One of the most common questions patients ask before any aesthetic procedure is: "How long until I recover, and when will I see results?" With subdermal laser treatment, the answer is encouraging — recovery is measured in days, not weeks, and results continue to improve for months after the procedure.
The First 72 Hours
The acute recovery phase lasts approximately three days. During this period, patients can expect mild to moderate swelling, some redness, and possible bruising at the treatment sites. These are normal responses to the controlled thermal energy delivered beneath the skin. Cold compresses applied for 10–15 minutes at a time can help manage swelling. Patients should avoid alcohol for the first 72 hours and rest as needed. Topical arnica gel or growth factor serums can be applied twice daily to support healing.
Days 3–10: Early Recovery
By day three, most swelling begins to subside noticeably. Bruising, if present, typically resolves within 7–10 days. Many patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work and social activities within 3–5 days. Compression garments may be recommended for body treatment areas during this phase. The skin may feel slightly firm or tight — this is a positive sign of the collagen contraction process already underway.
Weeks 2–4: Initial Results Emerge
As swelling fully resolves, patients begin to see the initial contour improvements. The immediate results come from two mechanisms: collagen fiber contraction from the thermal energy, and (for treatments using the 980nm wavelength) reduction in fat volume through thermal lipolysis. At this stage, the skin appears smoother and tighter, though the full results are still developing beneath the surface.
Months 1–6: Progressive Neocollagenesis
This is where subdermal laser treatment truly differentiates itself. The thermal stimulus triggers a robust wound healing response that stimulates fibroblasts to produce new type I and type III collagen. This process — called neocollagenesis — continues for 3 to 6 months after treatment. Published clinical studies have documented a 48.75% increase in dermis density and a 53.78% decrease in wrinkle volume during this remodeling phase (Nilforoushzadeh et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023). Patients often report that their results continue to improve well beyond the initial recovery period.
Long-Term Results: 2–5 Years
Unlike temporary treatments that require frequent maintenance sessions, subdermal laser tissue remodeling produces structural changes in the tissue. The new collagen and remodeled tissue architecture provide results that last 2–5 years. This durability is one of the key advantages of subdermal delivery — the energy reaches the tissue plane directly, creating actual tissue remodeling rather than surface-level effects.
Aftercare Best Practices
Following your provider's aftercare instructions is essential for optimal results. Key recommendations include: avoiding strenuous exercise for 1–2 weeks, wearing compression garments as directed (especially for body areas), protecting treated areas from direct sun exposure, staying well-hydrated, and attending all follow-up appointments. Your provider may recommend specific topical products to support the healing process.
Every patient's experience is unique, and individual results may vary. The timeline above represents typical outcomes based on published clinical data. Your provider will give you personalized guidance based on your specific treatment plan and anatomy.