CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

To prepare for a CO2 laser treatment, it is essential that the skin not be tanned. Discontinue Accutane 6+ months prior. Darker skin types are not candidates for CO2. No topical retinol 7 days prior. If you have a tendency for keloids or thick scar formation, CO2 is not a good treatment. Do not use medications that cause photosensitivity such as doxycycline or minocycline for at least 72 hours prior. If you have a history of cold sores, start antiviral medication 2 days prior. Avoid other skin resurfacing or chemical peels 4-6 weeks prior.

Downtime is a normal and necessary part of the healing process. Redness, swelling, mild peeling, and light crusting are common. Many clients experience 4–5 days of moderate swelling and mild oozing, followed by gradual flaking as fresh, renewed skin emerges.

While the laser portion of your treatment typically takes about 60 minutes, we schedule a full two‑hour appointment to ensure you receive the most thorough, personalized care. This extra time allows us to deeply cleanse your skin, perform extractions if needed, and address all your questions and concerns before and after the procedure. We’ll also walk you through your post‑care instructions so you feel confident and prepared for every stage of your healing.

Most clients experience 6–7 days of visible downtime, with residual redness lasting 1–2 weeks depending on treatment depth and individual healing response. For the first month, your skin will be especially sensitive to sunlight and must be protected:

• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors
• Apply and reapply a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen (SPF 50+) every 1–2 hours

Strict sun protection is critical to protect your results and reduce the risk of complications.

Once the initial healing phase (about 7–14 days) is complete, you’ll notice clearer, smoother, more even-toned skin. Collagen remodeling continues for 3–6 months, meaning your results improve over time and can last for years with proper skincare and consistent sun protection.

Yes. For safety and best results, we require at least 8 weeks of pre-treatment skincare using medical-grade products recommended by your provider. This strengthens your skin, reduces risks, and optimizes healing.

Preparation is key to both safety and results. To ensure the best outcome:

• Your skin must not be tanned.
• Discontinue Accutane® at least 6 months prior.
• Stop topical retinol 7 days before treatment.
• Avoid medications that cause photosensitivity (like doxycycline or minocycline) for at least 72 hours prior.
• If you have a history of cold sores, start antiviral medication 2 days before your procedure.
• Do not undergo other resurfacing or chemical peels within 4–6 weeks of treatment.

Important: CO2 laser resurfacing is not suitable for all clients. Those with darker skin tones, a history of keloid or thick scar formation, or certain medical conditions may not be candidates. Your provider will carefully assess your skin during consultation to ensure this treatment is safe for you.

CO2 is best suited for fair to medium skin tones. Clients with deeper skin tones may be at higher risk for pigmentation changes and are often better candidates for other treatments like MOXI®, BBL®, or RF Microneedling. During your consultation, we’ll carefully assess your skin and recommend the safest option for you.

With proper sun protection and skincare, results can last for years. Many clients maintain their results with lighter treatments (like MOXI® or BBL®) or yearly touch-ups.

• CoolPeel® uses the same CO2 technology but at lighter settings, making it great for minimal downtime resurfacing.
• HALO® is a hybrid laser that combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths for customizable resurfacing with moderate downtime.
• CO2 Laser Resurfacing is the most intensive, offering the deepest correction and most dramatic results, with a longer healing period.