What is the post care for CO2 laser treatment?

Author: Hayley Welch  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Be sure treated areas are completely covered in Aquaphor at all times. Always wash your hands before touching your face. Gently cleanse the skin 3 times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser (such as Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser) beginning the morning after the treatment.

What is the best aftercare for CO2 laser?

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to the treated area. Hold the ice pack on the treated area for 15 to 20 minutes. Put the ice pack on the treated area every few hours, or 1 to 5 times each day. After the first 2 to 3 days, use the ice pack as needed.

What not to do after a CO2 laser?

Remember not to rub in the cleansing cream but only dab it on. You can perform your normal activities but avoid strenuous exercise to reduce sweating in the face. 3 – 4 days after treatment: The skin swelling will resolve but the redness will remain and some flaking of skin will occur.

Can I leave the house after CO2 laser?

This first week after laser skin resurfacing is challenging in terms of care. You will be swollen, covered with creams and not presentable to leave the house. This all begins to change at about day 5-6. After this the recovery is much easier.

What's the worst day after a CO2 laser?

Rushed Results = Bad Results
  • Days 1 – 2. It is expected that you will experience a burning sensation in the treated area and your face will develop some swelling. ...
  • Days 2 – 4. Over the next few days, your face will start to feel tight. ...
  • Days 4 – 6.

Fractional Laser Treatment Aftercare Do's and Don'ts & Recommended Skincare Ingredients

How to speed up healing after CO2 laser?

You can ensure a smoother recovery and better results by avoiding picking at treated skin, keeping healing skin moist and hydrated, using sunscreen, and using gentle skin products.

What is the downside of a CO2 laser?

Disadvantages of CO2 Resurfacing

Like dermabrasion, this type of laser resurfacing requires a good deal of recovery time. The patient's skin will be weepy for two weeks and will require thorough cleaning four to five times daily, along with application of ointment to keep the skin from scabbing.

How many years does CO2 laser take off your face?

After the treatment, you will notice improvements in your skin texture, tone, and appearance. Fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots noticeably diminish, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin. On average, results from your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can last between 3 and 5 years.

What foods should you avoid after laser treatment?

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.

When to stop using Aquaphor after CO2 laser?

Grid marks on the face are a result of the laser fractionation and also resolve over 5-7 days. Continue to cleanse the treated area with Cetaphil Gentle Face Wash for 7 days. DO NOT SCRATCH, PICK OR RUB THE SKIN VIGOUROUSLY. On day 4, you may stop using the Aquaphor and allow your skin to breath.

How much younger does a CO2 laser make you look?

A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective.

What moisturizer is best after CO2 laser?

Immediately After Treatment

Before you depart, we will apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, CeraVe healing ointment, or Alastin Skin Nectar to your treatment area.

How much does a CO2 laser cost?

The cost of full-face CO2 laser resurfacing varies greatly across the United States. Fees can range from $3,000–$7,000, including the surgeon's fee, facility fee, and anesthesia.

What serum is best after CO2 laser?

The perfect product to slowly introduce into your routine three to five days after your laser treatment is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This serum has been tested and deemed suitable for use post-laser.

How soon can I wash my face after a CO2 laser?

These are the only two things that should be used to maintain the healing skin over the next 4 weeks. There are also medications in the pack and you will be instructed on how to use these. After fully ablative laser the face should be washed twice a day. The first wash should be on the morning after surgery.

How painful is a CO2 laser?

In general, most patients describe the feeling as mild to moderate discomfort rather than outright pain.

Can I sleep on my side after a CO2 laser?

DAY OF AND DAY AFTER LASER SKIN RESURFACING PROCEDURE

Sleep on your back with your head elevated about 30-40 degrees (2-3 pillows). Do not sleep on your side. Keeping your body more upright will minimize swelling. You do not want the laser treated areas to be pressing against your pillow.

What is the fastest way to heal after laser treatment?

Use cold compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment. Heat can increase inflammation and slow healing.

Can I drink coffee after laser treatment?

Ensure that you eliminate the chance of discomfort during your laser hair removal treatments by avoiding caffeine for a full 24 hours prior to your appointment. Afterward, it's safe to go crazy and get an extra large latte, even though it might not be the best for your skin.

Does CO2 laser tighten jowls?

Yes, the CO2 laser is renowned for its ability to tighten jowls and rejuvenate the lower face. By enhancing collagen production and boosting elasticity, the treatment reduces skin laxity along the jawline, helping to lift and sculpt a more contoured appearance.

What is the best age for laser resurfacing?

Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.

Is a CO2 laser really worth it?

CO2 laser resurfacing treatment is considered the gold standard for rejuvenating photoaged skin. Its cosmetic outcomes are superior to non-ablative procedures like Vbeam and intense pulsed light. Experts attribute this to its greater ability to induce the skin's healing response and tighten loose collagen strands.

What are the disadvantages of CO2?

These rising average temperatures could cause:
  • Ice caps to melt and oceans to warm, causing sea levels to rise.
  • Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy downpours and wildfires.
  • Changes to where different wildlife populations can live and survive.
  • Disrupted access to food.

Who is not a good candidate for CO2 laser?

You may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing if you have: Active acne. Very dark skin. Deep wrinkles.

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