How Soon After CO2 Laser Resurfacing Can Restylane Be Used?

The recommended time frame for dermal fillers after the CO2 laser procedure is two to four weeks. This can also be influenced by the depth with which the CO2 was performed. It is best to wait for the skin to be completely healed and re-epithelialized before injecting Restylane or any dermal filler. Best,Dr. Paul Flashner

I would normally recommend waiting until the skin is healed and when the swelling is down.  This may be anywhere from 1-2 weeks.

Our office can perform Restylane injection prior to CO2 laser. I would recommend post treatment filler once the skin is epithelialized.

If you know that you are definitely having the Restylane after the CO2 resurfacing, we would probably wait about 1 month.
While the answer to the question does depend on how deep the resurfacing treatment is, if you are getting the Restylane after the CO2, we would just feel better having you wait until the majority of the major healing has been completed -- which is almost always by 4 weeks.

CO2 laser resurfacing is a major procedure and not one to trifle with by any means. If it is done correctly, you will have weeks of recovery time and adding one more variable to recover from will only worsen any complications if they occur (and they will in many cases).
While fillers such as restylane and others are quite safe when used alone, they have many side effects of their own such as bruising, swelling and the potential for pain. There is absolutely no reason to add these side effects to the known side effects of a CO2 laser and if you have a physician who is asking to do this, they are unaware of the magnitude of what they are doing to you or simply don't care about you.
There are many docs out there now who are doing procedures that are way out of their league and this sounds like a situation where you have a physician who doesn't have the skills or experience with this procedure to tell you 'no'.

Hi,
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing causes inflammation and swelling of the skin. I advise my patients to wait a week or two for the swelling to resolve before having Restylane or other fillers. I would not use filler and then immediately use the CO2 laser as the 1.5 mm penetration of the laser would affect the filler. Most patients do not need filler for months after the Fraxel re:pair fractionated CO2 laser due to improved tone and texture of their skin. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Restylane is a type of dermal filler commonly used to restore volume and smooth out wrinkles and lines in the face. The timing of when Restylane can be used after CO2 laser resurfacing depends on several factors, including the extent of the laser treatment, the individual's skin condition, and the recommendation of the treating healthcare provider.In general, it's advisable to wait until the skin has fully healed from CO2 laser resurfacing before considering dermal filler injections like Restylane. This typically means waiting at least several weeks to a few months, depending on the depth and aggressiveness of the laser treatment and the specific recommendations of your healthcare provider.Here are some considerations regarding the timing of Restylane injections after CO2 laser resurfacing:1. Healing time: CO2 laser resurfacing involves removing layers of damaged skin, which requires time for the skin to heal and regenerate. It's essential to allow the skin to fully recover before introducing additional treatments like dermal fillers.2. Risk of complications: Injecting dermal fillers too soon after CO2 laser resurfacing can increase the risk of complications such as infection, inflammation, and poor wound healing. Waiting until the skin has healed reduces these risks and helps ensure optimal treatment outcomes.3. Consultation with healthcare provider: Your healthcare provider will assess your skin condition and treatment goals during a consultation and provide recommendations regarding the timing of Restylane injections after CO2 laser resurfacing. They may advise waiting until any redness, swelling, or other post-laser side effects have resolved before proceeding with filler treatment.4. Sequential treatment approach: In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend a sequential treatment approach, where CO2 laser resurfacing is performed first to address skin texture and tone, followed by dermal filler injections to restore volume and address specific areas of concern.It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding the timing of Restylane injections after CO2 laser resurfacing to ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize the risk of complications. Additionally, maintaining open communication with your provider throughout the treatment process can help address any questions or concerns you may have.

I would advise a patient to wait at least 2-4 weeks, or until I feel they are ready. Your doctor should follow you through your healing process and should give you recommendations on when it is safe to do any type of injection.
Best of luck to you!

 

In theory, you could have Restylane and CO2 laser the same day, but I would wait 2-3 weeks. Since Restylane attracts water and absorbs fluid, swelling caused by the CO2 may cause the Restylane material to overly swell up and create too much fullness. It's best to wait a few weeks until swelling from the laser resurfacing has gone away.

Depending on the areas where you had CO2 resurfacing, the depth of the resurfacing, and surgeon preference, you may be able to have Restylane or other injectibles on the same day. There is no intrinsic reason to wait though I would inject the Restylane before undergoing any resurfacing to ensure that the desired result is achieved.