Laser Resurfacing for the Management of Periorbital Scarring

Abstract

Laser (light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation) skin resurfacing is currently one of the most widely adopted technologies in facial rejuvenation. While most often used for aesthetic purposes, lasers also have applications in the management of scars. Since the introduction of the CO 2 laser for skin rejuvenation in the 1990s, the last three decades have seen significant growth in the number of laser devices available to the physician. More recently, promising alternatives to light-based resurfacing technologies have emerged that include radiofrequency and intense focused ultrasound. To help the physician navigate the most current laser technologies as they apply to periocular scars, this review discusses the available treatment modalities, pre-treatment assessment of periorbital scars, treatment selection, and reported outcomes and complications. The recommendations described herein are based on published literature and the authors' experience in an academic oculoplastics practice.

Laser‐assisted blepharoplasty: An innovative safe and effective technique

“…Only cold steel could ensure the kind of precision needed to treat tiny anatomical structures like microvessels, tiny muscles, and their aponeurosis without causing tissue distortions, functional impairments, or hemorrhages. It enables the surgeon to perform extremely delicate incisions and dissections 39 …”

“…It enables the surgeon to perform extremely delicate incisions and dissections. 39 The most significant benefit is the ability to heat tissue and enable perfect hemostasis in regions where the largest vessels have a diameter smaller than 1 mm when used in a defocused manner. 40 The use of a CO 2 laser during blepharoplasty has a wide range of beneficial effects, including an improvement in operating room efficiency, a shorter recovery period for patients than with scalpel surgery (which typically lasts 6−8 days longer), a reduction in bruising, and a shorter operating time (only 1 h for four eyelids blepharoplasty vs. 94 min for the scalpel manner).…”

Clinical efficacy of different therapeutic modes of CO2 fractional laser for treatment of static periocular wrinkles in Asian skin

“…During the past decades, many types of energy-based facial rejuvenation techniques have evolved including lasers, light-based devices, and non-light-based thermal tightening devices, and attempted for treatment of periorbital regions. 12,13 A study assessed the efficacies of treatment of periorbital regions using non-ablative fractional laser, non-ablative radiofrequency, and intense light source. 11 They showed that fractional non-ablative laser had the greatest impact on skin viscoelasticity as compared to other modalities.…”