The FDA has approved a do-it-yourself laser device for removing eye wrinkles.
On June 5, 2009, the FDA gave Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. approval to market the eye wrinkles laser system directly to consumers, making it available over the counter for at-home use. Palomar, which specializes in the research and development of light-based cosmetic treatment systems, collaborated with Johnson and Johnson Consumer Companies to create this laser device.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a practicing Internist and Associate Professor at the NYU School of Medicine, appeared on Fox News to discuss this new laser. He says the device uses a high-intensity laser light that you direct at your eye wrinkles, and it actually destroys part of the skin tissue while leaving the elastic tissue. However, Dr. Siegel states that “It doesn’t work that well, [but] it is safe.” He also says that, at about $500 per device, it’s “very expensive”, and it only reduces the appearance of “very tiny wrinkles.” Dr. Siegal says that you have to use it “2 or 3 times a day for 20 or 30 minutes over a long period of time in order to get it to work.”
He believes that the most effective eye wrinkle treatments are found in dermatologists’ offices. Dr. Seigel also stated, “If you want to keep eye wrinkles away, use sunscreen, get plenty of sleep, exercise and don’t smoke.”
No word yet on when and where the eye wrinkles laser will be available for purchase. Stay tuned!