What to Expect During and After Treatment
The Treatment Session
To minimize discomfort, a local anesthetic is typically applied before deeper treatments. Depending on the area treated, a session usually lasts approximately 20–30 minutes. During the procedure patients generally feel a warm sensation but should not experience significant pain when properly anesthetized.
Immediately After Treatment
The skin will be warm and may appear red and swollen. The degree of redness and swelling depends on the treatment settings used. Your physician will prescribe a specific daily skincare routine to support the healing process.
Healing and Results Timeline
As the skin heals, improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, tone, and texture begins to appear. Continued improvement in skin quality can occur for up to 18 months following the procedure as new collagen and elastic fibers are produced.
Aftercare
Strict adherence to the prescribed skincare regimen and sun protection is essential. Your physician will provide detailed written aftercare instructions tailored to the treatment you received.
Safety & Candidacy
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing is not suitable for everyone. Patients who have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6–12 months or who have a history of keloid scarring require careful evaluation. Possible risks include changes in pigmentation, infection, prolonged redness, textural changes, or scarring. A thorough medical consultation is required before treatment.