​ Can photofacial treatments improve fine lines around the eyes? Which works better, laser or RF?

We know that the skin around the eyes ages first and is also the most fragile. Have you used photoelectricity to improve fine lines around the eyes at the clinic? Which treatment do you think will have better results: laser or radiofrequency?

Causes and treatment of wrinkles around the eyes

The area around our eyes is one of the thinnest parts of the body, and it's where wrinkles tend to show up first.

A number of factors can cause these wrinkles, including genetics, photoaging, hormones, and environmental stresses. Static wrinkles are lines that are still visible without facial expression. They have a more complex cause and are more difficult to treat than dynamic wrinkles. Currently, treatments for static wrinkles around the eyes include topical medications, chemical peels, dermal fillers, botulinum toxin type A injections, laser and radiofrequency treatments.

Can photofacials be used to treat fine lines around the eyes?

The answer is yes.

Let's take nonablative fractional laser‍, radiofrequency and the most commonly used Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) as examples.

One of the more effective treatments for fine lines around the eyes is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment. The treatment works by using heat to stimulate the basal layer and dermis without peeling off the epidermis. The activation of skin stem cells induced by heat shock proteins, induces wound healing reaction, increases collagen production and promotes collagen reorganization. This helps to improve fine lines and laxity around the eyes. This treatment has a shorter recovery time and can also be precisely controlled to avoid overstimulating the sensitive skin around the eyes. The effect is obvious after the course of treatment.

Radiofrequency is a high-frequency electromagnetic wave with a frequency greater than 10,000 times per second. It can act on the dermis by using a high-frequency electric field to conduct heat, which heats the dermis to a certain temperature. The temperature is between 45 and 60 degrees, which directly stimulates the deep collagen fibres and elastic fibres in the dermis. This leads to contraction of regeneration, restructuring and, as a result, the skin becomes tighter and wrinkles are reduced. The risk of side effects is minimal.

IPL is an effective anti-aging treatment for the eyes. It works by promoting collagen regeneration and rearrangement in the deeper layers of the skin, which improves the texture and elasticity of the skin around the eyes. It can also lighten dark circles and improve uneven skin tone around the eyes. One of the benefits of IPL is that it can target a range of issues around the eye area, providing a comprehensive anti-aging effect.

Comparison of the effects of different photoelectric treatments

In one study, 71 patients were selected, of which 24 patients were treated with non-ablative fractional laser once 2 weeks, 23 patients were treated with bipolar radiofrequency once a week, and 24 patients were treated with IPL once 2 weeks, completing a total of 5 treatments, while changes in skin elasticity were assessed using specialized dermatophysiological testing equipment. Patients also completed a questionnaire for pre-treatment versus post-course treatment efficacy.

The results showed that non-ablative fractional laser, bipolar radiofrequency (RF) and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments all improved skin elasticity, with non-ablative fractional laser treatments showing the most significant percentage improvement in the R6 parameter(note: It's an indicator of the moisture content of the skin), which was better than the other methods (p<0.0001) (note: a p-value of less than 0.05 means it is very effective), but there was no statistically significant improvement in the efficacy of RF and IPL (photo rejuvenation). The patient questionnaire showed that all three treatments reduced the number and depth of wrinkles, but didn't affect other signs of aging skin, like pigmentation issues around the eyes, dark circles, and oedema of the eye. All three techniques improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles, but the most effective was the non-ablative fractional laser, followed by IPL( intense pulsed light).

42 years old, Before and after non-ablative fractional laser treatment

58 years old, before and after RF treatment

43 years old, before and after IPL treatment

Summary

1. The skin around the eyes is thin, so it's important to avoid excessive thermal damage caused by scarring, pigmentation, or fat cell apoptosis, which can result in local depression. The key to successful treatment is choosing the Appropriate depth of treatment.

2.Non-ablative fractional lasers can effectively improve wrinkles around the eyes and eyelid laxity, and they work better than bipolar radio frequency and IPL.

3. Bipolar radio frequency is a better choice for treating periorbital wrinkles in older patients, while non-ablative fractional lasers are a good option for younger patients.