Perioral CO2 laser
This is the basis of treatment. It renews the skin and stimulates deep collagen. I adjust the energy for each line: more on deep lines and less on the surrounding skin.
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Perioral area
Barcode lines around the mouth
Vertical lines on the upper lip are caused by sun exposure, smoking, volume loss and lip movement. Creams do not reach that depth. The treatment that works best is perioral CO2 laser, sometimes combined with other techniques.
How I treat it
Treating skin, volume and shape
Before treatment I assess wrinkle depth, skin quality, lip volume and lip length. That tells me whether laser alone is enough or whether another technique should be added in the same session.
Volume and support
If the lip has lost volume, a small amount of hyaluronic acid gives support and softens remaining lines. The aim is not a bigger lip, but a firmer one.
Long upper lip
When the upper lip has lengthened with age, a lip lift shortens the distance between nose and lip and improves proportion. It can be combined with CO2.
After treatment
Recovery and follow-up
CO2-treated skin takes 5 to 14 days to recover, depending on depth. During that time there is redness, swelling and fine crusting. I always give preventive treatment for cold sores.
Realistic expectations
What we agree before treatment
Deep lines improve a great deal, but do not always disappear in one session; depending on intensity, a second is sometimes advisable. If you continue to smoke, the result lasts less.
Real cases
Before and after
Real patients who have authorised the use of their images. Features have been hidden to protect their identity. Results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Barcode lines
What are barcode lines?
They are vertical lines that appear above the upper lip, caused by sun damage, smoking, volume loss and repeated contraction of the lip muscle.
Can CO2 laser be done only around the mouth?
Yes. Perioral CO2 can be performed as an area treatment or as part of full-face resurfacing.
How long is the recovery?
Between 5 and 14 days, depending on depth. Afterwards the skin may stay slightly pink for a few weeks.
Can cold sores appear after laser?
I always give preventive cold-sore treatment before laser around the mouth.
Is hyaluronic acid enough?
For fine lines with volume loss it can help, but filler alone does not erase marked lines. It is usually combined with laser.
How much does it cost?
CO2 laser by area costs from €1,800 per session and hyaluronic acid from €350. The initial consultation (€150) is not deducted from the treatment price.
Want to soften the lines around your mouth?
Book an appointmentGeneral information to help you prepare for your consultation. Indications, risks and recovery are assessed individually; results vary between patients. Content reviewed by Dr Ignacio Torres Navarro, dermatologist (registration no. 46-24-287). October 2026.