CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatments
A Deep Dive Into CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatments, a Derm Favorite For Acne Scars.
You may not be familiar with the name "CO2 laser," but in reality, it's one of the most popular and widely used lasers of all time—mostly because of its sheer versatility.
Anything you can think of—like scarring, sun spots, stretch marks and skin growths—the CO2 laser can treat it. Essentially, it's an ultra-effective treatment that's used to treat more dermal issues than I could possibly list while staying in my word count. And that's exactly why dermatologists, beauty lovers, and skincare pros are so obsessed with it—it's the true renaissance laser.
Below, read all about the CO2 laser's benefits, downsides, and more—and what makes it such a popular modality among dermatologists.
What Is a CO2 Laser Treatment?
"It's a carbon dioxide laser used for skin resurfacing," says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. "It vaporizes thin layers of skin, creating a controlled injury and as the skin heals, collagen is produced as part of the wound healing process."
The idea of a laser zapping your skin with light beams can certainly sound a bit jarring—but that's exactly what makes them so effective. CO2 lasers, in particular, are used to resurface skin using continuous light beams or short, pulsed light energy (aka, "ultra pulses"). It functions similarly to other exfoliating treatments like chemical peels and dermabrasion—the laser essentially helps remove outer layers of skin to reveal smoother, softer skin underneath.
Benefits of a CO2 Laser Treatment
The biggest selling point of a CO2 laser is that it's an ultra-reliable, effective, and trusted way to rejuvenate your skin's surface in a short amount of time. You'll actually see results—which nearly always outweigh the risks involved (though that's a conversation you should have with a dermatologist).
"The CO2 laser is designed to increase dermal collagen, minimize wrinkles, even out skin tone, and reduce facial scarring," says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. "Results are usually more dramatic compared to less powerful procedures with less downtime, and side effects of the CO2 laser are relatively minor and usually resolve within approximately ten days."
In addition to that, these lasers can be utilized to treat a wide range of skin concerns. "It has many uses," says Beverly Hills-based board certified dermatologist Dr. Tess Mauricio. "[Co2 Lasers] can perform impressive skin resurfacing to help improve sun damage, wrinkles, sagging of the skin, scars, stretch marks, remove benign skin growths, and is now being used for vaginal rejuvenation and treatment of incontinence." It can also treat things like warts and enlarged oil glands, and it's an incredible way to fight signs of aging. Basically, it's the laser that does it all.
Price : $599 ea time