The short answer
Fractional CO2 laser creates a real wound, so recovery needs planning. A light pass heals faster than a deep pass over established scars. Depth and density are chosen for each patient and discussed at consultation.
This is why you will not see a fixed number of days here. Please plan around the stages below, and follow the written aftercare you are given.
CO2 laser downtime in stages
What waits, and until when
| Activity or product | When |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Starts once the skin has re-epithelialised |
| Make-up | After the surface has closed and the clinic says it is safe, with mineral products usually first |
| Exercise, swimming, saunas | Wait until the surface has closed |
| Scrubs, exfoliating acids, retinoids, vitamin C | Paused until the clinic says to restart |
| Picking | Not at any stage |
What is expected, and what needs a call
Redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding, clear or straw-coloured oozing, bronzing, crusting, peeling, tightness, itch and pinkness that fades.
Thick, yellow or weepy crusts, blisters, or increasing pain, swelling or warmth.
Redness spreading beyond the treated area, fever, or a cluster of small blisters, which may indicate a cold sore.
Looking after the wound
Risks in Asian skin
Asian skin has a higher risk of post-inflammatory darkening. Darkening after healing is usually this, and it is reviewed rather than treated over. Sun protection matters in the meantime. The main risk is covered in CO2 laser and Asian skin. A history of cold sores is not a bar, and antiviral cover is started before treatment. Infections and acne-like eruptions can also occur while the skin heals.
Who should wait, and what it cannot do
Pregnancy, active acne, infection or a cold sore in the area, a fresh tan, recent isotretinoin and photosensitising medicines all defer treatment.
A keloid tendency, poorly controlled diabetes, immunosuppression, smoking or active melasma call for care.
CO2 laser does not clear discrete pigment cleanly, and it does not return skin to an unmarked state. Tethered scars also need release first.
Planning and fees
Allow time around the visible stages, and plan to stay out of the sun. Swelling around the eyes in the first mornings may affect plans. Pinkness is normal unless it spreads or hurts. Deeper passes are used for established scars, including boxcar scars, so these generally need more recovery time than lighter passes. Fee factors are set out in a written plan after assessment, and no prices are listed. Please get in touch to discuss timing.