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CO2 Laser

Non-invasive solution

When your skin no longer reflects how youthful and vibrant you feel, the effects can be more than just cosmetic. Deep wrinkles, etched-in lines, stubborn scars, and sun-damaged texture can signal a disconnect between your outer appearance and your inner vitality. CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most advanced treatments available to dramatically improve these deeper signs of aging and restore the skin’s smoothness, firmness, and radiance.

At Victoria Park Medispa, our CO2 laser treatment is tailored by experienced professionals who understand the complexity of your skin and the emotional weight of wanting to look refreshed. This is more than just resurfacing, it’s about renewal on every level.

CO2 laser resurfacing is a powerful, medical-grade treatment that removes damaged layers of skin while activating collagen production deep within the dermis. It is ideal for treating significant skin concerns such as deep wrinkles, pronounced texture, acne or surgical scars, and pigmentation irregularities. The treatment vaporizes targeted tissue through precise bursts of laser energy, leading to controlled wound healing that replaces aged or damaged skin with new, healthier cells. At Victoria Park Medispa, we use the CO2RE laser system, which allows for customizable depth and intensity, offering both superficial and deep resurfacing in a single session.
What is CO2 Laser?

CO2 laser resurfacing is a powerful, medical-grade treatment that removes damaged layers of skin while activating collagen production deep within the dermis. It is ideal for treating significant skin concerns such as deep wrinkles, pronounced texture, acne or surgical scars, and pigmentation irregularities. The treatment vaporizes targeted tissue through precise bursts of laser energy, leading to controlled wound healing that replaces aged or damaged skin with new, healthier cells.

At Victoria Park Medispa, we use the CO2RE laser system, which allows for customizable depth and intensity, offering both superficial and deep resurfacing in a single session.

Technology

The CO2 laser operates at a wavelength of 10,600 nanometers, which is highly absorbed by water, a major component of skin cells. When the laser energy contacts the skin, it instantly vaporizes the water in the targeted tissue, effectively removing micro-columns of damaged skin. This process is known as ablation.

Simultaneously, the thermal effect of the laser heats surrounding tissue, which activates the skin’s natural healing cascade. This stimulates fibroblasts to generate new collagen and elastin fibers, rebuilding the skin’s structural integrity over time.

The CO2RE system uses fractional technology, meaning only a fraction of the skin’s surface is treated in a single pass, leaving surrounding tissue intact. This facilitates faster healing and significantly reduces downtime compared to traditional fully ablative lasers, while still delivering transformative results.

The dual action of this technology, deep dermal stimulation and precise epidermal ablation, makes CO2 laser resurfacing uniquely suited for clients seeking dramatic improvement in skin tone, texture, and firmness.

CO2 Laser Treatment

BEFORE THE TREATMENT

Preparation begins weeks before your appointment. You must avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least four weeks and discontinue active skincare ingredients like retinols, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone for 5 to 7 days prior. A brightening or pigment-suppressing cream may be prescribed two to four weeks in advance to minimize post-treatment pigmentation risks.

You may also be advised to take an antiviral medication as a preventive measure, especially if you have a history of cold sores. Arrive at your appointment with clean, product-free skin and prepare your home with clean linens and post-care supplies, including a gentle cleanser, healing ointment, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

DURING THE TREATMENT

The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia, and in some cases, oral or local anesthetics may be used for enhanced comfort. The session lasts 30 to 90 minutes depending on the area treated and intensity of resurfacing. You may feel heat or a mild stinging sensation as the laser passes over your skin, which is normal and well-tolerated.

Our providers precisely calibrate the laser to your skin type, concern, and desired outcome to ensure both safety and efficacy.

After THE TREATMENT

Immediately following treatment, your skin will appear red and swollen with a sunburn-like sensation that may last up to several days. Over the next 5 to 7 days, the skin will bronze, tighten, and begin to flake or peel as new skin emerges. Deeper treatments may take up to 14 days for initial healing.

You will be instructed to perform vinegar soaks and apply a medical-grade healing ointment multiple times daily to keep the skin hydrated and reduce infection risk. Makeup can typically be resumed after 7 days once re-epithelialization has occurred. Sun protection is essential during the healing period and beyond. Full collagen remodeling and optimal results will continue to develop over three to six months post-treatment.

