 
Can laser resurfacing, Botox and dermal fillers be part of the same facial rejuvenation plan? Often, yes. Timing matters, and a well planned sequence lets each treatment do its job so your results look fresh, balanced and natural.
Laser resurfacing and Botox address different parts of facial aging. Laser treatments focus mainly on skin tone, texture, scars and surface lines. Botox relaxes selected muscles to soften movement lines, and fillers restore or reshape volume. Because they work differently, combining laser resurfacing with Botox or fillers may create a more complete plan. The order depends on the laser type, treatment depth, injection area and how much healing is expected. Learn more about laser skin resurfacing at PURE and Botox and fillers in Chicago.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Laser improves skin quality; Botox and fillers address movement and volume.
- ✓Same day treatment has been studied with some nonablative lasers.
- ✓Deeper ablative resurfacing usually needs more spacing.
- ✓Start with a combined treatment consultation.
Why Does Timing Matter for Laser Resurfacing With Botox or Fillers?
Not every laser creates the same amount of skin injury. Nonablative lasers heat targeted tissue without removing the full skin surface. Ablative resurfacing removes or vaporizes part of the outer skin and produces more healing, swelling and sensitivity.
A 2023 review found support for combining botulinum toxin A with laser therapy, while noting that evidence on the ideal timing and sequence is still limited. A study in Dermatologic Surgery reported that same day botulinum toxin treatment with full face nonablative fractional laser resurfacing had a favorable safety profile in the patients studied. That does not mean every laser and injectable should be done together. For deeper ablative resurfacing, more separation may be recommended.
| Combination | What the evidence suggests | Typical planning |
|---|---|---|
| Botox with nonablative fractional laser | Same day treatment studied with a favorable safety profile. | Same day may be possible; your provider decides the order. |
| Botox with fractional ablative CO2 | Most experts in a recent consensus preferred Botox about two weeks before resurfacing. | Usually staged on separate visits. |
| Filler with nonablative laser or light | Consensus favors laser or light first, then filler, when done the same day. | Same day possible in selected cases. |
| Filler with fractional ablative CO2 | Most experts in a consensus preferred at least four weeks between procedures. | Staged visits with time to heal. |
Should Laser Resurfacing Come Before Botox?
The question of laser resurfacing before Botox does not have one answer for every patient. For selected nonablative treatments, same day treatment may be possible. Some clinicians prefer Botox first so injections happen before laser related sensitivity develops.
For fractional ablative CO2 resurfacing, a recent expert consensus reported that most participating experts who combine neuromodulators preferred treatment about two weeks before resurfacing. That is expert consensus, not a universal rule. For questions to raise at your visit, read 9 questions to ask before Botox or facial injectables.
Matching Botox and Laser to the Treatment Area
Treatment planning also depends on the area. Laser resurfacing around the eyes may help improve fine lines and sun damage, while Botox relaxes the muscles behind repeated movement. One study found that combining botulinum toxin with erbium laser resurfacing improved results around the eyes compared with laser alone. Around the lips, see laser resurfacing around the mouth and Botox for lip lines.
Looking Natural, Not Frozen
A combined plan aims for softer lines with natural expression. Our guide to natural looking wrinkle treatments explains the approach.
How Do Laser Resurfacing and Fillers Work Together?
Laser resurfacing and fillers can be combined, and planning deserves extra care. Fillers are placed below the skin to restore or shape volume, while laser treatment delivers energy at varying depths.
A consensus review of hyaluronic acid fillers and laser or light procedures found that evidence for combination treatment is promising but still limited. When same day treatment was considered, the panel recommended performing the light or laser treatment first and then the filler, particularly with nonablative devices. That is why laser resurfacing before fillers may be preferred in certain same day plans.
Spacing Fillers After Ablative Resurfacing
For ablative fractional CO2 resurfacing, expert consensus has recommended more spacing. In one consensus statement, most experts who combined fillers with fractional ablative CO2 laser preferred at least four weeks between procedures. Timing should depend on healing, laser depth, filler type and treatment location. Read how collagen changes after dermal fillers for more on how fillers interact with skin.
