How long does it take to heal after CO2 laser treatment?
CO2 laser skin rejuvenation treatments are the gold standard for treating most of the skin woes that you have. From improving skin tone to lightening scars and reducing fine lines and wrinkles to improving skin texture, CO2 laser treatment can do it all without causing any damage to the skin. It can also treat warts, moles, and other stubborn skin-based issues such as age spots and blemishes. As opposed to the standard ablative treatments, fractional CO2 laser treatments in India have lower and customizable downtime, fewer risks, and give dramatic results.
This modern skin rejuvenation treatment focuses on the problem areas of the skin and delivers high levels of energy in very short pulses. This removes the layers of the skin but does not heat or cause head damage to the surrounding areas of the skin. The effects can be seen almost immediately.
What can CO2 laser treatment do?
It can treat many skin issues, such as
- Acne, chickenpox, or trauma scars
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Birthmarks and tattoos
- Sun damage or photoaging
- Age spots or liver spots
- Non-responsive skin after a facelift
- Fine lines and wrinkles on face and neck
- Enlarged oil glands on the nose
- Lose and dull skin
The laser stimulates collagen and elastin production under the skin and tightens the skin over time. You can see the effects and improvement even after the treatment is long over. However, if you have active acne, dark skin, deep wrinkles, or excessively sagging skin, CO2 laser treatment might not work well for you.
Healing after CO2 laser treatments
Lasers have very low downtime, but you still need to give the skin some time to heal and return to its younger and fresher self. Redness, swelling, etc., are some common side effects of laser treatment. This is because of the dynamic nature of the treatment. The results also vary from person to person, so the question of when you can see the results is much easier to ask than to answer.
The healing time depends on the severity of the issue, the profile of the patient, and how well they follow the strictness of aftercare routines. Remember, rushed results equate to wrong results. Your skin will take time to heal, and you must let it at its own pace. Here are some simple guidelines to help you aid skin healing.
Once the treatment is over, the practitioner will give you an ice pack to put on the treated area for 15 minutes. This will bring down the light-burning sensation and reduce the swelling. Then you will be given a list of instructions to follow and what to expect during the healing process. Remember to take the cream, bandage, and petroleum jelly for the treated area before you leave the clinic. Here is a simplified list of what to expect during the healing process for CO2 laser treatment in India
- You can take a light shower once you get home but avoid soaks and baths until the healing season is complete.
- Use the cold compress regularly over the first 24 to 48 hours for 15 minutes every 1-2 hours.
- Apply a thin layer of a good occlusive moisturizer or antibiotic ointment twice a day to protect the skin while it heals.
- If you have any facial treatment appointments or make-up schedules, then cancel them till four weeks post-completion of the treatment.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking only delays and damages the healing process and adds to the signs of aging.
- Sleep on an extra pillow so that the head is in an elevated position and swelling reduces.
Day 1-2 post CO2 laser treatment, you will experience some burning sensation, and there might be some swelling too. Stinging and itching are also this is normal, and they will go down in 24-48 hours. Keep using the ice pad every few hours and rest at home. This is the time when the old collagen and elastin fibers break down, and the skin clears the tissue debris.
Day 2-4 after the procedure: You will not need to use the ice pack so much now. The swelling will go down, and the skin will start to heal and might feel a bit tight. There can be some crust formation on the treated year, and sometimes a yellow serum-like fluid might ooze out. This is normal and shows that fresh skin has started to form under it, and everything is on time. Resisting the urge to pick and scratch the skin at it can delay the healing and even cause scarring and infection.
Day 4-10: These are the most important days of your recovery. The swelling and inflammation will be down, and you need to be sick to the advice of your practitioner and use the recommended products. Your will heal sooner by doing this, and you will be able to get back to your usual skincare routines. For the healing period, your routine should include
- Washing your face with the recommended cleanser and letting your skin air dry.
- Apply the cream to your skin and keep topping up when the skin feels dry and tight. Do this minimum of twice a day.
- Wash your wash again before going to bed and moisturize. Don’t rub the moisturizer on the skin; apply it lightly.
- If possible, use distilled water for the face and avoid using groundwater.
- If the practitioner has asked to keep the treated area covered by a bandage, then change the dressing regularly after washing the area.
The skin will feel itchy, but at the end of 10 days, the skin will have healed, and the crusting will be minimal. You will be able to see the new pink skin, which will come to its normal color in the following weeks.
Week 2-3 after CO2 laser procedure on skin: The healing of outer skin starts, deeper healing starts, collagen formation begins, and tissues heal—about 14 days post-procedure, skin strengthening starts, which continues for years. Let natural health continue. Avoid using saunas, swimming pools, and hot tubs; don’t shave on the treated area. You still need to avoid make-up and the sun. And if you have to go out, wear sunscreen of SPF 50 or above and use a hat to protect the skin.
Anytime during the initial healing times, if you feel any of the following, call your practitioner immediately.
- High fever
- Unnatural discharge from the treated area
- Pain and discomfort have increased and are not helped by pain medication.
- Increased redness or swelling on or around the treated area
- Bleeding on the treated area
You will continue to see improvements in your skin. Keep being gentle on the skin. The skin texture and appearance will see a visibly dramatic change after three months of the treatment. It might take up to a year to see the full effects. The sagging skin will not be visible, and the lines and wrinkles will have reduced evidently. You will be able to get back to your routine. Exercise regularly and eat skin-friendly foods such as green leafy vegetables, bright fruits, nuts, seeds, omega three rich foods, and water. A good routine will make sure that the enhancements of CO2 laser skin resurfacing last for a long time and give your skin the natural smoothness and glow that you always desire.
CO2 laser treatment cost in Mumbai
The cost of CO2 laser treatment in Mumbai is influenced by several factors, such as the location of the clinic, the experience of the doctor, and the extent of the treatment required. It also depends on your skin type and the number of sessions required. It’s important to note that most patients require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. The number of sessions required can vary depending on the severity of the skin condition being treated.
Before undergoing CO2 laser treatment, you must schedule a consultation with a qualified and experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the doctor can evaluate your skin condition, discuss the treatment options available, and provide an accurate estimate of the cost of the procedure. They can also advise you on any potential treatment risks or side effects.
