Treatment
CO2 Laser
Ablative laser for deep wrinkles and significant skin tightening. Most dramatic results with longer recovery.
During your visit
What to expect
Numbing cream and sometimes local anesthesia. The laser vaporizes outer skin layers and heats deeper tissue to stimulate collagen. Expect significant redness, oozing, and crusting for the first week.
After treatment
Results timeline
Initial healing in 1–2 weeks. Full results and collagen remodeling over 3–6 months.
Is it right for you?
Good candidates
Those with significant sun damage, deep wrinkles, or acne scars who can commit to 1–2 weeks of downtime. Best for fair skin.
Important notes
Considerations
Longest recovery of common laser treatments. Not for dark skin (high scarring risk). Avoid if pregnant, on Accutane, or have active infection.
Safety
Possible side effects
Redness, swelling, oozing, and crusting for 5–10 days. Risk of infection, scarring, or prolonged redness. Pigmentation changes possible.
Long-term care
Maintenance
Results can last 5–10+ years. Some do a lighter touch-up every few years.
Questions
Frequently asked
Plan for 1–2 weeks of visible healing. Most can return to light activity in a few days.
Fractional treats a fraction of skin (faster healing). Full-face is more aggressive with longer recovery.
Ready?
Take the next step
Start with a quick skin assessment or find board-certified dermatologists in your area.