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Benefits of Combining Treatments
For suitable patients, combining laser resurfacing with injectables may address several concerns in one overall plan:
- ✓Skin texture and tone, plus photodamage.
- ✓Fine surface lines and dynamic wrinkles.
- ✓Facial volume loss and overall facial balance.
- ✓Acne related texture.
No single treatment corrects every feature of facial aging. Laser addresses skin quality, while Botox and fillers address movement and volume. See combining fillers with skin rejuvenation and Botox vs filler: which one you need.
How Is a Personal Treatment Plan Built?
Laser resurfacing does not use one universal setting or treatment cycle. Your provider may consider:
- ✓Ablative versus nonablative laser, wavelength and depth.
- ✓Energy and number of passes.
- ✓Botox injection areas and filler depth and location.
- ✓Expected swelling, healing and previous cosmetic procedures.
If you are searching for laser resurfacing near you, ask what type of laser is being proposed and how injectable timing will be planned. Your quote may vary depending on whether treatments are staged across separate visits or combined appropriately. If acne scars are part of your goals, read laser resurfacing for rolling, boxcar and ice pick scars.
How PURE Plans Combined Treatments
At PURE Medical Spa, laser resurfacing is planned around skin texture, pigment, scars, fine lines and your overall goals. Your consultation also reviews whether Botox or fillers belong in the same plan, and in what order. Rather than assuming everything happens in one day, a PURE facial rejuvenation plan may use staged appointments when that is safer or more appropriate. First time with injectables? Read what your injector should assess at a first filler consultation and browse facial filler offers.
Supporting Skin Before and After Laser Treatment
Post laser skincare should follow the instructions given for your specific laser. Products to discuss, available through the PURE skincare shop:
- ✓ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar, designed for pre procedure and post procedure skin support.
- ✓SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer for hydration and barrier support when appropriate.
- ✓ALASTIN HydraTint Pro Mineral SPF 36 for mineral sun protection once your provider approves sunscreen.
Visit PURE Medical Spa Across Chicagoland
PURE Medical Spa welcomes you at five convenient clinics in Chicago and the suburbs. Ask our team which location offers laser resurfacing, Botox and fillers and pick the visit that fits your schedule.
PURE Medical Spa Gold Coast (N. Dearborn), Chicago
875 N Dearborn St, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60610
Book OnlineCall or Text 312.312.7873Naperville 331.283.0440
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get Botox and laser resurfacing together?
Sometimes. Same day treatment has been studied with certain nonablative fractional lasers, while deeper ablative resurfacing may need more separation.
How long after laser resurfacing can you get Botox?
There is no universal interval. Timing depends on laser depth, healing, swelling and the treatment area, so follow your provider’s plan.
How long after laser resurfacing can you get fillers?
For ablative fractional CO2 resurfacing, expert consensus has suggested more spacing, with many experts favoring at least four weeks between filler injections and resurfacing.
Should Botox be done before or after laser resurfacing?
Either order may be used depending on the laser. Some evidence supports same day treatment with nonablative devices, while deeper resurfacing is often staged with Botox first.
Can dermal fillers and laser resurfacing be done the same day?
Selected nonablative laser and filler treatments may be combined. Consensus recommendations generally favor doing the laser first when both happen on the same day.
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Safety note: Laser resurfacing may not be appropriate during active skin infection, open wounds or certain uncontrolled inflammatory skin conditions. Botox and fillers have their own contraindications and risks. Seek medical care for severe pain, increasing swelling, spreading redness, drainage, vision changes, skin blanching or discoloration after filler, or other rapidly worsening symptoms. This article is educational and does not replace a medical assessment.
References
- National Library of Medicine: Botulinum A toxin and laser therapy: evidence and recommendations for combination treatment
- National Library of Medicine: Same day botulinum toxin with full face nonablative fractionated laser resurfacing
