Would Fraxel Laser help with the vertical lines around my mouth? (Photos)

In my Orange County dermatology laser practice, we use Fraxel laser for facial lines, including the vertical lines around lips.  While it will not completely eradicate them, 3-5 treatments will help.  Try combining it with fillers and a little Botox and you'll have even better results.

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. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

​Fillers such as Restylane Silk, Belotero, or Juvederm can work well to treat lines around the mouth, but the best first option is laser resurfacing or deep peels to induce collagen production. Superficial radiofrequency devices and microneedling can help as well and are less invasive. I suggest going to an experienced cosmetic dermatologist with expertise in lasers and fillers. Best, Dr. Emer​

Hello and thank you for your question. Those vertical lip lines, also known as smoker or lipstick lines, can affect your self-confidence in your appearance. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for minimizing them. While Fraxel is one good option, I have found that the best treatment is a fully ablative CO2 laser, sometimes combined with an injectable dermal fillers to rejuvenate this area of the skin. I recommend you see a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist for an assessment and treatment recommendations. I wish you all the best as you pursue your aesthetic goals!

Thank you for posting this question and your picture.  A series of Fraxel 1550 treatments should decrease the depth of the lines of your upper lip, but is not likely to eliminate them completely.  Depending on the laser's settings you should expect approximately 2-3 days of redness and swelling after each session, but most people can resume most of their daily activities within a day or two.  Some of your other concerns involving your lip pout and definition would probably be best treated by using an injectable filler like Juvederm or Volbella.  A review of all of the available options for treating your lips, including the role of ablative modalities including lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion are what you should discuss when you speak with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon when you make an appointment.

Thanks for your question. The fraxel laser can definitely improve perioral rhytids (vertical lines around your mouth) but best results are seen with a series of treatments. Although you will notice a difference in your skin with a single treatment to impact lines such as those it usually requires 3-5 treatments. Fraxel in combination with botulinum toxin or the appropriate fillers could give great results. Another procedure I like for these lines is a series of microneedling treatments or if you are looking for a more aggressive treatment fractionated CO2 laser can improve these with a single treatment but requires significantly more down time. Good luck.