How Long Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Last?

CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the more intensive skin treatments available, so it is natural to want to know how long the results will last before committing to the downtime. In my clinic, this is one of the questions I am asked most often. The honest answer is that results can be long lasting, but they are not frozen in time. Your skin will continue to age, and how you care for it afterwards makes a real difference.

In this article, I explain what CO2 laser resurfacing does, how long results typically last, and what you can do to help maintain them.

What is CO2 laser resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove very fine layers of skin in a controlled way. Most modern treatments are “fractional”, which means the laser treats tiny columns of skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact. This helps the skin heal more quickly than older, fully ablative techniques.

As the skin heals, it produces new collagen. This is why CO2 laser resurfacing can help improve:

• fine lines and wrinkles
• uneven skin texture
• acne scarring and some other types of scarring
• sun damage and pigmentation
• enlarged pores

You can find more detail on our CO2 laser resurfacing page.

How long does CO2 laser resurfacing last?

The improvement from CO2 laser resurfacing develops gradually. Collagen remodelling continues for several months after treatment, so many people notice their skin continuing to improve over this time.

Once your skin has fully healed and settled, the changes to texture and scarring can last for a number of years. However, the treatment does not stop the natural ageing process. New lines will still form over time, and sun exposure, smoking and lifestyle factors will continue to affect your skin.

How long your results last depends on several factors:

• The depth and intensity of treatment: deeper treatments tend to produce more noticeable and longer-lasting changes, but involve more downtime.
• What is being treated: improvements in scarring are often more lasting than improvements in fine lines, which continue to develop with age.
• Your age and skin type: skin naturally produces less collagen as we get older.
• Sun protection: UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of skin ageing and pigmentation.
• Lifestyle: smoking, poor sleep and dehydration can all affect skin quality.

Will I need more than one treatment?

This depends on your skin and your goals. Some people are happy with the result of a single treatment, while others benefit from a course of treatments, particularly for deeper scarring. Lighter treatments may involve less downtime but may need repeating to achieve the desired improvement.

Later on, some patients choose occasional maintenance treatments to help maintain their skin quality. I will always discuss a realistic plan with you rather than recommending more treatment than you need.

What does recovery involve?

CO2 laser resurfacing does involve downtime. In the first week or so, it is common to experience:

• redness and swelling
• a feeling similar to sunburn
• flaking or crusting as the skin renews

Redness can last for several weeks after the initial healing period, depending on the depth of treatment. Possible risks include infection, changes in pigmentation, prolonged redness and, rarely, scarring. These risks are why a thorough assessment of your skin type and medical history is so important before treatment.

How to help your results last

Protect your skin from the sun

Use a broad-spectrum SPF every day, even on cloudy days in the UK. Your skin will be particularly sensitive to the sun in the weeks after treatment, so careful protection is essential.

Follow a good skincare routine

A simple, consistent routine recommended by your practitioner can help maintain skin quality. I will advise you on which products to use and which to avoid while your skin heals.

Look after your general health

Not smoking, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep all support healthy skin.

Consider complementary treatments

Some patients combine CO2 laser resurfacing with treatments such as Sunekos to support skin hydration and quality. Others choose anti-wrinkle injections to address expression lines, which a laser does not treat. We can discuss what might suit you.

Is CO2 laser resurfacing right for me?

CO2 laser resurfacing is not suitable for everyone. Your skin type, medical history, any history of cold sores, and recent use of certain medications all need to be considered. Some skin types carry a higher risk of pigmentation changes, so a careful assessment is essential.

I am Dr Leonardo M Fasano (MD, MSc Aesthetic Medicine (QMUL), MSc Burns, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (UCL), GMC registered). At your consultation, I will assess your skin, explain the likely benefits and risks, and help you decide whether CO2 laser resurfacing or another approach is right for you.

Book a consultation with Dr Leonardo Fasano in London or Birmingham.