CO2 Laser Before and After: Results and Day-by-Day Recovery
The CO2 laser delivers some of the most visible results in aesthetic medicine, but it is also the treatment people ask the most questions about in advance: what the skin looks like before and after, how long recovery takes and when the result really shows. In this article we walk through the whole process, from preparation to the full effect, so you know exactly what to expect.
What does the CO2 laser do to the skin?
The fractional CO2 laser creates a grid of microscopic renewal zones in the skin, while the surrounding skin stays intact and speeds up healing. This triggers new collagen production, so the skin tightens, texture and scars smooth out, and fine lines and enlarged pores become less visible. It is used on the face, the eyelids and individual areas. Read the details on the CO2 laser page.
Before the treatment
Everything starts with a consultation: the doctor assesses your skin, the indication and your expectations, and the intensity of the treatment is agreed then. In the weeks before the treatment it is important to avoid sunbathing and tanning beds, and the doctor will tell you if any product needs to be paused. The treatment is done with a numbing cream, so during the session you feel warmth and tingling rather than sharp pain.
Recovery day by day
Recovery is individual and depends on the intensity of the treatment, but for most patients it looks like this: on day one the skin is red and warm, similar to stronger sun exposure. On days two and three tiny dark dots appear along with a feeling of tightness, and the skin starts to flake. Between days three and five the flaking peaks, and this is when it matters most not to peel the skin off with your fingers. From day five to seven the flaking ends and new, pinkish skin shows underneath. The redness then fades gradually over the next one to two weeks.
Throughout recovery the skin is cared for according to the doctor's instructions, and high-SPF sun protection is mandatory for weeks after the treatment, because fresh skin hyperpigments easily.
When do the results show?
You get the first impression as soon as the skin recovers: the complexion is more even and fresher. The real result, however, builds over months, because new collagen forms gradually, so the tightening and texture smoothing are most visible two to three months after the treatment. For deeper scars and more pronounced wrinkles the doctor sometimes recommends a series of treatments several weeks apart. See examples of our results on the Before and after results page.
CO2 laser treatment price
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| CO2 laser eyelids (option 1) | 42.000 RSD |
| CO2 laser eyelids (option 2) | 54.000 RSD |
| CO2 laser full face | 54.000 RSD |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the recovery after a CO2 laser?
For most patients the visible part of recovery, redness and flaking, lasts five to seven days, followed by mild redness that fades over one to two weeks. The duration depends on the treatment intensity and your skin's individual reaction.
Does the CO2 laser hurt?
The treatment is done with a numbing cream, so what you usually feel is warmth and tingling, not sharp pain. Afterwards the skin is warm and tight, similar to a stronger sunburn, which settles with the care routine your doctor prescribes.
When do CO2 laser results show?
A more even, fresher complexion shows as soon as the skin recovers, and the full tightening effect builds over two to three months, the time it takes for new collagen to form.
How much does a CO2 laser treatment cost in Belgrade?
At the Miren Medic clinic the eyelid treatment costs from 42.000 RSD and the full-face treatment 54.000 RSD. The exact scope and price for your case are agreed at the consultation.
Book a consultation
If you are considering the CO2 laser, book a consultation at the Miren Medic clinic. The doctor will assess whether the treatment is the right choice for your skin and propose the intensity and a date that suits you.
