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

Question

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Co2 laser doesn't effect your ability to smile but botox injections above the lips if improperly placed or too high a dose in the wrong area can.  It takes 10-14 days for the botox to be fully active that is why you are noticing it now.  I suggest you speak to your physician.  It will be 3-4 months before this improves.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Swelling is to be expected following CO2 laser resurfacing, especially when the treatment is a more aggressive one which would be done for deeper lines/wrinkles.  If you are having a problem with your recovery, contact your physician who performed the treatment immediately.  You should be examined to make sure you are not suffering a complication.

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

Answers (2)

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