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Pirakitikulr et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2020;7:67 Plastic and
DOI: 10.20517/2347-9264.2020.77 Aesthetic Research

Review Open Access

Laser Resurfacing for the Management of Periorbital
Scarring

Nathan Pirakitikulr , John J. Martin , Sara T. Wester 1
2
1
1 Division of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute,
University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
2 Private practice, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA.

Correspondence to: Dr. Sara T. Wester, Division of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology,
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 17th St, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
E-mail: swester2@med.miami.edu

How to cite this article: Pirakitikulr N, Martin JJ, Wester ST. Laser resurfacing for the management of periorbital scarring. Plast
Aesthet Res 2020;7:67. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.77

Received: 13 Apr 2020 First Decision: 27 Jul 2020 Revised: 28 Aug 2020 Accepted: 9 Nov 2020 Published: 20 Nov 2020
Academic Editor: Antonino Araco Copy Editor: Cai-Hong Wang Production Editor: Jing Yu

Abstract
Laser (light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation) skin resurfacing is currently one of the most
widely adopted technologies in facial rejuvenation. While most often used for aesthetic purposes, lasers also have
applications in the management of scars. Since the introduction of the CO 2 laser for skin rejuvenation in the 1990s,
the last three decades have seen significant growth in the number of laser devices available to the physician. More
recently, promising alternatives to light-based resurfacing technologies have emerged that include radiofrequency
and intense focused ultrasound. To help the physician navigate the most current laser technologies as they apply to
periocular scars, this review discusses the available treatment modalities, pre-treatment assessment of periorbital
scars, treatment selection, and reported outcomes and complications. The recommendations described herein are
based on published literature and the authors’ experience in an academic oculoplastics practice.

Keywords: Periorbital scarring, ectropion, laser resurfacing, laser assisted drug delivery

INTRODUCTION
Laser skin resurfacing is an important adjunct in the management of many types of periorbital scars.
Skin in this region is prone to photoaging, telangiectasias, erythema, and hypertrophy. Scars arising from
prior surgery, trauma, or inflammation are highly visible and may ultimately compromise the mechanical

© The Author(s) 2020. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use,
sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, for any purpose, even commercially, as long
as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license,
and indicate if changes were made.

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