Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underCO2 Laser q&a

Can the swelling of C02 fractional laser cause the ability to barely smile?

TravelQueen2012Mar 27, 2015
I am post op 5 days after C02 fractional laser on my entire face and I am still fairly swollen and when I try and smile I can barely see my teeth. Note that I had botox for the lip area to prevent the smoker lines on the Friday before the laser on Monday . I could smile then but I am not sure that the botox fully set in. Can botox cause this problem or more likely swelling? I have had the lip lines done many times before and not an issue. Thanks

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Jason Emer, MD profile photo
Dr. Jason Emer, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
4.7 | 522 Reviews
Answered on Mar 29, 2015
Answer
Dr. Nicholas Tarola, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Mar 30, 2015
Answer

More CO2 Laser Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

Both treatments complement one another. Application of a Jessner peel to prep your skin for a co2 laser would be a good option. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

+3 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

I would suggest a non-ablative skin tightening treatment instead of fractional co2 for the knees. Options include Ultherapy and skin tightening with Yag laser. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

We typically use Melarase creams after fractional co2 for the face in order to even out skin tone and prevent hyperpigmentation. These options are excellent for skin rejuvenation. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Vivek Bansal, MD

Thank you for your question. I try to avoid unnecessary creams after CO2 resurfacing as they can induce a negative outcome due to the preservatives present in open skin. I hope this helps!

+2 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

Proper wound care and application of a cortisone ointment may be helpful. We would begin you on Melarase creams and Replenish Retinoid Cream to help reduce the chance of scar visibility. Speak to your surgeon. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

+3 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
David Hartman, MD, FACS (license suspended)

Thank you for your question and for the photo posting. It certainly appears that any inflammation from the laser that might affect a possible followup procedure has sufficiently subsided for you to proceed with a procedure. The question then becomes: what to do and when?  This is not an...

+3 answers
See all CO2 Laser Q&A
See more CO2 Laser Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE CO2 LASER GUIDE →