Resurfacing with Ablation of Periorbital Skin Technique: Indications, Efficacy, Safety, and 3D Assessment from a Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND: Nowadays, several approaches for skin rejuvenation of the lower eyelid are available. We present a new technique of resurfacing with ablation of periorbital skin (RAP) performed in a single session. METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving 20 patients showing skin elastosis with or without evidence of the nasojugal fold and atrophic and dyschromic skin or needing a combined approach of transconjuntival lower blepharoplasty for fat bag removal. RAP technique is assessed in terms of efficacy, safety, and 3D evaluation of results at 6 months' follow-up. RESULTS: Global Assessment Improvement Scale results highlighted an improvement in all cases, for both physicians (blinded to treatment) and individual subjects. Only minor adverse events (edema, erythema, and discoloration) were reported in almost all patients, lasting 2-3 weeks after treatment, and were resolved without intervention. A 3D imaging tool revealed the reduction of medium protrusions and depressions and an improved texture at 2 months. Skin recovery was inversely correlated with hemoglobin reduction. CONCLUSIONS: RAP seems to offer expert dermatologists a safe and clinically effective technique for skin rejuvenation of lower eyelids, without significant adverse events. Further studies will be performed to confirm our results.