What should you know about deep CO2 laser resurfacing?

A clinician directs CO2 laser energy into selected areas, removing part of the surface and heating deeper tissue. This can improve some wrinkles, scars, and uneven texture by prompting new skin formation and collagen remodelling. Treatment depth, density, and the area covered affect recovery and risk. Read about the [CO2 Laser](/technology/co2-laser/) and [CO2 Laser Resurfacing](/treatments/laser-and-energy/co2-laser-resurfacing/).

Redness, swelling, oozing, crusting, tenderness, and sensitivity are expected during healing. Changes in skin colour, infection, prolonged redness, scarring, and eye-related injury are possible. A fractional approach leaves untreated columns between treated areas and may have a different recovery profile; it is explained under [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/).

During consultation, disclose your skin tone, tendency to scar, cold-sore history, active acne or dermatitis, previous procedures, medicines, and sun exposure. Follow instructions about antiviral medicine, skincare, and sun avoidance when prescribed. Arrange practical help if your vision, swelling, or facial discomfort could make routine tasks difficult.

After treatment, cleanse and dress the area exactly as directed. Do not peel crusts, restart retinoids or exfoliants early, or expose healing skin to strong sunlight. Attend follow-up appointments so the clinician can check the barrier and adjust care.

Call the treating clinic promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing swelling, pus, fever, or blisters. Seek urgent assessment for severe eye pain, new vision changes, breathing difficulty, or rapidly developing facial swelling. A fever with a deteriorating wound should not be managed by waiting for the next appointment.

Ask why deep treatment is recommended, what depth and area will be treated, how your skin tone affects pigment risk, and what recovery milestones to expect. Ask about pain control, wound care, sun protection, follow-up, and whether fractional treatment could meet the same goal.