Introduction: Complaints about wrinkles and flaccidity in the periocular region are frequent. Blepharopeeling, associated with the Baker-Gordon formula, and the application of ablative fractional CO2 lasers are considered effective options in the treatment of the periocular region. Objective: To compare the techniques, recovery process and results of blepharopeeling and fractional CO2 lasers in the periorbital region. Methods: Comparative split-face study of patients with dermatochalasis and moderate rhytids. Blepharopeeling was applied on the right side of the face, and the fractional CO2 laser was used on the left side of the face. Results were assessed through photographic analysis, measurements of the superior palpebral fold and clinical improvement. Results: Patients (n=11) demonstrated clinical and photographic improvement using both methods. The recovery time was longer for the phenol peeling. No significant differences were observed in the measurements of the superior palpebral fold. Conclusion: While both therapeutic modalities were found to be effective in the treatment of periorbital aging, blepharopeeling produced greater clinical improvement of palpebral flaccidity.

Keywords: PHENOL, LASER THERAPY, EYELIDS, SKIN AGING

Introduction: In 2006 the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of melasma. Objectives:To evaluate the treatment of melasma patients with fractional photothermolysis. Methods: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of melasma (n = 20) received three non-ablative laser sessions at 4-week intervals.The parameters used were: pulse = 15 ms, and progressively increasing energies in each session (8, 10 and 12 J). Results were evaluated using the Melasma Area and Severity Index and colorimetry analysis (with indices ITA, L, a, b) at baseline and 4 weeks after the last session. Results: Female patients (n = 18), with ages between 23 and 48 and Fitzpatrick phototypes from II to IV, completed the study. One patient did not complete both Melasma Area and Severity Index evaluations.There was a statistically significant decrease in the Severity Index (p <0.0001, CI = 95%) and an average increase in the colorimetry indices L (p = 0.0003, CI = 95%) and ITA (p = 0.0017, CI = 95%), meaning a decrease in the pigmentation. Conclusions: Fractional photothermolysis is a safe and effective option in the treatment of melasma, and should be considered an alternative to conventional methods.

Keywords: MELANOSIS, LASERS, COLORIMETRY