After CO2 laser skin resurfacing, healing and recovery time lasts anywhere from one to three weeks, with most of the redness and swelling occurring in the first week.

Here is what you can expect recovery to look like in the first week following your treatment.
Right after your treatment, your skin will look and feel like you have a bad sunburn. It may be red, swollen, and a bit painful. However, this feeling will eventually subside during the healing process. A non-stick dressing is applied to your skin, as well as antibacterial ointment. We recommend leaving these in place for at least 24 hours.

You will need to rest and keep your face clean and moisturized. This may include cleansing your face up to three times a day with a gentle facial cleanser. You will also need to re-apply any special anesthetic ointments. This will help keep the area hydrated and protected from pollutants in the air as your skin heals. In the next few days, your skin will start to peel. It may look a bit raw. However, this is normal. New pink skin is visible as soon as 5 days after your procedure.

While your skin is peeling and shedding, you should avoid picking or scrubbing the treated area. This will prevent the risk of infection or scarring. Instead, gently allow your skin to exfoliate with the cleansing process. You should also refrain from activities that emit excessive heat. These include things like hot showers, steam rooms, saunas, and exercise that causes heavy sweating. Excessive heat can irritate your skin and slow down the healing process.

Lastly, you should try to avoid sun exposure. Exposure to the sun slows down the healing process. It can lead to negative results and unwanted pigmentation changes. Therefore, protecting your skin from the sun is vital to your recovery. You should protect the treated area from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 starting the fourth day following your treatment.