CO2 laser for wrinkles: what to know

Wrinkles reflect changes in collagen, skin thickness, movement and sun exposure. CO2 laser resurfacing creates controlled columns or areas of injury in the skin. As the skin heals, it may look smoother and more even. Treatment can address texture and fine lines, but it cannot stop facial movement or replace volume that has been lost.

A consultation should cover skin tone, tanning, active acne, eczema, cold sores, scarring history and medicines. Redness, swelling, oozing, crusting, infection, pigment change and scarring are possible. The depth and pattern of treatment influence both the intended effect and the recovery burden.

Follow the clinic’s preparation instructions, including any pause or continuation of skin products and medicines. Avoid tanning before treatment and arrange time away from intense heat, dust, exercise and social events while the surface heals. Ask about antiviral medicine if you have a history of cold sores.

After treatment, cleanse gently, apply only recommended products and leave crusts undisturbed. Do not use exfoliants, retinoids or fragranced products until cleared. Once the skin has closed, use broad-spectrum sun protection and reapply as advised. Results continue to settle as redness fades and the skin remodels.

Contact the treating clinic if discomfort, redness, heat or swelling is worsening, or if you notice pus-like drainage, fever, a spreading rash or new blisters. Seek urgent care for severe eye symptoms, breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing facial swelling. Early review can help distinguish expected healing from infection or another complication.

Ask which wrinkle types are being targeted, what depth is planned, and whether a lighter or staged approach would suit your skin. Clarify expected downtime, skincare restrictions, pigment-change precautions, review timing and what options remain if wrinkles are also driven by movement or volume loss.