Periorbital rejuvenation: a review of dermatologic treatments.

BACKGROUND The periorbital region serves as a barometer of chronologic and environmental age and, as such, patients often seek its cosmetic rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article was to review the dermatologic treatments available for periorbital skin rejuvenation. METHODS Topical retinoic and glycolic acid preparations, chemical peels, botulinum and collagen injections, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing procedures for periorbital skin rejuvenation were reviewed. The relative benefits and risks of each treatment were detailed. RESULTS Minimal photodamage with mild rhytides should be responsible to topical acid therapy and superficial peels, whereas moderate wrinkling and photodamage generally require medium-depth peels, collagen injections, or erbium:YAG laser resurfacing. Deeper rhytides and more extensive cutaneous photo-damage usually necessitate CO2 laser resurfacing and botulinum injections. CONCLUSIONS Proper patient selection and assessment of aging severity are critical to determine the best therapeutic option.