Potent Periorbital Fractionated CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

BACKGROUND The aged face results from a culmination of skin changes, gravitational descent, and volume loss. Surgical interventions in the periorbital region are beneficial for addressing these 3 factors. Despite this, studies describing CO2 laser safety settings are lacking. OBJECTIVE There is no present consensus on ideal periorbital CO2 laser; therefore, this study evaluates the safety of periorbital laser resurfacing as an adjunct to lower blepharoplasty using robust settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent bilateral lower blepharoplasty with adjunctive periorbital (upper and lower eyelid) fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing from 2013 to 2018 performed by a single oculoplastic surgeon. RESULTS Fifty-nine patients were included. Six patients experienced side effects including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, (3/59, 5.1%), prolonged superficial excoriations (1/59, 1.7%), prolonged hyperemia (1/59, 1.7%), and lower eyelid retraction requiring lower eyelid recession (1/59, 1.7%). None of the patients developed postoperative infection. All patient expressed satisfaction at their final postoperative visit. CONCLUSION CO2 laser resurfacing, even with robust settings, is a safe and effective adjunct to lower blepharoplasty.