How Painful Is a CO2 Laser? A Realistic Guide to What You’ll Feel

Key Takeaways

• CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a powerful resurfacing treatment for wrinkles, sun damage, and skin laxity. 
• The pain level varies depending on skin type, area of skin treated, and the intensity of the treatment. 
• Most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort that subsides in the days following the procedure. 
• Knowing what to expect during CO2 laser treatment helps you prepare mentally and physically. 
• Proper post-treatment care for your skin ensures smoother healing and better long-term results.

Understanding CO2 Laser Treatment and Why It Causes Sensation

CO2 laser resurfacing targets fine lines, uneven tone, and sun damage by using focused light to remove tiny layers of skin and stimulate collagen renewal.

As an ablative treatment, it removes the outer skin layer, creating brief flashes of heat or light snapping sensations, stronger than gentler options like Fraxel or peels but with more dramatic results.

Clinics apply numbing cream and cooling air for comfort, and a full-face session lasts about an hour. Afterwards, the skin feels warm, like a mild sunburn, as healing begins.

What Happens During a CO2 Laser Session

During a CO2 laser session, your practitioner begins by cleansing the skin and applying a numbing cream for comfort. The laser then emits short, controlled pulses that remove damaged surface layers and stimulate collagen production deep within the skin.

You may feel quick, warm pulses or light tingling as the laser moves across the area, but discomfort is usually mild and short-lived. A full-face treatment typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the coverage area. 

According to StatPearls, CO2 laser resurfacing works by vaporising thin layers of skin to stimulate collagen renewal, a process that naturally produces mild heat sensations during treatment.

Afterward, your skin will feel warm, much like a mild sunburn, as the healing process begins. This sensation is normal and fades over the next few days. 

How Deep Skin Resurfacing Triggers Temporary Discomfort

The depth and intensity of CO2 laser treatment influence how it feels. Treating deep wrinkles with CO2 laser involves targeting the deeper dermal layers where collagen production occurs, allowing the skin to rebuild its structure from within. 

When addressing deeper lines or delicate areas like the eyelids, the laser penetrates further into the dermis to remodell collagen and smooth age-related creases.

This deeper action makes the treatment highly effective for wrinkles, sun damage, and skin laxity, though sensations may be slightly stronger than lighter procedures.

Thanks to modern devices with adjustable energy levels, the process is far more comfortable today. Any tightness or mild stinging afterward is temporary and typically resolves within a few days as new skin forms.

Why CO2 Laser Feels Different from Other Skin Treatments

CO2 laser resurfacing differs from non-ablative treatments such as Fraxel, Erbium, or chemical peels because it physically removes damaged outer skin layers. This makes sensations more noticeable but also delivers deeper rejuvenation and longer-lasting results.

Fractional CO2 laser technology balances intensity and comfort by treating tiny sections of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing. Although the treatment feels slightly stronger, the outcome, firmer, smoother, more radiant skin, usually far outweighs the brief discomfort.

How Painful Is a CO2 Laser Treatment Really?

The sensation during CO2 laser resurfacing is often described as mild to moderate, depending on individual tolerance, area of skin, and type of laser used. In modern laser clinics, numbing creams, local anaesthesia, and cooling air are applied throughout the procedure to keep you comfortable.

While some patients with darker skin or sensitive complexions may experience a bit more heat or tightness, these effects are normal for the skin in the treated area and typically fade within a few days.

What Patients Commonly Report During and After Treatment

Most people describe the sensation as a series of warm, snapping pulses, similar to a rubber band lightly flicking the skin. Areas with thinner or more sensitive skin, such as the eyelid skin, neck, or around the mouth, can feel more intense.

After the session, it’s normal for the skin to feel warm, tight, or slightly tender, much like mild sunburn. The skin is still healing beneath the surface, even when redness subsides. Within the days following the procedure, most people notice mild peeling as new skin develops.

Following your laser skin resurfacing session, caring for your skin properly, using gentle cleansers, hydrating skin care products, and SPF, is essential for maintaining comfort and ensuring the best healing outcome.

