Eyelid tightening and improved eyelid aperture through nonablative fractional resurfacing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The effects of fractional resurfacing on eyelid tightening and aperture are unknown. Our purpose was to retrospectively examine the potential for eyelid tightening and eye-aperture opening in patients treated with nonablative fractional resurfacing for facial photorejuvenation. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS Fractional laser treatments using a 1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser system on the upper and lower eyelids were given at a pulse energy of 17 to 20 mJ at 125 micro-thermal zones (MTZ)/cm² to a final density of 500 to 750 MTZ/cm². Each patient had 3 to 7 treatments. Standard pre- and post-treatment photographs were taken at each visit. Physicians who graded 31 preselected patient photographs using a 4-point scale evaluated eyelid tightening. Increase in eyelid aperture was also evaluated. RESULTS All patients had some degree of eyelid tightening; 19% achieved 1% to 25% tightening, 26% achieved 25% to 50%, 26% achieved 50% to 75%, and 29% achieved 75% to 100%. Increase in eyelid aperture was seen in 55.9% of patients. Postoperative wounding, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, persistent erythema, and scarring were not observed. All patients experienced mild or no edema for a few days after treatment. CONCLUSION Fractional resurfacing tightens and increases eyelid aperture without wounding, downtime, or long-term complications. Dr. Geronemus is a shareholder in Reliant Technologies.