What is the downtime after OPUS Plasma?

Expect 24 to 72 hours of redness and mild swelling, similar to a sunburn, followed by a few days of light flaking. It is a fraction of the recovery of a traditional CO2 laser.

OPUS Plasma is a fractional resurfacing treatment that pairs plasma energy with radiofrequency. It creates controlled micro-injuries on the surface while delivering heat deeper into the skin, prompting collagen renewal that improves texture, fine lines, pores, and mild laxity.

The downtime is its main selling point against older resurfacing. Most people have redness and slight swelling that peaks in the first day and settles within 24 to 72 hours. Over the following days the skin may feel dry, rough like fine sandpaper, and flake lightly as it renews. By comparison, a traditional CO2 laser often requires a week to two weeks of visible recovery.

Because its intensity is adjustable, OPUS is also considered safer than aggressive CO2 for a broader range of skin tones, with less risk of post-treatment pigment changes, though careful settings and pre-treatment still matter for darker skin.

Aftercare is simple and strict: keep skin hydrated, do not pick the flaking, and protect from the sun. A series of 3 to 4 sessions typically delivers the fullest result, with texture and firmness continuing to improve for weeks as collagen matures.

This is general information, not medical advice. Whether a treatment is right for you is determined by a licensed provider after an evaluation.