Ask a doctor

When Do You Expect to See Skin Peeling After Full Face Deep CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

I am on day 4 post op after full face CO2 laser resurfacing with fat grafting under the eyes and continuing all prescribed aftercare with Aquafor, dilute vinegar + water rinses, and light washing with dove soap. My skin continues to be swollen and very bright red, with no peeling in sight. It does feel very dry after mild cleansing, but I was told the skin would come off in brown sheets. Have you ever seen a patient that did not peel after this procedure?

Doctor Answers 1

Peeling may not happen all the time with co2 resurfacing

November 23rd, 2011
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Peeling will usually happen 3 to 10 days after your co2 resurfacing. It all depends on how deep and aggressive the resurfacing was done. The deeper the longer it takes. If you really took care of your resurfacing, you may not peel. The peeling could come off with the regular washing that you are doing, which is a very good thing. The redness and pinkness could mean you are already done with the majority of your healing, especially if there is no oozing going on.

 

Philip Young, MD


Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon
3.9 out of 5 stars 60 reviews

Related content

View all CO2 Laser reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.