Microneedling or nonablative laser for under eyes?

Hello, my name is Ranen and I am an aesthetic nurse at Aesthetic skin in Chicago. Good question. For the under‑eye/orbital area you described — thinner skin, “bunching” when you smile (which suggests dynamic skin movement plus some laxity) — both microneedling and non‑ablative lasers can help, but each has pros/cons and may suit different degrees of concern. If I were guiding you:
Start with microneedling, because of your downtime constraints and the thinner skin region. Choose a provider experienced in under‑eye zones. Use a depth that’s safe (likely shallower than other facial zones), maybe combine with a topical that supports collagen/vitamins. See how your skin responds over 2‑3 sessions. If after that you’re still dissatisfied with the “bunching” (especially when smiling) and your provider confirms there is residual laxity or dermal thinning that microneedling alone won’t fully correct, then consider moving to a non‑ablative laser with very conservative settings (small area) to tighten the skin.

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