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Number 6 Cosmetic Dermatology

C. Laser & Energy Devices

Number 1 Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care
Number 1 Medical Dermatology
(Chronic & Inflammatory Skin Diseases)
Number 3 Pigment & Lesion Disorders
Number 4 Non-Cancer Growth
Number 5 Surgical Dermatology (Non-Cancer Procedures)
Number 6 Cosmetic Dermatology
A. Anti-wrinkle Injections
B. Dermal Fillers
  1. RHA Redensity — Fine Lines & Skin Refinement
  2. RHA 2 — Moderate Wrinkles & Smile Lines
  3. RHA 3 — Deeper Wrinkles & Lip Enhancement
  4. RHA 4 — Deep Folds, Volume & Facial Contouring
C. Laser & Energy Devices
D. Cosmetic Pigment Correction
CO2 Laser Treatment PDF

• CO2 Laser Treatment

(Advanced laser resurfacing for wrinkles, scars, and significant sun damage)

What Is CO₂ Laser Treatment?

CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser treatment is a powerful skin-resurfacing procedure that removes damaged outer skin layers while stimulating deep collagen remodeling. It is considered one of the most effective laser treatments for improving skin texture, wrinkles, scars, and advanced sun damage.

CO₂ laser is often chosen when patients want more dramatic results than lighter treatments can provide.

What Does CO₂ Laser Treat?

CO₂ laser resurfacing may be used to improve:

  • Deep wrinkles (especially around the mouth and eyes)

  • Acne scars and surgical scars

  • Uneven skin texture

  • Severe sun damage

  • Enlarged pores

  • Benign growths (selected cases)

  • Overall skin firmness and tone

Your dermatologist will determine whether full-field or fractional CO₂ laser is best for your skin and goals.

How CO₂ Laser Works

  • The laser precisely removes damaged skin layers

  • Heat energy reaches deeper skin layers to trigger collagen production

  • New, healthier skin forms during healing

  • Results continue to improve over months, not days

Because CO₂ laser is more intensive, it requires more downtime than many other laser treatments—but often provides long-lasting, visible improvement.

What to Expect During Treatment

CO₂ laser is performed in the office or procedure suite.

During your visit:

  1. Skin is cleansed and prepped

  2. Strong topical numbing and/or local anesthesia is used (sometimes oral medication is added)

  3. Laser treatment is delivered in a controlled, precise pattern

  4. Cooling ointment and protective dressings are applied

Treatment time varies but often takes 45–90 minutes, depending on the area treated.

Healing Timeline (General)

  • Days 1–7: redness, swelling, oozing, and crusting

  • Days 7–14: skin begins to heal and re-epithelialize

  • Weeks 3–6: redness gradually fades

  • Months 2–6: collagen remodeling and continued skin improvement

Exact recovery varies based on treatment depth and individual healing.

Who Is a Good Candidate for CO₂ Laser?

CO₂ laser may be appropriate if you:

  • Have moderate to severe wrinkles or scars

  • Want significant improvement in texture and tone

  • Can commit to downtime and aftercare

  • Can avoid sun exposure during recovery

It may not be appropriate if you:

  • Have active infection or inflammation

  • Are unable to tolerate downtime

  • Have certain medical conditions that impair healing

Your dermatologist will carefully assess whether CO₂ laser is right for you.

Pre-Op Instructions (Before CO₂ Laser)

4 weeks before treatment

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanner)

  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily

  • Stop smoking if possible (smoking slows healing)

1–2 weeks before

  • Stop retinoids, exfoliating acids, and harsh skincare (unless directed otherwise)

  • Tell us if you:

    • Have a history of cold sores (preventive antiviral medication is often prescribed)

    • Are prone to dark marks (PIH)

    • Have keloid scars or poor wound healing

    • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

    • Have active skin infections or rashes

Day of treatment

  • Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotions, or sunscreen)

  • Arrange time off work and social activities for healing

  • Plan transportation if sedation or oral medication is used

Post-Op Instructions (After CO₂ Laser)

What’s normal

  • Redness, swelling, and oozing in the first few days

  • Crusting or peeling as skin heals

  • Tightness, warmth, and sensitivity

  • Pink or red skin that gradually fades over weeks

Aftercare essentials

  • Cleanse gently as instructed (often multiple times daily early on)

  • Apply prescribed ointments to keep skin moist and protected

  • Do not pick or scrub

  • Avoid heat, exercise, and sweating during early healing

  • Strict sun avoidance and protection are critical

Makeup

  • Makeup is usually allowed after full skin healing, timing varies by treatment depth

Call the office immediately if

  • You develop increasing pain, pus, fever, or spreading redness

  • Blisters or ulcers form

  • Redness worsens instead of improving

  • You notice darkening of skin beyond expected healing

Frequently Ashked Questions

Is CO₂ laser painful?

Comfort measures are used, including numbing medication. Most patients describe pressure and heat rather than sharp pain.

Downtime is typically 1–2 weeks, with lingering redness that fades gradually over several weeks.

Results can last years, especially with good sun protection and skincare. Aging continues, but skin quality is often significantly improved.

CO₂ laser is more aggressive and provides more dramatic results but requires more downtime. Fractional lasers offer improvement with less recovery. We help you choose the best option.

Yes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur, especially in pigment-prone skin. Careful planning and strict aftercare reduce this risk.

Yes—often combined with neuromodulators, fillers, or medical-grade skincare. Timing is important and will be guided by your provider.

CO₂ laser resurfacing is typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.