Avoid filler for 1 month prior to treatment, as the effects of laser treatments on filler are unknown. Botox can be performed 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after laser resurfacing.
Answer: Botox before laser resurfacing is commonly recommended It is commonly recommended by physicians to perform Botox prior to resurfacing so that the treated area heals on a smoother base rather than having new skin form on an area that keeps creasing as the muscles move.
If you do plan to have both a laser procedure like Fraxel and Botox performed, I prefer they be separated by a day with Botox on the first day followed by laser the next day. Your best results when combining such procedures would be inject Botox and wait for its maximal effects 10-14 days later, then have Laser.
Botox and Laser Treatments
One of the most popular combinations is the use of VBeam for treating redness or either Clear + Brilliant or Fraxel lasers for treating pigmentation.
Laser resurfacing must be done during a separate appointment 2-3 weeks before or after you receive BOTOX® or JUVÉDERM® fillers. The heat from the laser can affect and compromise the injectables in your face, therefore, eliminating their effects if performed too closely together.
Conclusion: Patients may be treated with several nonablative lasers and IPL or RF devices immediately after botulinum toxin injection without loss of efficacy or other apparent untoward effect.
If you are looking for a temporary treatment to soften or prevent expression-based lines and wrinkles, you will likely be pleased with BOTOX injections. If you want an overall improvement in your skin's texture and pigmentation with long-lasting results, laser treatments are the treatment of choice.
The frequency of Fraxel treatments depends on the individual's skin condition and desired results. Most patients require three to six treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart for the best outcome.
To maximize the benefits, it's typically advised to schedule BOTOX® injections about two weeks after undergoing a CO2 laser treatment. This timing allows the skin to initiate its healing process and can enhance the overall smoothness of your skin, reducing both static and dynamic wrinkles effectively.
Like other lasers, Fraxel DUAL targets water in the middle layer of the skin, gently heating it to cause controlled thermal tissue damage. By creating microscopic columns of tissue injury across the treated area, the Fraxel DUAL stimulates collagen production, enabling the skin to heal itself.
Ideally, Botox should be injected at least two weeks before laser treatment, so the new collagen is remodeled into smooth skin. Laser treatments do not “melt” fillers so they can be injected two weeks before laser or at least two weeks after the laser treatment once the skin has healed.
Recovery is usually 3-14 days, during which the skin may flake and peel.
According to the Fraxel, direct sun exposure is a no-go after your treatment. The site suggests wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. It also states that patients should avoid direct sun exposure for about three months after the last treatment.
Getting Ready for Fraxel
Before undergoing Fraxel, avoiding sun damage helps minimize potential side effects and ensures better results. To enhance the treatment's effectiveness, skin should be clean and free of products or makeup before the Fraxel session.
After the treatment, the before-and-after photos usually display a significant improvement in the skin's texture and tone. The 'after' photos often reveal smoother, fresher, and more youthful-looking skin, with many of the imperfections greatly diminished.
For patients looking to address multiple skin conditions at once, Deep Laser Resurfacing can be a great Botox alternative. Not only can Deep Laser Resurfacing reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, it can also address skin laxity, acne scarring, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture.
Fraxel and CO2 lasers involve surface skin healing and we will seldom inject Botox at the same appointment as laser. If you plan to have Botox we suggest that you ideally have those injections a week or more before* laser treatments.
Radiofrequency and ultrasound devices for skin tightening deliver heat more deeply into the skin than Fraxel laser, so I suggest waiting 2 weeks after filler placement before undergoing these treatments. I do not hesitate to treat with Botox on the same day as any laser treatment.
CO2 laser treatment can minimize the appearance of deep wrinkles, lines, and uneven pigmentation. The term “fractional laser” means that the beam of light only targets a fraction of the skin at a time. Rather than resurface the entire area being treated, specialists focus microscopic beams of light in multiple areas.
Yes. For textured acne scars, in particular (think: icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars), fraxel lasers are more effective than any topical treatment. Designed to target wrinkles, acne scarring and pigmentation, Fraxel destroys damaged skin cells, for a smoother, more even complexion.
Fraxel® Re:pair costs anywhere from $800 to $6,500. The actual cost of a Fraxel® Re:pair is dependent upon location, provider, and length and involvement of the cosmetic procedure.
Fraxel treats a fraction of the skin, leaving the surrounding tissues intact leading to more rapid recovery and less down time as compared to other less sophisticated lasers. The treatment is ideal for people aged 20 to 85 who are looking to: Resurface skin textures.
Fraxel Dual is an effective but relatively gentle laser, and multiple treatments are usually needed to achieve results. Fraxel Repair will produce more dramatic results with a single treatment, but with significant recovery time and increased risks of infection and scarring.”
Bottom line: Laser resurfacing can tighten skin, usually better than any other skin-tightening procedure.
Fraxel promotes collagen production, smoothing out fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Most patients find it a worthwhile investment for wrinkle reduction.