100-usec pulsed CO2 laser resurfacing of lower eyelids: erythema and rhytides reduction

Thomas Bell M.D.; David M. Harris; Daniel Schachter M.D.; John Burkart

doi:10.1117/12.275066

22 May 1997 100-μsec pulsed CO₂ laser resurfacing of lower eyelids: erythema and rhytides reduction

Thomas Bell M.D., David M. Harris, Daniel Schachter M.D., John Burkart

Proceedings Volume 2970, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems VII; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.275066
Event: BiOS '97, Part of Photonics West, 1997, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Lower eyelid skin is very thin with a low density of adnexal structures. Attempts to remove rhytides and improve surface appearance with chemical peels and dermabrasion have been disappointing. Laser resurfacing offers a new modality that may improve the outcome. We evaluated a very short duration (100 microsecond(s) ec) pulsed carbon-dioxide laser (Tru-Pulse^TM) in terms of healing time (duration of erythema) and efficacy (wrinkle reduction). Female patients aged 35 - 75 received laser resurfacing in a variety of cosmetic zones but only data from lower lids are reported here. Dosimetry varied from total fluences of 5 to 20 J/cm² (9 mm² spot, 250 - 500 mJ pulse, 1 to 4 passes). Patients followed a strict regime of post-op wound care. Pre-treatment and follow-up photographs were taken in a studio with constant photographic parameters. Projected 35 mm slides were evaluated side-by-side for clinical improvement and presence of erythema. Within the first 4 days post-op all (100%) lower eyelids exhibited erythema and swelling, at 7 days: 71%, 12 days: 60%, 3 weeks: 25%, and one (1) month or longer 7%. In our sample the longest duration of post-op lower lid erythema lasted 5 weeks. Most patients experienced 70 -80% wrinkle reduction with a range of 0 - 100%. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between percent wrinkle reduction and the treatment, demographic, and evaluation variables. There was a significant trend for wrinkles to improve over the 3 to 9 month evaluation period. Older patients improved slightly more than younger patients. There was no relationship between total energy density and wrinkle reduction.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas Bell M.D., David M. Harris, Daniel Schachter M.D., and John Burkart "100-μsec pulsed CO₂ laser resurfacing of lower eyelids: erythema and rhytides reduction", Proc. SPIE 2970, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems VII, (22 May 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.275066

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