What's the recovery like for Laser Resurfacing?

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing recovery — timeline, tips, what to avoid, and when to call your provider.

Typical downtime: 7–14 days — expect oozing, then a dark bronze 'crust' before new skin appears

Recovery timeline

Days 1–3

Skin is red, swollen, hot, and weeping a clear or yellowish fluid — ablative lasers ooze, and that is normal, not infection. Your face may feel tight enough that talking and eating are awkward. Keep it constantly coated in the prescribed ointment; if it dries out, healing stalls and scarring risk rises.

Days 4–7

The ooze stops and skin turns a dark bronze, leathery 'crust' as the old layer prepares to shed. This looks worse than day 1 and frightens people. Do not pick or scrub it off — let it flake on its own.

Days 7–10

The bronze crust sheds to reveal bright pink, tight new skin. Mineral makeup is usually allowed now. The pink is normal and fades over weeks.

Weeks 2–4

Pinkness fades steadily. SPF is non-negotiable — new skin has zero UV defense and pigments easily. Collagen keeps rebuilding for 3 to 6 months, so the result keeps improving.

Things nobody tells you

Ablative lasers ooze a clear or yellowish fluid for the first couple of days — that is normal weeping, not infection.
Around days 4 to 7 your skin turns a dark bronze, leathery crust and genuinely looks worse than day 1 before it sheds.
If you let the skin dry out, healing stalls and scarring risk climbs — keeping it greasy with ointment is the whole job.
The fresh skin underneath comes in bright pink with zero UV defense, so a single sun exposure can pigment it.

Recovery tips

Keep skin slathered in the prescribed ointment at all times for the first week — never let it dry and crack
The dark bronze crusting around day 4 to 7 is expected; it is not a burn or infection
Sleep with your head elevated the first few nights to limit swelling
Pat, never scrub; let all flaking shed on its own
Plan to be off-camera and out of the sun for the full first week

What to avoid

Sun exposure — new skin will hyperpigment with even brief UV
Picking, scrubbing, or peeling the crust or flakes
Makeup until your provider clears it (usually day 7–10)
Retinol and acids for 4–6 weeks
Hot showers, saunas, and steam during healing

When to call your provider

Bleeding, severe blistering, or oozing that smells foul or turns thick yellow-green
Fever or spreading redness — possible infection
Cold sore symptoms — antivirals are often prescribed and may need adjusting
Dark or grey patches on healing skin, which can signal a deeper problem

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Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for my skin to ooze and crust after laser resurfacing?

Yes, for ablative lasers (CO2, deeper Fraxel). Days 1 to 3 weep clear or yellowish fluid; days 4 to 7 form a dark bronze crust. Both are normal healing, not infection — as long as there is no foul smell, thick green discharge, or fever. Keep the area moist and do not pick.

How long is laser resurfacing recovery?

Non-ablative lasers like Clear + Brilliant take 1 to 3 days. Ablative CO2 or deeper Fraxel takes 7 to 14 days of visible recovery, with pinkness fading over several weeks. Plan time off.

Why does my skin look worse before it looks better?

The dark, leathery crust that peaks around days 4 to 7 is the old, treated skin lifting off. It looks alarming but it is the necessary stage before fresh skin appears underneath.

This recovery guide is general education, not medical advice, and does not replace your provider's instructions. Healing varies by person and procedure — always follow the aftercare guidance from your own licensed provider and contact them with any concerns.