FAQs
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A CO2 Fractional Laser treatment creates microscopic channels in the skin while delivering thermal energy to the deeper dermis. The fractional effect leaves untouched skin between micro-channels to accelerate healing while the body creates new collagen to heal the micro-channels.
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Because CO2 lasers penetrate deeper than non-ablative or Erbium lasers, they are ideal for correcting more severe skin issues. Deep lines around the mouth, forehead, and eyes; pitted acne scars, surgical scars, and uneven texture; severe sun damage, age spots, and hyperpigmentation; mild/moderate skin sagging along the jawline, lower eyelids, and cheeks.
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We apply a strong topical numbing cream 60 minutes prior to your appointment to make the process more comfortable.
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CO2 Fractional Laser is a fully ablative treatment. You can expect 7 to 14 days of social downtime as the skin heals and rejuvenates itself.
Days 1–3: Redness, swelling, and oozing/pinpoint bleeding - reminiscent of a severe sunburn.
Days 4–7: Skin turns brown, tightens, and crusts/peels off.
Days 8–14: Fresh pink skin appears. Residual redness continues to gradually fade over the following 2 to 3 months as collagen rebuilds.
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CO2 lasers are best suited for light-to-medium skin tones. Darker skin tones carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or pigment loss. For darker skin types, non-ablative lasers are generally safer alternatives.
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For most patients, 1 to 2 sessions yield significant transformation. Less aggressive fractional settings may require a series of 2 to 3 milder treatments.
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Initial skin smoothing appears within weeks, with structural collagen synthesis continuing for 6 to 9 months. Final skin quality improvements typically last 3 to 5+ years, depending on sun protection habits and general skincare upkeep.
CO2 Fractional Laser
The CO2 Fractional Laser is an advanced skin resurfacing procedure that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) laser energy to address various skin concerns, with a highly specialized focus on acne scars and overall skin texture. Instead of treating the entire skin surface like traditional ablative lasers, fractional technology delivers energy in tiny, precise columns, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact. This "fractional" approach promotes a much faster healing process and significantly reduces downtime.
How Does the CO2 Fractional Laser Work?
This laser utilizes a sophisticated process to safely rejuvenate the skin from the inside out:
Targeted Micro-Injuries: The laser creates thousands of microscopic wounds deep into the skin's layers, which immediately jumpstarts the body’s natural healing cascade.
Collagen Stimulation: As a direct result of this healing response, the production of fresh collagen and elastin is stimulated, dramatically improving the skin's firmness, elasticity, and texture.
Removal of Damaged Tissue: The laser safely vaporizes the damaged outer layers of the skin, clearing away old collagen and stubborn scar tissue.
Accelerated Healing: Because the fractional delivery system leaves adjacent skin untouched, cells from these undamaged areas quickly migrate to repair the treated zones, drastically speeding up the overall recovery process.
What Are the Benefits for Acne Scars?
The CO2 Fractional Laser is widely considered a gold-standard treatment for repairing the lasting damage caused by acne:
Improved Scar Appearance: It is highly effective at treating various types of acne scars, including atrophic scars (depressed marks like ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars) as well as hypertrophic (raised) scars.
Reduced Scar Depth: Over the course of multiple sessions, the laser helps to actively "fill in" depressed scars by promoting thick, new collagen growth from beneath the surface.
Smoother Skin Texture: By rebuilding collagen and removing damaged outer tissue, the treatment significantly improves overall skin texture, making existing scars much less noticeable.
Enhanced Skin Tone: The laser also effectively reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the lingering dark or red discoloration often left behind by healed acne breakouts.
Long-Lasting Results: The cellular regeneration stimulated by the laser continues for several months post-treatment, leading to progressive, long-lasting improvements in the appearance of scars and overall skin health.
How much is a CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment?
$1000/treatment
