CO2 Laser
How Long is the Downtime After CO2 Laser Treatment?
One of the most common questions we hear at True You Skin Clinics in Leeds is:
“How long will I look red after CO2 laser treatment?”
The honest answer is that it depends on the area being treated and the intensity of the treatment. However, most patients are pleasantly surprised that recovery is often quicker than they expected.
At True You Skin Clinics, we use the SmartXEL fractional CO2 laser to treat hooded eyelids, wrinkles, sun damage, skin texture concerns, and full-face skin resurfacing. Because the treatment is fractional rather than fully ablative, healing is significantly faster while still delivering impressive skin rejuvenation results.
Photo-Clinic-Scene-SmartXEL
How Long is the Downtime for Full Face CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Full-face resurfacing requires slightly longer recovery because a larger area of skin is treated.
A typical healing timeline looks like this:
Days 1-3
The skin appears red and swollen, similar to a significant sunburn.
Days 3-5
The skin begins to feel rough and may develop a bronzed appearance as damaged skin starts to shed.
Days 5-7
Peeling and flaking become more noticeable. Fresh new skin starts to appear underneath.
Days 7-10
Most of the visible healing has occurred, and many patients feel comfortable returning to work, social events, and daily activities.
For full-face resurfacing, we generally advise allowing 7 to 10 days of downtime.
Will My Skin Still Be Red After the Downtime Period?
Yes, some degree of pinkness can persist for several weeks.
This is completely normal and is a sign that the skin is continuing to heal and remodel itself. The redness is usually easily covered once your practitioner advises that makeup can be safely reapplied.
The important distinction is that while healing may continue beneath the surface, the period where you look noticeably “treated” is much shorter
What Can Affect How Quickly You Heal?
Several factors influence recovery time:
-
Your age
-
Smoking status
-
Overall skin health
-
Treatment intensity
-
Following aftercare instructions correctly
Patients who consistently use their prescribed skincare and protect their skin from UV exposure typically experience the smoothest recovery.
The Two Biggest Recovery Mistakes We See
Many patients become excited when they start seeing improvements and apply makeup before the skin barrier has fully recovered.
This can increase irritation and potentially delay healing.
Not Wearing SPF
Newly resurfaced skin is extremely vulnerable to UV damage.
Daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential after CO2 laser treatment, even during cloudy Yorkshire weather.
Failure to protect your skin can lead to prolonged redness and unwanted pigmentation changes.
Can I go back to work after CO2 laser treatment?
Most patients require around 5-7 days for eyelid treatments and 7-10 days for full-face resurfacing before returning to work comfortably.
Can I wear makeup after CO2 laser?
Only when advised by your practitioner. Applying makeup too early can interfere with healing.
Does CO2 laser treatment hurt?
When will I see the final results?
Initial improvements are visible once healing is complete, but collagen production continues for several months, meaning results often keep improving over time
How many treatments will I need?
Many patients achieve excellent results with a single treatment, although this depends on the concern being treated and the desired outcome.
.
Is CO2 Laser Worth the Downtime?
In our experience, absolutely.
CO2 laser remains one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available for:
-
Hooded eyelids
-
Fine lines and wrinkles
-
Sun-damaged skin
-
Uneven skin texture
-
Acne scarring
-
Overall skin rejuvenation
Many patients tell us they wish they had undergone treatment sooner once they see the improvements in skin quality and firmness.
.
Will My Skin Still Be Red After the Downtime Period?
Yes, some degree of pinkness can persist for several weeks.
This is completely normal and is a sign that the skin is continuing to heal and remodel itself. The redness is usually easily covered once your practitioner advises that makeup can be safely reapplied.
The important distinction is that while healing may continue beneath the surface, the period where you look noticeably “treated” is much shorter.
.
The aftercare is simple, but following these steps helps maximise your glow and maintain healthy skin.
✓ Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours to prevent irritation or displacement of the product
✓ Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot baths for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling or redness
✓ Limit alcohol and excessive caffeine on the day of treatment, as these can affect circulation and increase swelling
✓ Keep your skin hydrated—use gentle moisturisers and drink plenty of water
✓ Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds for at least 24–48 hours, and always apply SPF to protect your refreshed skin
✓ Makeup can be applied after 12–24 hours, provided your skin feels comfortable
✓ Follow-up appointments as recommended by your practitioner help maintain results and address any concerns
Request a Callback
If you would like us to call you back, please fill in your details below.