Factors That Affect Pain Sensitivity (Area, Depth, and Device Type)

Your pain experience during CO2 laser treatment depends on several factors:

• Treatment area: Regions like the eyes, neck, or lips contain more nerve endings and are naturally more sensitive.
• Depth of resurfacing: Deeper ablative CO2 laser passes or extensive resurfacing sessions create stronger sensations as the laser penetrates deeper layers of the skin.
• Device type: Modern fractional CO2 laser systems or CO2 laser fractional devices use controlled beams that reduce heat spread, minimising discomfort.

Your practitioner may also adjust the laser settings based on your skin type, comfort level, and specific skin issues being treated, such as pigmentation, wrinkles, or early skin cancer removal.

Pain Scale: What Most Patients Rate CO2 Laser Sensation As

Clinical data show that average pain ratings during CO2 laser resurfacing range between 4 and 7 on a 10-point scale, with active cooling reducing discomfort by nearly half.

While mild discomfort is common, the procedure is typically well-tolerated thanks to topical anaesthetics, cooling technology, and careful laser settings.

After following laser resurfacing, any residual stinging or tightness usually fades within a few days, replaced by smoother, firmer, and healthier skin.

Even if the resurfacing feels intense in the moment, patients overwhelmingly find the rejuvenating outcome, brighter tone, refined texture, and lasting collagen renewal well worth the brief discomfort.

Pain Levels Compared: CO2 Laser vs. Other Skin Treatments

CO2 laser resurfacing is more intense than most skin treatments because it penetrates deeper into the skin. While you’ll feel stronger heat sensations, modern lasers use numbing creams and cooling systems to make the process much more comfortable than older CO2 technologies.

If you’re comparing options at a laser clinic, understanding how each treatment feels helps you choose what best suits your comfort level and goals.

CO2 Laser vs. Fractional Laser: Which Feels More Intense?

The CO2 laser creates a deeper, more intense sensation because it’s an ablative treatment that removes the outer skin layer and penetrates the dermis, ideal for deep wrinkles, sun damage, and skin laxity.

By contrast, fractional CO2 and Fraxel lasers are gentler, treating tiny zones while leaving nearby tissue intact for faster healing and milder sensations.

Patients describe traditional CO2 as brief but intense heat, while a fractional laser feels like light warmth or snapping. Randomised controlled trials confirm that fractional CO2 lasers produce significantly lower pain scores than traditional ablative systems while maintaining collagen-stimulating effects.

For full-face rejuvenation, traditional CO2 offers dramatic results; for quicker recovery, fractional CO2 provides a comfortable middle ground.

CO2 Laser vs. RF Microneedling: Which Is More Comfortable?

RF microneedling uses fine needles and radiofrequency energy to heat deeper skin layers and boost collagen without removing the surface. Because it’s non-ablative, most patients find it much more comfortable than CO2 laser resurfacing.

Both treatments rejuvenate the skin, but CO2 laser produces a stronger warmth as it vaporises damaged cells, while RF microneedling feels like light pressure or tiny pinpricks.

Some clinics combine both, microneedling first to stimulate collagen, followed by fractional CO2 or Erbium laser passes to refine texture. This hybrid approach enhances results while keeping discomfort low.

CO2 Laser vs. Chemical Peels and Traditional Microneedling

When comparing CO2 laser skin resurfacing to chemical peels or traditional microneedling, the difference in intensity of the treatment is immediately noticeable.

• Chemical peels exfoliate the outer layer of skin using acids to remove dead cells, causing a tingling or mild burning sensation but no significant heat.
• Traditional microneedling uses fine needles to stimulate collagen and is often described as light scratching or pricking.
• When evaluating CO2 laser resurfacing outcomes, the treatment consistently delivers more significant and long-lasting improvements in skin tone, texture, and firmness compared to surface-level procedures.

Because the laser penetrates deeper into the dermis, it stimulates collagen remodelling and cellular renewal, addressing not just superficial concerns but also deeper wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage.

That said, the benefits of your treatment, firmer texture, smoother skin, and a brighter tone, far outweigh the short-lived sensations felt during the CO2 laser resurfacing procedure.

