Combining Procedures: How long should the interval be between laser and other procedures?

Hi there, I had smartxide DOT 6 months ago on the face. Planning to have Thermage done to tighten the face further. Is it ok to alternate procedures like this and if so are there recommendations regarding how much time is required between each one?

I wish there was more solid science on combining procedures or alternating, and some studies are now being done.   We should have more in the next few years. Since every woman and man is an individual, it’s difficult to give any “rules” here.   Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon who’s doing these procedures really needs to guide you.

Safely combining procedures depends on many factors like:

  1. how deep or aggresive a laser procedure is (the settings)
  2. your skin thickness
  3. your age
  4. the amount of sun damage you have
  5. other facial or plastic surgery procedures in your past
  6. scarring history,
  7. other medical problems, and many other things!  You see my point I’m sure.

I recently wrote someone about combining procedures here.

For this particular combination, it’s generally fine to do a Thermage or other radiofrequency procedures 6 months after a CO2 DOT laser.  But check with the doctor who did the laser in case there is something you’re not aware of.   And yes it generally fine to alternate procedures but the interval needs to be determined by your doctor for safety.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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