Lower bleph or CO2 laser for under eye wrinkles? (photo)

Question

I am a 38, almost 39-year-old female. I am very self-conscious of the way my under eyes wrinkle when I smile. What is my best course of action to fix this? I am considering a lower blepharoplasty or CO2 laser, but I am open to other options. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Young Min Im, MD, PHD · Answer

In general, the skin under the eyes is very thin, which is why it’s one of the first areas where wrinkles tend to appear.Wrinkles form as skin loses elasticity, the skin barrier becomes thinner, and sagging begins.One important thing to understand is that once wrinkles appear, it's impossible to completely remove them.Lower blepharoplasty involves removing excess, stretched skin. When this skin is excised, the wrinkles on that portion are also removed.By removing the stretched skin, there is a smoothing effect on the wrinkles &mdash; but it does not completely eliminate them.The remaining wrinkles may still be present, but their depth becomes shallower than before.In other words, deeper wrinkles become less pronounced and more softened. After surgery, consistent skin care is highly recommended to prevent the wrinkles from deepening again.Ongoing care and attention are key to maintaining good long-term results.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You may want to start with some Botox to the crow's feet first before laser or blepharoplasty.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I don’t think either procedure is going to eliminate your wrinkles.I’m not a believer in removing skin with lower eyelid surgery.
CO2, laser treatment will help temporarily, but soon enough the wrinkles will be back.
By far, the best long-term strategy is a diligent use of sunscreen and avoiding excessive exposure.
In the short term carefully placed Botox is probably the most effective.
This is a difficult area for a curative outcomes.
Some improvement is probably the best you can help for.
 Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Lower bleph or CO2 laser for under eye wrinkles? (photo)

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