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Demarcation Line After Full-face CO2 Laser

asked 3 years ago by KathyK in New Jersey
Latest answer by David A. Bray, Sr., MD
Question viewed 1,687 times

I had full-face c02 performed in February 2008. I had Botox performed 4 weeks prior for lines on my forehead. I did not expect to have such a noticeable line under my face. My main areas of concern were lines on my upper lip/chin (not a smoker). Further, I can see that the Dr. did more passes on my cheeks than above my lip and chin (the results in these 2 areas are not great).

The procedure and recovery went very well. However, 3 months post procedure, I noticed that the lines on my upper lip/chin were only slightly improved. My skin is much lighter than it was before. I have a mask-like appearance. Further, there seems to be more large pores (orange-peel type) on my chin. There are a few very noticeable lines of demarcation. I can almost see where the M.D. sectioned the areas. It seems as if my upper lip/chin had fewer passes. Also, the line under my face is very obvious; makeup does not seem to cover the issue.

Since I am now 13 months post procedure, what can I do to smooth and reduce the lines on my upper lip/chin? What can I do to reduce/eliminate the line of demarcation under my face? My husband (an M.D.) suggested I wait a year to have these 2 areas redone. I feel a little creepy with this mask-like look. Will a spray tan work on my lasered skin?

2 answers to Demarcation Line After Full-face CO2 Laser

+1

Laser

What type of laser was use?. If you had the old technology you experienced most of the reasons i no longer use that type of C02 laser. The new fractionated laser specifically that developed by Cynusure. Now we can laser into then or chest to prevent cut off lines. Good chemical pre-treatment may have averted the mask look
David A. Bray, Sr., MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drbray.com

+2

Sounds like a touch up is unfortunately needed

I have had 13 years of experience with the carbon dioxide laser and I hope your question does not lead others to condemn this very valuable procedure. My guess is that you have very significant sun damage and the surgeon might have avoided this area of dermarcation by using a feathering approach where energies are decreased as the upper neck is treated to create a transition zone. It also sounds as if some other areas like the upper lip might benefit from treatment with injectable fillers... more
S. Randolph Waldman, MD

Lexington Facial Plastic Surgeon

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