By Maddie, Master Esthetician and Owner, Bocaba Medical Spa
Your first CO2 laser appointment at Bocaba takes about 90 minutes from check-in to checkout. Most of that is numbing time. The laser part is usually 15–30 minutes. Afterward you'll feel like you have a strong sunburn for a few hours, and you'll heal over the next 3–10 days depending on which treatment you chose.
If you're nervous, that's normal. Most people are, and almost all of them tell me afterward it was easier than they expected. Here's the whole process, start to finish.
Step 1: The consultation
Before anything gets booked, we sit down and look at your skin together. I'll ask what bothers you most, what your schedule looks like, and a few health questions. Then I'll recommend Mini CoolPeel, CoolPeel, or DEKA Peel based on your goals and how much downtime you can take.
This is also where we make sure CO2 is safe for you. A recent tan, certain medications, or a history of cold sores can change the plan.
Step 2: The two weeks before
Stay out of the sun and skip self-tanner. Tanned skin is more likely to react.
Pause retinol and exfoliating acids about a week before. We'll give you exact timing.
Cold sores? Tell us. Mistie can prescribe an antiviral to take before and after, since laser can trigger a flare.
Plan your downtime. Clear your calendar and stock up on the aftercare we recommend.
Step 3: Treatment day
Come with a clean face, no makeup. We cleanse your skin and apply numbing cream, then you relax for about 45–60 minutes while it sets in.
During the treatment you'll wear protective eyewear and hear a soft clicking from the laser. Most people describe the feeling as warm prickling, like little rubber band snaps. We have a cooling device on hand, and we check in with you the whole time.
When we're done, we apply a soothing balm and send you home with detailed aftercare instructions.
Step 4: The first few hours
Your skin will feel hot and tight, like a sunburn. This peaks in the first few hours and then calms down. A cool compress (not ice directly on the skin) and a quiet evening at home help a lot.
Step 5: Healing
Mini CoolPeel: 3–5 days. Pink, dry, light flaking.
CoolPeel: 5–7 days. Redness, a bronzed look, then flaking.
DEKA Peel: 7–10 days. Redness, swelling, then peeling.
The most important rules while you heal: keep your skin moisturized, don't pick, wear sunscreen once we clear you to, and don't use active products until we tell you. Picking is the number one way people slow their own healing.
Step 6: Results
Once the old skin sheds, you'll notice brighter, smoother skin right away. That's the first win. The second win comes over the next 3–6 months, as new collagen builds and your skin keeps tightening and refining. Many clients say month three is when friends start asking what they've been doing.
Why Bocaba
We're a medical spa in Sandy, close to Draper, South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, and Holladay. Our CO2 laser is the DEKA SmartXide Tetra, and your treatment is overseen by our medical director, Mistie Sue Manning, NP. Every plan is built around your skin.
We're open Monday through Friday, 10am–6pm, and Saturdays, 10am–2pm.
FAQ
What's the best time of year for CO2 laser in Utah?
Fall and winter. There's less sun, which makes healing easier and safer.
Can I wear makeup after?
Not until your skin has finished peeling. Usually that's 5–7 days for CoolPeel, and sooner for Mini CoolPeel.
How much does CO2 laser cost at Bocaba?
Mini CoolPeel is $425, CoolPeel is $950, and DEKA Peel is $1,800.
Ready for your first CO2 treatment? Book your consultation at Bocaba in Sandy.
