title: Periorbital area rejuvenation using carbon dioxide therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Different conservative and surgical approaches are used for periorbital region rejuvenation, but none of them is effective in the treatment of the medial third of the lower eyelid.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study is designed to assess the effectiveness of carboxytherapy in the treatment of wrinkles on the median and medial region of the lower eyelid and dark circles around the eyes.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2008 to December 2010, 90 patients with moderate to severe periorbital wrinkles and/or dark circles underwent subcutaneous injections of CO(2)  once a week for 7 weeks. Patients were assessed before and 2 months after the treatment through photographic documentation and the compilation of visual analog scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of the study period, patients reported a reduction of facial fine lines and wrinkles as well as a decrease in periorbital hyperpigmentation. A few side effects were observed but they were all transient and did not require discontinuation of treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Carbon dioxide therapy results as an effective noninvasive modality for the rejuvenation of the periorbital area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. fioramontipaolo@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Fioramonti
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Paolo
authors.forename: Fallico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nefer
authors.forename: Parisi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Paola
authors.forename: Scuderi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nicolò
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004438:Ecchymosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide