Recovery, Realistically: What to Expect After an Aesthetic Procedure

Recovery is a range, not a date

Downtime varies enormously by procedure. Injectable treatments such as neuromodulators and most dermal fillers involve little to no downtime — some swelling or bruising at injection sites that typically settles within days.

Resurfacing is different. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons puts healing after CO₂ laser resurfacing at generally up to two weeks, and after erbium resurfacing at about one full week. Surgical procedures have their own timelines, discussed individually at consultation.

Your own healing also depends on your skin, your health, and how closely you follow aftercare.

The first few days set the tone

Immediately after resurfacing, the treated area will typically peel as new skin forms. Cool compresses in the first day or two help with swelling, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated reduces puffiness overnight.

For roughly the first three days, avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, and heavy sweating — all of which raise the risk of irritation and infection in healing skin. Smoking complicates healing at every stage and is worth stopping well before any procedure.

Pinkness outlasts the downtime

This is the part most people aren't told. Once the skin has healed, the new surface is usually pink, and that pinkness gradually lightens over about two to three months. In some cases it can take up to a year to fade completely, and it tends to persist longer in fair-skinned, blonde, and red-haired patients.

This is normal, expected, and manageable — a green-based, oil-free makeup can neutralize the tone once your physician clears you to wear it.

Plan the procedure around your calendar, not the reverse

Schedule resurfacing well before — or comfortably after — weddings, holidays, and anything that puts you outdoors for long stretches. Healing skin and sun exposure are a poor combination, and rushing recovery to meet a date is the most common source of disappointment.

If you have an event in mind, tell us at consultation. It often changes which treatment we recommend.

When to pick up the phone

Mild redness, swelling, and peeling are part of normal healing. Contact us promptly if you notice:

• Redness or swelling that increases rather than improves
• Any sign of infection — warmth, spreading redness, discharge, fever
• Pain that worsens instead of easing
• Anything that simply doesn't feel right to you