Erbium Laser Resurfacing on Lower Eyelids. When Can I Get Filler?

It is generally better to accomplish the laser resurfacing of the lower lids prior to fillers.  The laser treatment will usually tighten the skin by stimulating collagen formation.  By about 6 weeks after the laser, the skin should be optimal for precise placement of filler. 

 

Mark Lucarelli, MD, FACS

Madison, WI

This is a difficult question to answer. There are many types of erbium lasers, which can be set to perform fractionated or confluent treatment. In general, it should not matter what order to do the procedure; a filler can be performed at the same time as a laser procedure. Since a filler will also smooth the skin, you may not need a laser procedure after, so I would recommend getting the filler first and then after a week, schedule the laser procedure.

I have routinely performed fillers prior to laser resurfacing such as Fractional CO2 laser and have not seen quicker degradation of fillers. In fact, I believe better laser resurfacing can be achieved with the skin stretched vs. crepey skin.

It would be best to wait until after your skin has healed from your resurfacing procedure to have the filler placed. Waiting at least a few weeks would be prudent. Confirm this with your laser surgeon to make sure your skin has healed adequately before having filler placed.

As long as the face has healed 100%, which is usually by 2 weeks after most resurfacing, then fillers may be done. It is best not to inject fillers through raw skin to minimize a chance of infection.