How Long Does Laser Resurfacing Last?

The old version of this article gave a simple “three to five years” answer. That is too definite. Laser resurfacing creates real change in treated skin. But different concerns age differently, and lasers do not all reach the same depth.

So, How Long Do Results Really Last?

After deeper resurfacing, improvement may stay visible for several years. The best long-term evidence is for CO₂ laser treatment.

A study of 301 patients who had one fractional CO₂ treatment found that improvement in sun-damaged facial skin stayed stable at 24 months. Another study followed 30 patients for 5 years after one fractional CO₂ treatment and found that photoaging scores were still significantly improved compared with baseline.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons takes a more practical approach: results can last for many years, but normal aging means wrinkles and expression lines will eventually recur.

How Long Do Fractional CO₂ Results Last?

Fractional CO₂ resurfacing creates microscopic columns of ablation and heat. This removes damaged surface tissue and triggers new collagen formation deeper in the skin.

The evidence supports lasting skin remodeling. A recent review found higher collagen protein levels for at least 6 months after ablative and fractional ablative laser treatment. Long-term clinical studies show visible benefit lasting much longer than that.

For photoaging and wrinkles, the improvement may remain noticeable for years, although some recurrence is expected. Older CO₂ studies found that dynamic wrinkles, especially around the mouth, tended to recur sooner than changes in less mobile areas such as the cheeks.

How Long Do Erbium Laser Results Last?

Er:YAG laser resurfacing also removes water-containing skin tissue and can stimulate remodeling, but it generally produces less surrounding thermal injury than CO₂ at comparable ablative use.

That can mean faster recovery. But depth and settings vary widely. Long-term Erbium data are less extensive than the CO₂ literature. One study of perioral Er:YAG resurfacing found significant wrinkle improvement with an average follow-up of about 13 months.

A lighter fractional Erbium treatment may need a series or earlier maintenance than a more aggressive ablative treatment. That is not a failure of the technology. It is the tradeoff between treatment intensity, downtime and degree of correction.

Longevity Depends on What You Treated

When Are Laser Resurfacing Results Final?

The answer is different from “when am I healed?”

Visible surface healing may occur within days to a few weeks depending on the laser and treatment intensity. Collagen remodeling continues after that. Many patients see progressive changes for several months, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that improvement can continue for up to a year.

For a detailed recovery timeline, see our laser resurfacing recovery guide. If you are specifically considering deeper CO₂ treatment, our CO₂ healing guide covers the early recovery period separately.

Do You Need Maintenance Treatments?

Not everyone needs treatment on a fixed schedule.

A deeper ablative treatment may give a large enough correction that a patient waits years before considering another resurfacing procedure. A lighter fractional treatment may be planned as a series from the beginning.

Maintenance should depend on your skin, your original goal and any new aging or sun damage. It should not follow an automatic yearly rule.

What Helps Results Last Longer?

The most important step is daily sun protection. UV exposure is one of the main drivers of photoaging, pigment change and collagen breakdown.

Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, avoid intentional tanning and use hats or shade when practical. A medically appropriate skin-care plan may also include a retinoid or other evidence-based products once the skin has fully healed.

The old article recommended antioxidant supplements, hydration and exercise to extend laser results. Those may support general health, but they are not proven ways to make resurfacing last longer. Sun protection and appropriate skin care have a much clearer relationship to ongoing photoaging.

Can You Repeat Laser Resurfacing?

Yes, when medically appropriate. Repeat treatment may be used to build on a partial result, address a different concern or treat new aging later.

Timing depends on the laser, treatment depth, healing response, skin type and goal. A provider should evaluate the skin before repeating an ablative treatment rather than relying on a fixed calendar.

CO₂ vs. Erbium: Which Lasts Longer?

It is tempting to say CO₂ always lasts longer, but that is too simple.

CO₂ usually creates more heat in the tissue and has stronger long-term evidence for deeper photoaging treatment. Erbium can also create meaningful and durable resurfacing, with less residual thermal damage and often faster recovery. But results depend heavily on treatment depth, density, number of passes and whether the procedure is fractional or fully ablative.

A deep Erbium treatment may be more intensive than a light fractional CO₂ treatment. The device name alone does not determine longevity.

Does a Longer-Lasting Treatment Cost More?

Often, deeper or larger-area resurfacing costs more because it takes more treatment time and requires more intensive care. But price alone does not tell you how durable a result will be.

For current CO₂ and Erbium pricing and what changes the total, see our laser resurfacing cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions