Eyelid skin tightening: a novel Niche' for fractional CO2 rejuvenation

Background The periorbital area is a barometer of chronologic and environmental age for which patients usually seek rejuvenation; fractional CO2 laser plays a key role among the variety of available dermatologic treatments. Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Fractional CO2 laser in eyelid tightening and periorbital wrinkles. Methods Forty-five patients received a range of 2-3 treatments in the upper, lower eyelids and periorbital area with a fractional laser device. Photographs were taken before and after each treatment and 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the final treatment. The results were judged by three dermatologists who had not taken part in the treatments. Results One year after the last laser session, all patients showed global improvements in eyelid skin tightening: five patients (11.1%) achieved excellent improvement, 11 patients (24.5%) marked improvement, 15 patients (33.3%) moderate improvement and 14 subjects (31.1%) slight improvement. At the 1-year follow-up, the percentage of subjects with a lift in their eyebrows and consequently a widened palpebral fissure was 82.2 (37 patients), whereas 17.8% (eight patients) showed no eyebrow elevation. Conclusions Fractional CO2 laser treatments allow dermatologists to achieve notable improvements in eyelid skin tightening, and eyebrow elevation safely and without significant side-effects.