For those seeking transformative results for sun damage and skin laxity, CO2 or Erbium laser resurfacing remains the gold standard.

How It Feels Compared to Chemical Peels or Microneedling

During a CO2 laser session, you’ll feel brief bursts of heat or tingling as the laser targets deeper layers of skin, stronger than the mild stinging of chemical peels or light pressure of microneedling.

Because the CO2 laser works below the surface, sensations are more intense but short-lived. After treatment, the skin feels warm, tight, and slightly flushed, like a mild sunburn, as collagen renewal begins.

Within a few days, this warmth subsides as new, healthy skin appears, leaving your complexion noticeably smoother and more radiant. With proper aftercare, any temporary redness or sensitivity fades quickly, revealing the full rejuvenating effects.

Pain Management During CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Effective pain management is essential for a comfortable and confident CO2 laser resurfacing experience. Research suggests that CO2 laser parameters can directly affect nociceptor responses, influencing how pain is perceived during treatment.

Skilled practitioners assess your pain tolerance, treatment area, and laser depth before beginning. They tailor numbing techniques, whether topical anaesthetics, cooling air, or local anaesthesia, for optimal relief.

With the right preparation, most patients can fully focus on the benefits of smoother, renewed skin rather than the sensations during treatment.

Topical Numbing, Local Anaesthesia, and Cooling Techniques

Modern CO2 laser resurfacing procedures incorporate several comfort-focused options designed to minimise discomfort while preserving treatment precision:

• Topical numbing creams: Applied to the surface of the skin before the session, these creams significantly reduce sensation, especially for fractional CO2 laser or lighter passes.
• Local anaesthesia: For more intensive or extensive resurfacing sessions, local injections can numb specific areas of skin, making the experience more comfortable.
• Cooling techniques: During the laser resurfacing treatment, practitioners often use cooling air devices or cold compresses to offset the heat from the laser and soothe the treated skin immediately following the procedure.

Together, these methods allow patients to tolerate even advanced ablative CO2 laser treatments with minimal discomfort, whether the goal is to treat deep wrinkles, sun damage, or skin laxity.

What Practitioners Do to Minimise Discomfort

Throughout your CO2 laser resurfacing procedure, your practitioner continuously monitors how you feel, making real-time adjustments to the laser settings or anaesthetic strength to maintain comfort.

• Practitioners at leading laser clinics like the Institute of Medical Physics check in frequently, particularly during full-face treatments or when working on sensitive areas like the eyelids or around the mouth.
• They may adjust cooling intensity or pause briefly if the skin feels overly warm.
• In some cases, a topical anaesthetic is reapplied mid-session for ongoing relief.

This personalised approach ensures that the intensity of the treatment remains manageable while still allowing the laser energy to effectively reach the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and helping to tighten the skin during the healing process.

What You Can Request to Make the Procedure More Comfortable

You can take an active role in shaping your comfort during CO2 laser treatment by communicating openly with your practitioner. Before and during your session, feel free to request:

• Stronger topical numbing agents or extra cooling if your skin is sensitive. 
• Local anaesthesia for larger or high-sensitivity areas of skin, especially during ablative CO2 and Erbium laser sessions. 
• Short pauses throughout the procedure if the heat from the laser feels overwhelming. 

By advocating for yourself, you ensure the resurfacing treatment remains tolerable and well-managed, setting the stage for smoother recovery and optimal results as your skin underneath heals and renews.

What to Expect After CO2 Laser: Healing, Tightness, and Sensitivity

Following CO2 laser skin resurfacing, it’s normal for your treated skin to go through several stages of healing and transformation. 

During this period, your skin will feel warm, tight, and slightly swollen, similar to a sunburn. These sensations are healthy signs that your body’s healing process and collagen regeneration are underway.

Proper post-treatment care for your skin, including hydration, sun protection, and gentle cleansing, helps manage sensitivity and ensures your new skin emerges smoother and healthier in the days following the procedure.

Normal Sensations in the First 24–72 Hours

In the first few days following laser resurfacing, your skin will feel tight, tender, and warm as it begins to repair itself. The surface of the skin may appear red or flushed, and slight swelling is common. These sensations are temporary and reflect active collagen remodelling beneath the treated area of skin.

