Can I Have Botox a Couple of Weeks Before Fraxel?

Question

Can I have botox injected on my face (mainly forehead) before a Fraxel treatment or should I wait and have it done afterwards ? Thanks.

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

Fraxel and Botox can be done together. In fact, they are a very nice combination therapy.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This depends on the advise of the practitioner but I do not see a contra-indication in the use of Botulinum Toxin prior to Fraxel

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

The inhibition of muscle movement, and thereby reducing the ability of the skin to crease in recently laser resurfaced skin is thought to be advantageous. As it takes Botox several days to two weeks to produce the maximum onset of effectiveness, it is prudent to inject Botox or Dysport one to two weeks prior to laser resurfacing.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can have Botox.  Botox will work to reduce your dynamic wrinkles and Fraxel will work to reduce your fine lines.  Good luck.

Jacque P. LeBeau, MD · Answer

I would recommend you discussing this with your provider in detail as some practitioners prefer to give Botox prior to resurfacing with ablative or fractional laser and some prefer to treat after resurfacing.  It works well in both cases as it helps to relax the dynamic creases of the face whereas the laser resurfacing will help improve the overall skin texture and fine lines.  Best Regards,

	Jacque P. LeBeau, MD

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

It is preferable to have Botox a few days before your Fraxel treatment. Botox relaxes the muscle movement so the new collagen stimulated by the Fraxel treatment remodels into smooth skin, not into the lines. These 2 treatments complement each other and should be performed by an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Yes,one may have Botox Cosmetic prior to or after laser Fraxel therapy. Botox Cosmetic reduces dynamic or active facial wrinkles, while Fraxel reduces fine lines & skin surface irregularity. Generally, two weeks are allowed between each treatment, but follow the advice of your cosmetic specialist.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Botox can be used a few weeks before Fraxel treatment.  It should not be a problem for the Fraxel treatment.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Pre-treating the face with artistically placed Botox is a great preparation for a laser facial treatment. the Botox will maximally relax over-active muscles in as little as 5 days allowing the laser resurfacing to penetrate evenly and yield a nicer long term result.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Botox may be used before Fraxel but I would wait at least two weeks after a Botox treatment. I would not recommend any shorter interval than that.

Can I Have Botox a Couple of Weeks Before Fraxel?

Answers (12)