. A month in, began to notice that the skin around my eyes had become thin and severely wrinkled.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Danielle Shanley, MD · Answer

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.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Charles M. Boyd, MD · Answer

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!

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Improving Under Eye with Fillers (Belotero, Volbella, Restylane Silk)--add Fraxel, Microneedling/PRP

Answer: Improving Under Eye with Fillers (Belotero, Volbella, Restylane Silk)--add Fraxel, Microneedling/PRP

Answer: Under eye Treatment

Answer: Under eye Treatment

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Improving Under Eye with Fillers (Belotero, Volbella, Restylane Silk)--add Fraxel, Microneedling/PRP

Answer: Improving Under Eye with Fillers (Belotero, Volbella, Restylane Silk)--add Fraxel, Microneedling/PRP

Answer: Under eye Treatment

Answer: Under eye Treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.