Downtime depends entirely on the type of laser treatment you choose. Non-ablative laser resurfacing typically requires little to no downtime—you might have some redness for a day or two, similar to a mild sunburn.
Ablative treatments like CO2 laser resurfacing require more recovery time, usually 5-10 days. During this period, your skin will peel and regenerate, revealing fresher skin underneath. Most clients can return to work after a week, though you’ll want to avoid intense sun exposure and follow specific aftercare instructions.
The key is choosing the right treatment for your lifestyle. If you have important meetings or events coming up, non-ablative options might be better. If you can plan around a week of recovery, ablative treatments often provide more dramatic, long-lasting results.