I has CO2 laser on the 19th and my skin has peeled off, but the skin underneath looks like sandpaper. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I got the co2 laser done on 19th Tuesday and it is now its Saturday the 24th. My skin had peeled off but the skin underneath looks like sandpaper. I have so many indentations on my face now, It so textured and bumpy. From what ive seen when the skin comes off it reveals soft and smooth looking skin. Im worried that it hasn't healed correctly. Im scared the doctor who did it was careless and went too deep and its now going to cause scarring from all these indents. Is this normal?

William Groff, DO · Answer

I appreciate your concern. It is important to care for the skin as it heals with the right topical products. I would follow up with your provider to find out what you should be applying to the skin now as the outer layers have flaked off. An in-person assessment might also help you put your concerns to rest by ensuring your recovery is progressing as it should.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Topical products are essential as the skin heals from this treatment. I encourage you to follow up with your provider to see what formulations are recommended for your specific situation. With the right after-care, you should be seeing that softer, smoother skin very soon!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist for a formal evaluation and after care recommendations. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme to give improvement. Sun protection is essential. Lasers like Co2 work best in combination with other treatments in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. After Co2, I recommend adding fraxel lasers, microneedling/prp and radiofrequency treatments. Best, Dr. Emer

I has CO2 laser on the 19th and my skin has peeled off, but the skin underneath looks like sandpaper. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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I has CO2 laser on the 19th and my skin has peeled off, but the skin underneath looks like sandpaper. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.