Best Laser for Lip Lines?

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your question. I also like the CO2 laser for lip lines.  I do think that the laser alone is not enough in some cases where the lines are very deep, and you may need to add a filler in the area of the deep line area to add body or volume.  In addition if laser and filler are not enough, then add Botox on the crease, especially if it appears worse with lip movement. Relaxing the muscle can benefit with Botox.  Be certain to be under the supervision of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with expertise in cosmetic procedures for the most effective and safe treatments. I hope this helps.

It is true that lip lines can be treated with Botox/fillers or laser.  The difference is that the Botox and filler effect would be temporary.  If you had a CO2 laser, the results should be longer lasting.  Since you're already going to be under anesthesia for the rhinoplasty and you're going to be in recovery for a week or so anyway, I would probably recommend the laser.  As long as your a good candidate for the laser, it can give longer lasting results.  

I would recommend doing a series of fraxel treatments for the lip lines (minimal downtime after each treatment) followed by Belotero injections and a drop of botox.  I would do the laser first, because you might need less filler once the laser is done.