How many days does CO2 laser healing take?

Healing time after CO2 laser resurfacing is the number most readers want before they book. Here are the figures two publishers give, and what to ask so your own timeline is clear.

Two published figures

Cleveland Clinic says that in general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used. WebMD says recovery takes up to two weeks.

The figures overlap, because two weeks sits inside the five to 21 day span.

What moves your number

Ask your provider which condition and which laser are in your plan, and how many days they expect for that combination. Pair the answer with your calendar before you commit to a date.

Getting from a range to a quote

Ask for the healing estimate and the price together. Make sure the price you accept is attached to a stated condition and laser.

If you want more background, one review covers physician-directed lasers, chemical peels and other noninvasive modalities. A second article reviews complications of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.

What to take from the range

Treat five to 21 days as the outer limits and let your provider narrow it for you.