Who is the treatment suitable for?
The Mixto CO2 laser treatment can be used for the lower eyelids and for the entire face. Common indications are:
- Skin sagging and (fine) wrinkles
- Uneven skin texture and sun damage
This laser treatment is not a surgical procedure. If you have bags under your eyes or a sunken tear trough, please check the lower eyelid correction.
In addition to surgical upper eyelid correction, Looks Clinics offers (in collaboration with Looks Bright Skin Clinic) offers laser treatments for the lower eyelids and the entire face: the fractional CO2 laser treatment with the Mixto laser. This treatment focuses on skin tightening, reducing wrinkle formation, and improving skin texture without cutting or sutures. In this overview, you can read how the treatment works, who it is suitable for, and what you can expect.
What is a lower eyelid correction with a CO2 laser?
The skin of the lower eyelids is the thinnest skin on the human body and therefore shows signs of aging first. A decrease in collagen and elastin leads to fine wrinkles, an uneven skin texture, and sagging of the lower eyelids. While excess skin is often surgically removed from the upper eyelids, the quality and elasticity of the skin is often the actual problem with the lower eyelids. This is precisely why fractional CO2 laser therapy is a scientifically well-established treatment method: the laser stimulates the skin to renew and tighten itself.
How does the Mixto CO2 laser work?
The Mixto is a fractional, ablative CO2 laser with a wavelength of 10,600 nanometers. This wavelength is strongly absorbed by water in the skin cells. The laser distributes energy according to the principle of fractional photothermolysis: instead of treating the entire skin surface, the scanner system places thousands of microscopically small treatment zones with untreated skin in between.
During the treatment, skin tissue in the treatment zones is vaporized in a controlled manner. The controlled thermal stimulus activates the skin's natural repair process and stimulates the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce new collagen and elastin. This process of collagen and elastin remodeling occurs gradually and continues for three to six months after the treatment. As a result, the skin can gradually become firmer, smoother, and more resilient.
For whom is the treatment not suitable?
Whether the treatment is suitable for you depends on, among other things:
- your skin type
- the degree of skin sagging
- genetic predisposition
- medical history.
Under certain circumstances, such as an (active) skin infection, tanned and/or darkened skin, pregnancy, a tendency towards excessive scarring (such as keloids), or recent use of certain medication, treatment is postponed or advised against. This will be carefully assessed during the consultation and discussed with you. If it appears that another treatment is more appropriate, this will also be discussed with you.
How does the treatment proceed?
A Mixto CO₂ laser treatment consists of a number of fixed steps, so that the treatment can be performed carefully and safely.
Consultation and skin analysis
Prior to the treatment, the doctor assesses your skin and your wishes and expectations are discussed. Based on this, it is determined whether a Mixto CO₂ laser treatment is suitable for you and a personalized treatment plan is drawn up.
Preparation
A numbing cream is applied to the skin to be treated and left to take effect for approximately 30 to 45 minutes to enhance comfort during the treatment.
The treatment
Depending on the size of the treatment area, the treatment takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes. Despite the anesthesia, the treatment may be experienced as sensitive or painful. Sensitivity may be higher, particularly around the eyes and mouth. If necessary, the skin is cooled during the treatment to improve comfort.
After the treatment
Immediately after the treatment, the skin is red and swollen and feels burning, similar to a severe sunburn. This sensation usually subsides within a few hours to days. You will receive comprehensive aftercare instructions and advice on pain relief, after which you can go home independently.
Number of treatments
Depending on the indication, the condition of your skin, and the desired result, a course of treatment usually consists of one to three treatments, spaced a few months apart. During the consultation, a personalized treatment plan tailored to your skin and treatment goals will be discussed.
Recovery: what can you expect?
Recovery and aftercare
Fractional CO₂ laser treatment is an intensive skin treatment. A good recovery depends not only on the treatment itself but also on carefully following the aftercare instructions. By giving the skin time to recover and caring for it properly, the risk of complications is reduced and the final treatment result is optimized.
The recovery usually proceeds as follows:
- First 48 to 72 hours: the skin is red, swollen, and feels burning, similar to a severe sunburn. Wound fluid may be released, and the swelling is usually most pronounced around the eyes.
- Days 2 through 7: the skin forms small scabs and begins to flake. During this phase, it is important to care for the skin exclusively according to the prescribed aftercare protocol. Scabs must not be removed, as this can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of scarring or pigment changes.
- Social recovery time: most people are presentable again after about 7 to 10 days. After more intensive treatment, recovery may take longer.
- Redness: after the skin has healed, it may remain pink or red for several weeks to months. This redness gradually subsides and, once the skin is fully closed, can be covered with concealing make-up if desired.
The importance of sun protection
Protection against UV radiation is an essential part of recovery and has a direct influence on the final treatment result. The newly formed skin is particularly vulnerable to pigment changes and sun damage for several months. Therefore, it is advised to strictly avoid direct sun exposure during the first few months after treatment. For at least three to six months, you must protect your skin daily with a sunscreen with SPF 50, even on cloudy days, and avoid strong sunlight as much as possible. For this reason, fractional CO₂ laser treatment is preferably performed during a period of limited sun exposure.
In addition, we advise avoiding intensive exercise, sauna and steam bath visits, and swimming during the first two weeks to allow the skin to recover optimally. After the treatment, you will receive a comprehensive aftercare protocol with clear instructions for caring for your skin during the recovery period.
Possible risks and complications
As with any medical treatment, there are risks associated with fractional CO₂ laser treatment. Serious complications are rare when the treatment is performed carefully and aftercare instructions are followed precisely. Nevertheless, side effects and complications can never be completely ruled out.
