Leif Rogers

What Is CO2 Treatment?

CO2 skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to remove the outermost layer of skin, allowing the growth of new, healthy skin. The laser is used to create tiny holes in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response and stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and youthful appearance. The procedure can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including fine lines and wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone and texture.

Procedure

The procedure can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including fine lines and wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone and texture.

Recovery

The duration of the CO2 procedure can vary depending on the size and location of the treatment area. Generally, it takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete.

Anesthesia

For small areas, local anesthesia, which numbs only the treated area, may be used. This is typically administered as a cream or injection directly into the skin.

Leif Rogers

Schedule a Consultation

Contact us media Contact us media
Woman's side profile

Benefits of the CO2 Procedure

Patients seeking CO2 laser resurfacing in Beverly Hills and Pasadena can benefit from a treatment designed to address multiple visible signs of skin aging and damage. By removing damaged outer layers of skin and encouraging collagen production, CO2 resurfacing can help improve the overall tone, texture, and appearance of the skin while creating longer-lasting rejuvenation.

  • Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines
  • Improvement in skin texture and tone
  • Reduction in the appearance of scars
  • Decrease in sun damage
  • Increased skin elasticity
  • Long-lasting results

What Happens During CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Before your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, your skin and treatment goals will be evaluated so the appropriate laser settings and treatment approach can be determined. Depending on the area being treated and the intensity of resurfacing, a topical or local anesthetic may be used to keep you comfortable.

During treatment, the CO2 laser delivers controlled energy to the skin, removing damaged surface tissue while stimulating the body's natural healing response and collagen production. The treatment can be customized based on your concerns, whether you are looking to improve wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, uneven texture, or overall skin tone.

Treatment time varies depending on the size and number of areas being treated. Your provider will explain what to expect before your procedure and provide personalized instructions for caring for your skin afterward.

Is CO2 Resurfacing Right for You?

CO2 resurfacing in Beverly Hills and Pasadena is one of the more intensive laser treatments offered at Leif Rogers, MD. It may be a good option for patients looking to make more significant improvements in wrinkles, scarring, sun damage, and skin texture. Patients with milder concerns or those looking for less downtime may be better candidates for a lighter treatment.

During your consultation, your provider can compare CO2 resurfacing with other options and recommend the treatment that best fits your skin and goals. Depending on your concerns, alternatives may include:

  • Clear + Brilliant: A gentler fractional laser option for early signs of aging, uneven texture, and dullness with less downtime.
  • Microneedling: Uses controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen and improve texture, fine lines, and certain types of scarring.
  • RF microneedling: Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to address texture and skin firmness.
  • Other laser treatments: Different laser technologies may be better suited to pigmentation, redness, or other specific skin concerns.

When Will You See CO2 Resurfacing Results?

CO2 resurfacing results develop as the skin heals and new collagen is produced. As the treated skin recovers, patients can begin to notice improvements in texture, tone, and overall skin quality. Fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and sun damage may become less noticeable as the skin continues to remodel.

Your final results will depend on the intensity of treatment, the concerns being addressed, and how your skin responds during the healing process. Following your personalized aftercare instructions and protecting your skin from sun exposure are important parts of maintaining your results.

Background media

Who Qualifies for CO2 Resurfacing?

CO2 skin resurfacing is a procedure recommended for individuals who have visible signs of aging, sun damage, scarring, uneven skin texture or tone, or other skin imperfections they wish to improve.

Good candidates for CO2 skin resurfacing are generally those who have mild to moderate signs of aging or skin damage, are in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the healing process, and have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure and understand the potential risks and side effects. Individuals must be willing to follow the pre- and post-treatment care instructions provided by their healthcare provider. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as the safety of CO2 skin resurfacing during these times has not been established.

How to Prepare for CO2 Treatment?

Preparing for CO2 skin resurfacing is important to help ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some general guidelines to follow when preparing for the treatment:

  • Consultation with Dr. Leif Rogers
  • Avoid sun exposure
  • Stop smoking
  • Follow pre-treatment instructions
Banner media

CO2 Laser Resurfacing FAQ

How long do CO2 resurfacing results last?

CO2 resurfacing can produce long-lasting improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. While the results of treatment can persist for years, your skin will continue to age naturally and may develop new sun damage or other changes over time.

Does CO2 laser resurfacing help acne scars?

Yes. CO2 laser resurfacing can improve the appearance of certain types of acne scars by resurfacing damaged skin and stimulating collagen production. During your consultation, your skin and the severity of your scarring can be evaluated to determine whether CO2 resurfacing is an appropriate option.

Can CO2 laser resurfacing treat the neck and chest?

CO2 resurfacing may be used to address skin concerns beyond the face, depending on the treatment area and your individual needs. During your consultation, your provider can determine which areas can be safely treated and recommend the appropriate approach.

Can CO2 resurfacing be combined with other treatments?

Depending on your skin concerns and overall treatment plan, CO2 resurfacing may be incorporated into a broader skin rejuvenation strategy. Your provider can determine whether combining treatments is appropriate and how procedures should be scheduled to support safe healing.

What makes CO2 resurfacing different from other laser treatments?

CO2 resurfacing is a more intensive laser treatment that removes damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen production beneath the surface. It can provide more significant improvement for deeper wrinkles, scarring, and advanced texture concerns than lighter resurfacing treatments.

Is CO2 resurfacing appropriate for all skin types?

CO2 resurfacing is not automatically appropriate for every patient or skin type. Your skin tone, sensitivity, medical history, concerns, and healing considerations should all be evaluated before treatment so your provider can determine whether CO2 resurfacing is a suitable choice.

How soon can I repeat CO2 laser resurfacing?

The timing of any additional CO2 resurfacing treatment depends on how your skin heals, the intensity of your initial treatment, and your desired results. Your provider will evaluate your progress and determine whether and when another treatment may be appropriate.

Will CO2 resurfacing improve enlarged pores?

CO2 resurfacing may help improve the appearance of enlarged pores by resurfacing uneven skin and stimulating collagen remodeling. Whether it is the best option for your pores depends on your overall skin texture and other concerns.

Can CO2 resurfacing improve uneven skin pigmentation?

CO2 resurfacing can improve overall skin tone and address some forms of sun-related skin damage and uneven pigmentation. Your provider will evaluate the type and cause of pigmentation before recommending CO2 laser resurfacing or another technology.

How do I know if CO2 resurfacing is right for me?

The best way to determine whether CO2 resurfacing is right for you is through an individual consultation. Your provider can evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, review your medical history, and determine whether CO2 resurfacing or another skin rejuvenation treatment would provide the most appropriate approach.

Schedule a ConsultationLive a Life of Total Confidence

You deserve a look that you love. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your initial consultation.

Contact Us
Contact us media Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (310) 388-1851.
Contact Us