Does laser treatment work to eliminate the vertical smokers wrinkle/s above the lips?

Question

What is the best treatment to eliminate the vertical wrinkles above the lip? Do lasers work?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Audrey A. Klenke, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many different options to address fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Restylane Silk, a hyaluronic filler, helps to fill in and smooth out those lines. Botox and Xeomin, both purified botulinum toxins, relax facial muscles by temporarily weakening muscles that cause lines and wrinkles.  Appropriate treatment is based on the severity and depth of the fine lines, among other factors. Other options include laser services, chemical peels, and microneedling.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Vertical lip lines and wrinkles are very treatable. The method of treatment depends largely on the skin type of the patient, and the severity of the wrinkles. As technology continues to improve, so do the treatment protocols. I have excellent success using fractional ablative lasers (erbium and/or CO2), fractional radiofrequency (RF), with a touch of full field ablative erbium laser. With the use of a good topical anesthetic, and nerve blocks, the procedure is fairly quick, and the heal time is usually a week or less. Many patients benefit from the use of high concentration PRP (platelet rich plasma) during the laser procedure. Once the patient is healed, generally we use a little filler, such as Belotero or Vobella to fine tune the results.

Ronald Moser, MD · Answer

Smoker's wrinkles are commonly seen in women after the 4th or 5th decade.  This is not always from a history of smoking, but rather from the natural aging process of fat loss and the muscle actions of the mouth.

We find that the NdYag 1064 GENESIS laser treatments work great to build collagen and improve even the moderately deep lines around the mouth.  This is clearly our preference over ablative laser treatments that tend to leave a line of demarcation or change in texture .

Naturally, enhancing the lip border and filling deflated lips can improve the lines as well. A favorite is VOLBELLA, Juvederm's newest HA filler.

Soumo Banerji, MD · Answer

Thank you for the interesting question.  This is definitely a difficult area to treat, and there are different options based on depth, recovery time, skin type, etc.  Some options may include a very smooth hyaluronic acid filler - Volbella by Allergan was recently FDA approved for this indication.  Other options to resurface this area can include peels and resurfacing lasers - these options may have more downtime than fillers, but can correct lines, texture, and skin pigment.  An in-person consultation would be a good start so that you can have suggestions that are best tailored to you and your goals.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

The most effective way to eliminate smokers lines is with laser resurfacing. In our office we use the lumenis AcuPulse CO2 laser by Lumenis  or an erbium laser by Cutera. It will take several months to see the results. A quick way to eliminate the lines is with a dermal filler. We have had very nice results with Vobella. The product is FDA approved to last one year. Hope this helps.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. The wrinkles around the mouth are some of the most difficult wrinkles to get rid of on the face. In order to adequately treat them, they require a deep and aggressive treatment. This can be accomplished either with a chemical peel or with a CO2 or erbium laser treatment. There are other less aggressive treatment options, but they will only provide a modest improvement in the wrinkles. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

Does laser treatment work to eliminate the vertical smokers wrinkle/s above the lips?

Answers (7)

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