If you’re considering a CO2 laser treatment to rejuvenate your skin, you may be wondering what recovery is like. At Aesthetic Skin Chicago, one of our providers, Ranen, recently shared their personal experience to help give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

Downtime After CO2 Laser

Recovery time after a CO2 laser treatment typically ranges from four to seven days, though it can sometimes take up to 10 days depending on the intensity of the treatment. Ranen, for instance, opts for a more aggressive laser, which extends their recovery to about 10 days. This timeline varies for each individual, but the healing process follows a fairly consistent pattern.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Post-Treatment

Right after the treatment, your face will likely feel like it has a severe sunburn. Ranen describes the sensation as feeling like their face is on fire for about six hours post-laser. A simple combination of Tylenol, cool compresses, and keeping the head elevated can help manage the discomfort.

Day 2-3: Swelling and Crusting

By day two, your face will probably be quite swollen and darker due to pigmentation surfacing. The skin will feel dry, so applying growth factors and a small amount of Aquaphor can help soothe the area. It’s essential to stay out of the sun since your skin is extremely sensitive at this stage. Crusting also begins to form on the treated areas, but don’t worry—this is part of the natural healing process. By day three, the swelling may reduce slightly, and the crusting will slowly start to peel off.

Day 4: Redness with a Glimpse of Glow

By day four, the crusting should be mostly gone, revealing fresh, new skin. Although your face may still be red in certain areas, the glow starts to emerge. Ranen notes that this is when they begin to see the smooth, even skin underneath. The fine lines and wrinkles around their eyes also improve noticeably.

Days 5-10: Healing and Radiance

From here on, things get better day by day. Your skin will continue to improve as it heals, with a smoother texture and more even tone. Ranen shares that the results become more apparent each day, and by the end of the recovery period, their skin looks radiant, poreless, and rejuvenated.

Tips for CO2 Laser Aftercare

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief like Tylenol is usually sufficient to manage any discomfort in the hours following the treatment.

• Hydration: Keep your skin moisturized with growth factors and a healing ointment like Aquaphor.

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Your skin will be highly sensitive, so staying out of the sun and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen once the healing process allows is essential.

• Patience: The results of a CO2 laser treatment are worth the downtime. As Ranen’s experience shows, while the initial recovery can be a bit uncomfortable, the fresh, glowing skin that emerges afterward is worth the wait.

At Aesthetic Skin Chicago, our providers are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your CO2 laser treatment, ensuring your experience is as comfortable and effective as possible. If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us.