FAQ

Got questions about the CO2 Laser? We’ve got your answers here

What conditions can CO2 laser resurfacing treat?

CO2 laser resurfacing is ideal for improving deep facial wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and mouth, as well as acne scars, surgical scars, and other texture changes caused by injury. It can also address uneven skin tone, roughness, pigmentation, sun damage, and age spots. In addition, this treatment is effective for reducing laxity and thinning skin related to collagen loss, and for treating actinic keratoses or other benign skin lesions. It is most suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV and is always performed under medical supervision to ensure safety and optimal results.

How much does CO2 laser cost?

The cost varies based on the area treated and the intensity of resurfacing. Most full-face treatments start around $1,815. A personalized quote will be provided during your consultation.

How long after CO2 laser will I see results?

Initial improvements in skin texture and tone are often visible within two weeks. Collagen remodeling continues over the next three to six months, leading to progressive skin tightening and refinement.

Does CO2 laser hurt?

A topical anesthetic may be applied to ensure comfort during the procedure. You may experience a warm or stinging sensation, similar to a sunburn, but the treatment is generally well tolerated.

Is one session of CO2 laser enough?

For many clients, a single session delivers significant improvement. In cases of deep scarring or wrinkles, a second session may be recommended after 6 to 12 months.

What is the difference between CO2 laser and Fraxel?

CO2 is an ablative laser that removes layers of skin and requires more downtime, but offers dramatic results. Fraxel (non-ablative or less aggressive fractional lasers) typically requires multiple treatments with shorter recovery but milder results.

Are CO2 laser results permanent?

The treated skin cells are permanently improved, but the natural aging process continues. Ongoing skin care and protection are key to maintaining your results.

Can CO2 laser remove scars?

Yes. CO2 laser is particularly effective for acne scars, surgical scars, and injury-related texture issues by resurfacing and stimulating collagen in the scar tissue.

Can I do red light therapy after CO2 laser treatment?

Red light therapy may support healing but should only be introduced once the skin has re-epithelialized. Always follow your provider’s guidance.

Can I use niacinamide after CO2 laser?

Niacinamide can be reintroduced into your routine after the skin has fully healed, typically around 2 to 4 weeks. It helps support barrier repair and brightening.

Can you do CO2 laser on dark skin?

CO2 laser is generally safest on Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV. Darker skin tones may be better suited for treatments like HALO or RF microneedling. A consultation will determine your best option.

Does CO2 laser help with under-eye bags?

While CO2 laser can improve fine lines and skin laxity around the eyes, it does not reduce fat pads. For true under-eye bags, a surgical approach may be more appropriate.

Does CO2 laser reduce pore size?

Yes. The treatment can visibly refine and shrink enlarged pores through collagen remodeling.

Does CO2 laser remove facial hair?

No. CO2 laser does not permanently remove hair. In some cases, temporary hair loss may occur in treated areas, but this is not its intended purpose.

Does CO2 laser tighten jowls?

CO2 laser can modestly improve skin firmness in the lower face. For more significant lifting, Ultherapy or Morpheus8 may be recommended as complementary treatments.

Does CO2 laser tighten skin?

Yes. It stimulates deep collagen production, leading to gradual and noticeable skin tightening over several months.

How long after CO2 laser can I do microneedling?

Wait at least 6 weeks or until the skin is fully healed and evaluated by your provider before undergoing microneedling.

How long after CO2 laser can I exfoliate?

Avoid exfoliation until the skin has completely healed, typically around 2 to 3 weeks post-treatment. Gentle cleansing is advised in the meantime.

How long after CO2 laser can I use retinol?

Retinol should be paused for 3 to 4 weeks and only resumed once skin sensitivity has resolved, as advised by your provider.

How long after CO2 laser can I wear makeup?

Makeup can generally be worn after 7 days or once peeling has fully subsided and the skin barrier is restored.

How long does CO2 laser take to heal?

Initial healing occurs within 7 to 14 days. Full dermal healing and collagen remodeling continue for up to 3 months.

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