What’s Recovery Like after a CO2 Laser Peel?

CO2 laser resurfacing is an effective skin treatment that can address a variety of common cosmetic concerns, including lines, wrinkles, dark spots, scars and more, by stimulating collagen and the natural healing process. Because it works by speeding up the skin’s natural desquamation process, the outer layer of your skin will gradually peel away as you heal. 

To help you feel prepared and know what to expect during CO2 laser recovery, Dr. West has outlined a recovery timeline and some tips to help with aftercare for your skin.

Your Skin May Look Worse before It Looks Better

Redness, swelling and peeling are all normal parts of the healing process after a CO2 laser peel, and your skin may look and feel like it is sunburnt for the first few days afterward. Over time, these symptoms should dissipate and your results will gradually develop. 

A general CO2 laser recovery timeline may look like:

• Days 1 and 2: Warmth, redness, swelling and tightness are common.
• Days 3 to 10: Peeling typically starts around 3 days after CO2 laser resurfacing and lasts for anywhere from 3 to 7 days.
• Days 10 to 14: Most peeling resolves around day 10, although some redness can linger.
• Week 3 and beyond: Redness continues to fade, but deeper treatments may leave a faint pinkness for several more weeks.

Sunscreen Is a Must, but Skip Makeup

The fresh skin underneath the peeling skin will be very susceptible to sun damage, so it is crucial that you stay out of the sun during the healing process and wear sunscreen when going outside, as soon as Dr. West clears you to start applying certain products to your skin. 

Hold off on wearing makeup and using other skin care products until your skin has fully healed, which can take 1 to 2 weeks depending on the strength of your laser peel. Dr. West will let you know when it is okay to resume your regular skin care regimen. In the meantime, use only approved products that are gentle on the skin.

Our NEOVA Recovery Kit Can Help

Dr. West has put together a recovery kit with her favorite products from NEOVA SmartSkincare. These products are specifically designed for recovering skin and can help to streamline your aftercare routine. If you are interested in learning more about these products or purchasing a kit, let us know at your appointment or give us a call at 734-971-0262 and our team will be happy to help.

Results Take Time to Develop

Once peeling is complete, your skin should look and feel smoother and more radiant. However, this is not the full extent of your results yet. Collagen will continue to increase over the coming weeks and months, gradually revealing your final outcome. This process can take 6 months or more, so be patient as results continue to develop. Final CO2 laser resurfacing results can last for several years.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Smoother Skin?

To schedule your CO2 laser peel consultation with Dr. West, please call our Ann Arbor office at 734-971-0262 or easily contact us online.