During this phase, your skin underneath is forming new cells, so it’s important to avoid touching or scratching the surface of the skin and to keep it well-moisturised with recommended skin care products. Using cool compresses can relieve warmth and reduce puffiness.

How Long Redness and Tenderness Typically Last

Redness typically lasts about 1 to 2 weeks after CO2 laser treatment, depending on your skin type and the depth of the resurfacing procedure. Tenderness or mild tightness may persist for up to two weeks as the healing process continues.

Patients who undergo fractional CO2 laser sessions usually recover faster, as only small areas of skin are treated at a time, leaving surrounding skin intact to speed up healing. 

During this phase, avoid direct sunlight and use only approved, fragrance-free skin care products to protect the delicate new skin barrier.

When Does the Skin Stop Feeling Sensitive After CO2 Laser?

While the visible redness often subsides within a week or two, deeper sensitivity may linger longer, especially after ablative laser resurfacing or full-face treatments. It’s perfectly normal for your skin to feel delicate or slightly tender for several weeks while collagen continues to rebuild beneath the surface of the skin.

By the third or fourth week, your skin underneath strengthens and begins to reveal a smoother texture and improved tone. Most patients notice that their skin will feel firmer and tighter, with a visible glow once full healing is achieved.

During this recovery period, diligent post-treatment care, such as using gentle cleansers, applying hydrating serums, and protecting your skin from UV exposure, will help maintain comfort and enhance the benefits of your treatment over time.

Tips to Reduce Pain and Support Recovery

After CO2 laser resurfacing, proper aftercare is essential for comfort and smooth healing. The treatment rejuvenates deeper skin layers, so following post-procedure care helps reduce discomfort and protect new skin.

Whether you’ve had a fractional CO2 or ablative CO2/Erbium session, focus on gentle skincare, hydration, and sun protection. Consistent aftercare supports faster recovery and leaves your skin feeling smoother, tighter, and more radiant in the days ahead.   

What to Do Immediately After Treatment for Maximum Comfort

The first few hours after CO2 laser resurfacing are critical for soothing the skin and supporting recovery. Expect warmth, tightness, and mild sensitivity, similar to a sunburn. To stay comfortable:

• Keep it cool: Apply cold compresses or chilled gauze to reduce swelling and heat. 
• Avoid touching: The skin is fragile, don’t rub, scratch, or apply heavy products. 
• Hydrate well: Drink plenty of water and use lightweight moisturisers as advised. 
• Stay clean: Sleep on a fresh pillowcase and avoid dusty or smoky spaces. 

These simple steps help stabilise your skin in the first 24 hours and make early recovery more comfortable.

Skincare, Cold Compresses, and Soothing Products

Proper skincare reduces discomfort and encourages healthy skin renewal as collagen forms beneath the surface. Follow these essentials:

• Gentle cleansing: Use mild, non-fragranced cleansers to keep skin clean and hydrated. 
• Cold compresses: Apply cool packs for 10–15 minutes a few times a day to calm redness. 
• Soothing ingredients: Choose aloe vera, chamomile, panthenol, or thermal sprays for relief. 
• Barrier repair creams: Apply healing ointments to lock in moisture and protect new skin. 
• Avoid actives: Skip retinoids, acids, or exfoliants for at least two weeks post-procedure. 

Your practitioner may also recommend medical-grade soothing products to promote faster recovery and comfort.

Lifestyle Habits That Help with Comfort and Healing

Your daily habits directly affect how quickly your skin heals after CO2 laser resurfacing. Support the process from within by following these guidelines:

• Stay hydrated: Keeps skin supple and aids repair.
• Eat nutrient-rich foods: Include antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E to boost collagen. 
• Protect from the sun: Avoid direct sunlight and wear SPF 30+ daily. 
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both slow oxygen flow and delay healing. 
• Rest and recover: Skip strenuous activity and get plenty of sleep. 
• Manage stress: Relaxation supports balanced inflammation and faster recovery. 

