title: Eyelid tightening and improved eyelid aperture through nonablative fractional resurfacing.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  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)/cm(2) to a final density of 500 to 750 MTZ/cm(2). 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fractional resurfacing tightens and increases eyelid aperture without wounding, downtime, or long-term complications.
authors.affiliation: Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Sean A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Sukal
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chapas
authors.forename: Leonard J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Elizabeth K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Hale
authors.forename: Karen H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Roy G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Geronemus
mesh_terms: D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005143:Eyelids / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012189:Retrospective Studies