Possible risks include:
- Prolonged redness: The treated skin may remain red longer than usual. In some cases, this redness persists for several months.
- Pigment changes: A temporary or permanent change in skin color may occur. Dark discoloration (hyperpigmentation) is more common, particularly with sun exposure or a darker skin type. Light discoloration (hypopigmentation) is rare but can be permanent.
- Infection: Although rare, the treated skin can become infected. In clients with a history of cold sores (herpes simplex), the virus can become active again. If necessary, the doctor prescribes preventive antiviral medication.
- Delayed wound healing or scar formation: In rare cases, the skin heals more slowly than expected or scarring occurs.
In addition, you will receive comprehensive instructions for preparation and aftercare. Careful selection, correct execution of the treatment, and strict adherence to the aftercare advice together constitute the most important conditions for keeping the risk of complications as low as possible.
The result
The effect of a fractional CO₂ laser treatment develops gradually. Although an initial improvement in skin texture is often visible after just a few weeks, the production of new collagen and elastin takes time. As a result, the skin continues to renew and improve for three to six months after the treatment.
As this natural healing process progresses, the skin typically becomes smoother, firmer, and more even in texture. The final result depends on various factors, including skin type, age, lifestyle, the initial condition of the skin, and the extent to which aftercare and sun protection advice are followed.
During the consultation, it will be discussed which results are realistic and achievable in your personal situation.
The CO2 laser in eyelid correction: laser-assisted blepharoplasty
At Looks Clinics, the Mixto CO2 laser can also be used as a surgical instrument during the eyelid correction itself. In this so-called laser-assisted blepharoplasty, the eye surgeon uses the laser instead of the manual method. The laser beam cuts with great precision and seals small blood vessels directly during the cutting process. This gives the surgeon optimal visibility of the surgical area and can contribute to less blood loss during the procedure and fewer bruises during early recovery. The eye surgeon will discuss with you during the consultation whether this technique offers added value in your situation.
Read more on the page laser-assisted upper eyelid correction.
Premium package: complete rejuvenation of the eye area and face
For clients seeking complete rejuvenation of the eye area or the entire face, Looks Clinics offers a premium treatment plan in which surgical upper eyelid correction and Mixto CO₂ laser treatment are carefully combined. By performing both treatments in phases, a natural and harmonious final result is aimed for.
The process consists of two steps:
- Step 1: A surgical upper eyelid correction, performed by the eye surgeon.
- Step 2: Approximately eight to ten weeks later, when the upper eyelids have recovered sufficiently, a Mixto CO₂ laser treatment of the lower eyelids follows, or, if desired, of the entire face.
This phased approach is a well-considered medical choice. By allowing the skin sufficient time to recover, the laser treatment can be optimally tailored to the result of the upper eyelid correction. As a result, both treatments reinforce each other, creating a balanced and natural final result for the entire eye area or face. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss whether this combined treatment plan aligns with your wishes and expectations. You will also receive comprehensive information regarding the content of the plan, the schedule, and the associated costs.
Safety and expertise
The Mixto is a medically certified fractional CO2 laser system. At Looks Clinics, the treatment is performed by certified personnel with the same care and safety standards you have come to expect from our clinic.
Rates
All rates below include aftercare instructions and check-up.
CO2 laser skin tightening of the lower eyelids: €450
Removal of internal fat deposits (fat pads): €750
Upper eyelid correction: €1,750
Laser-assisted upper eyelid correction: € 1.950
Premium Rejuvenation Program – € 2,450
- Upper eyelid correction
- 3× Dermapen microneedling or 1x Mixto-CO2 LASER (8-10 weeks after the procedure for the entire face)
LOOKS Signature Program €2,750
- Laser-assisted upper eyelid correction
- 3× Dermapen microneedling or 1x Mixto-CO2 LASER (8-10 weeks after the procedure for the entire face)
Schedule your consultation
Would you like to know if lower eyelid correction with the Mixto CO2 laser is right for you? Simply schedule a consultation online. The doctor will assess your skin, discuss the options, and create a personalized treatment plan with you.
Frequently asked questions about CO2 lower eyelid correction
Can't find the answer to your question on this page? Then you can always send an email to info@looksclinics.nl.
The skin is numbed beforehand with a numbing cream and cooled where necessary. Nevertheless, this is a treatment that is generally perceived as sensitive. After the treatment, the skin may feel burning for several hours to days; you will be given advice on pain relief for this.
During a surgical correction, excess skin and any fatty tissue are removed. The laser treatment improves the quality of the skin itself, without cutting and without stitches.
That depends on the indication and the desired intensity. A course of treatment typically consists of one to three sessions; the doctor draws up a personalized treatment plan during the consultation.
Initial improvement is often visible after a few weeks. Because the production of new collagen takes time, the result continues to develop over three to six months.
The skin is red and swollen for the first few days, and subsequently begins to scab and flake. Expect a recovery time of 7 to 10 days; this varies per person and depending on the intensity of the treatment. Redness may remain visible for weeks to months thereafter and can be camouflaged once the skin has closed.
No, sun exposure must be strictly avoided during the first few months, and daily SPF 50 and caution regarding full sun apply for at least three to six months. This is a condition for a good and even result.
In this procedure, the eye surgeon uses the CO2 laser as a surgical instrument during eyelid correction, instead of the traditional scalpel. The laser cuts very precisely and immediately seals small blood vessels, which can contribute to less blood loss and fewer bruises during early recovery. You can read more about this on the page. laser-assisted upper eyelid correction.
Suitable?