Consistent aftercare and healthy habits ensure calmer skin, quicker healing, and longer-lasting rejuvenation.

When CO2 Laser Pain May Be a Concern

Mild warmth and tightness are normal after CO2 laser resurfacing, but pain that worsens or lasts longer than a few days isn’t. Watch for swelling, redness, or discharge, which may signal infection or delayed healing. Complications after CO2 laser can arise if post-treatment care is not followed correctly, leading to prolonged discomfort or secondary infections.

If discomfort feels stronger than expected or new symptoms appear, contact your dermatologist promptly. Early care prevents complications and ensures a safe, smooth recovery.

Signs of Abnormal Discomfort or Infection

Clinical evidence also shows that CO2 laser treatment can modulate sensory pain and itch perception during wound healing in scar management settings. However, pain that intensifies or lasts beyond five days may indicate an issue. Be alert to these signs of abnormal discomfort or infection:

• Persistent or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with gentle cooling or prescribed medication. 
• Spreading redness or heat, especially beyond the treated area. 
• Thick yellow or green discharge, often accompanied by an unpleasant odour. 
• Fever, chills, or fatigue, suggesting the body is reacting to infection. 
• Dark scabbing, blistering, or crusting instead of gradual healing. 
• Sudden increase in sensitivity or itching, which may signal irritation or allergy. 

If any of these symptoms appear, it’s best to stop applying active skincare products and consult your practitioner before continuing your aftercare routine.

When to Contact Your Dermatologist or Laser Specialist

Your dermatologist or laser specialist should always be informed if post-treatment discomfort feels unusual or severe. Contact them promptly if you notice:

• Pain that worsens instead of improving after several days. 
• Redness or swelling that spreads rather than settles. 
• Pus, drainage, or any unpleasant odour. 
• Fever, chills, or a burning sensation in the treated area. 
• Patchy discolouration, dark spots, or unusual peeling patterns. 

A professional evaluation can determine whether it’s a normal inflammatory response or an infection requiring topical or oral medication. Most issues are easily managed if addressed early.

How to Tell Normal Healing Pain from a Complication

Distinguishing between expected soreness and a complication is key to proper aftercare. 

Normal healing typically feels like a mild sunburn, tight, warm, and slightly tender, but should steadily improve within a few days. Pain that feels deep, throbbing, or hot to the touch, however, can indicate an issue.

Duration:

• Normal Healing: Improves within 3–5 days.
• Possible Complication: Redness or irritation persists or worsens after 5–7 days.

Pain Type:

• Normal Healing: Mild discomfort similar to a light sunburn.
• Possible Complication: Sharp, throbbing, or burning pain may indicate irritation or infection.

Skin Condition:

• Normal Healing: Skin appears pink or slightly red.
• Possible Complication: Red, blistered, swollen, or oozing skin suggests inflammation or adverse reaction.

Discharge:

• Normal Healing: A small amount of clear fluid may be present.
• Possible Complication: Thick yellow or green pus can signal infection.

Temperature:

• Normal Healing: Area feels mildly warm to the touch.
• Possible Complication: Hot, painful skin or spreading heat requires medical attention.

If symptoms don’t align with normal healing or pain suddenly increases after initial improvement, contact your dermatologist immediately. Early care prevents scarring, pigment changes, and prolonged downtime.

Before You Go…

Choosing CO2 laser skin resurfacing starts with a thorough skin assessment and professional consultation. This powerful treatment can dramatically improve texture and tone, but results depend on both the practitioner’s expertise and your aftercare.

A qualified specialist will review your goals, skin type, and medical history to determine whether a full or fractional CO2 laser is right for you. With expert guidance and a personalised plan, you can achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin.

About the Institute of Medical Physics

The Institute of Medical Physics (IMP), founded by Dr. Emanuel Paleco, is a leading UK centre for advanced laser and aesthetic treatments. Based in King’s Cross with clinics across North London and Essex, IMP combines clinical precision with patient-focused care.

The clinic offers CO2 and Erbium laser resurfacing and other science-backed rejuvenation treatments, all tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Paleco to experience expert-led laser care that delivers natural, lasting results.

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