CO2 Laser Before & After | Perioral Lines and Skin Texture (Oblique View)
Perioral Lines Dramatically Reduced
Dense vertical rhytids above the upper lip are measurably reduced in depth following fractional CO₂ resurfacing with additional perioral passes — the most clinically significant change visible at the oblique view.
Mid-Cheek Texture Smoothed
Mid-cheek epidermal surface reads as smooth with uniform light reflection post-treatment — epidermal renewal from ablative resurfacing combined with dermal collagen remodeling from thermal energy delivery.
Epidermal and Dermal Renewal
CO₂ resurfacing addresses photo-aging at both layers simultaneously — ablative columns remove damaged epidermis while thermal energy drives dermal collagen remodeling, producing structural improvement rather than surface-only change.
Details of the Treatment
Lipstick had started bleeding into the lines around her mouth — both vertical and at the corners. Topical creams had reached their limit, and she'd been told elsewhere that filler wouldn't address the fine lines or the surface roughness.
On angled-view assessment, the area around the mouth showed vertical lines extending above and below the lip border, with mild deepening of the smile lines and uneven surface texture across the surrounding cheeks. The skin had lost some of its smooth light reflection. The pattern reflected combined surface and depth changes from years of speech and animation. CO2 resurfacing suited this presentation because the area around the mouth tends to respond especially well to this treatment when both surface and depth concerns are present.
CO2 laser resurfacing was performed across the area around the mouth, with the treatment softened as it transitioned out into the cheeks so the result blended naturally. The corners of the mouth and the lip border received an extra pass. Improvements continue gradually over several months as the skin renews. In the after image, the lines around the mouth have softened visibly under angled light. The surface texture reflects light more evenly. The smile lines look less deep. CO2 in this area produces results that filler cannot — the issue is the skin itself, not volume.
Individual results vary. The outcome shown reflects this patient's specific anatomy, health history, and treatment plan. Results shown are not guaranteed and are not necessarily typical. Photos used with patient consent.
Ask Sabeen Munib, MD directly
Consultations are 30 minutes and carry no obligation to treat. Bring your questions and any prior treatment history.