When it comes to rejuvenating the delicate skin around the eyes, whether tackling hooded eyelids, under-eye circles, or crow’s feet, the options can feel confusing. Technologies like CO₂ laser, Plasmage, and Tixel are among the most effective treatments skin resurfacing, but understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for your needs.
Let’s dive into how these three technologies work, their benefits, and what they’re best suited for.
Why Treating the Eye Area Is Unique
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than elsewhere on the face, which makes it more prone to ageing, sagging, and dark circles. This sensitivity also means that treatments here require precision and minimal downtime. Each of these technologies offers targeted solutions, but they work in distinct ways.
CO₂ Laser
The carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser is a fractional ablative device that uses a beam of light to vaporise the outer layers of the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen production and revealing smoother, tighter skin.
- Hooded Eyelids: Any laser treatment presents a high risk to eye damage, therefore eyelid procedures are a niche skill.
- Crow’s Feet: CO2 lasers are the gold standard for skin resurfacing and in expert hands can produce a dramatic reduction in skin laxity and wrinkle's around the eye area and other areas of the face.
- Under-Eye Dark Circles: While not its primary indication, the laser can improve texture and pigment issues contributing to dark circles.
The Treatment Experience
CO₂ laser treatments are far more intensive than Plasmage or Tixel. You’ll will need a local anaesthetic beforehand to ensure comfort.
Downtime and Results
Expect dramatic redness, swelling, and peeling for up to 1-2 weeks. Results begin to show after the initial healing period and continue to improve over 3–6 months as collagen rebuilds. Typically patients only need a single treatment. It’s a powerful option for dramatic improvements, but the downtime is a major hurdle.
Plasmage®
Plasmage uses a controlled plasma arc to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, which stimulates collagen production and skin tightening. Unlike lasers, it is safe to use around the eyes.
- Hooded Eyelids: Plasmage is particularly effective for non-surgical blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), as it tightens the upper eyelid skin with minimal downtime.
- Crow’s Feet: It can smooth out fine lines, though its effects are subtler than those of the CO₂ laser and Tixel.
- Under-Eye Dark Circles: It can improve pigmentation and texture but isn’t a standalone treatment for genetic dark circles.
The Treatment Experience
The sensation of Plasmage is often described as a series of quick zaps. A numbing cream is applied beforehand, but it’s far more comfortable than CO₂ laser treatments. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes, and is well-suited for those with busy schedules.
Downtime and Results
You’ll see micro-crusting at the treatment site, which takes about a week to heal. Redness may persist for another week or so. Results are visible typically after 6 weeks and improve with subsequent treatments. Typical patients require 3 treatments.
Tixel®
Tixel is a non-ablative thermal treatment that uses a heated titanium tip to transfer energy to the skin. Unlike lasers, it is safe to use around the eyes. Precise control allows the practitioner to vary intensity which makes it less invasive than CO₂ laser or Plasmage, making it suitable for those who prefer minimal downtime.
- Hooded Eyelids: Tixel offers moderate tightening for mild hooding, using the higher settings results comparable to Plasmage can be achieved, but with a bit more discomfort.
- Crow’s Feet: It’s excellent for smoothing fine lines, especially for those who want subtle, natural-looking results.
- Under-Eye Dark Circles: Tixel can improve skin tone and texture, which may help lighten dark circles caused by thin, crepey skin.
The Treatment Experience
Tixel is often described as feeling warm but tolerable. Numbing cream is usually applied beforehand. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes, and is well-suited for those with busy schedules.
Downtime and Results
There’s minimal redness and micro-crusting, which subsides within 1–2 days. Results appear gradually over 6 weeks, making Tixel a great choice for those who prefer subtle improvements with little disruption to daily life. Typical patients require 4-6 treatments when using lower settings to minimise downtime.
Comparing the Three Technologies
Your choice depends on your specific concerns and lifestyle.
- If you want dramatic results and are not concerned about eyelids: Go for the CO₂ laser. It’s ideal for more advanced signs of ageing, but you’ll need to factor in downtime.
- If you prefer minimal downtime but want faster results: Plasmage strikes a balance between effectiveness and recovery time, particularly for hooded eyelids.
- If you’re after a gentle option with little downtime: Tixel is perfect for those looking for subtle improvements and who want to treat multiple concerns in the wider orbital area.
Final Thoughts
I choose not offer CO₂ laser treatments at my clinic because of the discomfort and downtime involved. Quiet simply most our patients leading busy demanding lives do not have the time for the demands CO₂ laser recovery.
Instead we offer Plasmage and Tixel treatments which provide the right balance and make it possible to restore youthfulness and vibrancy within busy schedules. Whether you’re battling hooded lids, under-eye circles, or fine lines, there’s a solution tailored to your needs.
Ready to revitalise your eyes? Book a consultation. Let’s make your eyes your best feature once again!
Author's experience
Dr Victoria was the first to introduce Tixel into Scotland and has been providing Tixel and Plasmage treatments for over 7 years.
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