What is the procedure?
The patient should arrive with no makeup on the eyes or surrounding skin and with no contacts in the eyes.
Before the procedure is done, a topical numbing cream is applied to the eyelids and let sit for 20 minutes. Because the treatment is so brief and does not involve any lingering pain, pain medication or relief gas is not generally necessary. Relaxing medication is optionally available for nervous types provided they have a driver to drive them home after their procedure. If you prefer Nitronox gas, which allows you to drive home after treatment, it is available for $100 per treatment.
Next, numbing eye drops are placed into the eyes. Eye shields specifically designed to protect the eye are inserted by the practitioner. The eyes are treated with the laser in multiple pulses which take less than 5 minutes. You will relax comfortably and feel heat and tingling as the laser scanner moves quickly across the eye lid and surrounding orbital area.
The eyelids are soothed with an occlusive ointment and the patient is ready to go home.
When will I see the results?
Our patients that have received the Madonna Eye Lift – from the Smartskin CO2 Fractional Laser around their eyes generally notice results after each treatment and more dramatic results after the second and third treatment, but visible results continue improving up to about 3-6 months following the course of treatment.
How long does treatment take?
Treatments are very quick, only a few minutes total time, and sessions are spaced three weeks apart. Numbing cream takes 20 minutes to take effect and the laser treatment takes only 3 minutes.
Does treatment hurt?
The treatment is relatively comfortable and only last for 3 to 5 minutes. Any discomfort is for a second or two and is over quickly. The area is numbed but you may still feel a stinging sensation during each pulse. This only lasts seconds. The treatment is well tolerated because of the numbing cream and because it only takes 1-2 minutes per eye. Most people describe it as a “prickling” sensation but is generally not too uncomfortable.
There is no pain after treatment though the area will feel hot and somewhat sunburned. The area is soothed with ointment to cool it and an ice pack can be applied for further cooling.
What should I expect after my non surgical eyelift treatment?
Immediately after your procedure, the treated skin will feel warm and appear to be sunburned. Your body naturally starts working by replacing the aged skin cells with new ones. You may see redness and moderate to heavy swelling, and flakiness. Over time, collagen will regenerate and restore the supporting structure of your skin. Following treatment it is extremely important to treat your skin gently and avoid direct sun exposure. Your newly emerged skin is very sensitive and must be treated gently during healing.
Is the CO2 Laser “Madonna” EyeLift safe?
Metal eye shields are inserted inside the eye to protect the cornea when treating the eyelid.
What is the recovery time?
While dependent on intensity of treatment, you may experience 3-4 days of recovery period. You can do your regular activities during your recovery period but your eyes will likely be swollen for a couple of days. You may wish to stay home for a couple days. Because Smart Skin CO2 Fractional Laser has the distinct ability to deliver micro pulses of energy, you will quickly heal and within a few days you will be able to apply makeup on the treated surface and return to your normal lifestyle.
The skin will continue to improve over the next couple of weeks as it produces collagen and elastin and fresh cells. The treated skin may have a textured feeling that will be replaced with fresh new skin over the next week. This skin may be red or pink but does not generally interfere with daily living and is not something that requires you to stay home for the entire healing process.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on whether you are treating early signs of aging or for age prevention, or if you are treating moderate lines and sagging of more advanced aging. For preventing the signs of aging from showing on your eye lids, a treatment or 2 every year may be sufficient to stave off aging. If you have noticeable sagging and fine lines already, a series of 3-5 treatments would be best to reverse the signs of aging as much as is possible without surgery.
How long do the results last?
This treatment turns back the clock on aging giving you a fresher more youthful starting point. You will continue to age as you normally do from this point forward. For some aging is more severe and for some it is less so. The results will last years with proper skin care and protection, maintenance anti-aging treatments and touch up treatments. Aging is a process that is ongoing in us all while we are alive. Anti-aging must also be a process that is ongoing if we desire to combat the aging process.
What other treatments can I combine to keep my eyelids and eye area looking youthful?
For maximum anti aging of the eye area, we recommend most patients also have Botox, Dysport or Xeomin treatment of the crows feet area every 3-4 months, use Obagi NuDerm with Tretinoin RX cream, and use Obagi Elastiderm eye cream to achieve and maintain the desired look of youthful bright eyes. These are good maintenance treatments. If there is hollowing under your eyes, we suggest a cosmetic filler such as Belotero or Restylane to correct this issue.
Talk to one of our providers if you have any questions concerning products you are using. Also, minimize sun exposure prior and after your treatment.