Plan around three to four months, not weeks, before you judge a CO2 laser result. Two clinical sources set out the timeline.
The improvement window
DermNet says the results of fractional laser treatment are not immediate and are slowly progressive, with optimal improvement visible over a three to four month period.
The redness window
Cleveland Clinic says the redness in laser-treated sites generally fades in two to three months, but may take as long as six months to disappear.
Other pages on laser resurfacing
The AAD's page on skin conditions that lasers can treat and the ASPS pages on laser skin resurfacing and on skin resurfacing techniques for facial rejuvenation cover the procedure. For photoaged skin, a PMC study of radiofrequency microneedling combined with a thulium laser is a related read.
Before you act
Ask the provider to put the follow-up visits on the calendar for months three and four, so you review your result at the right time.