What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most powerful and transformative treatments available in cosmetic dermatology. Using fractional carbon dioxide laser energy, this procedure targets the deeper layers of skin to stimulate significant collagen remodeling, dramatically improve skin texture, and address concerns that lighter treatments simply cannot reach.
During treatment, the CO2 laser creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, removing damaged tissue and triggering the body’s natural healing response. As the skin rebuilds, patients see meaningful improvements in fine lines and deep wrinkles, acne scarring, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores, and overall skin quality. The results are visible, long-lasting, and in many cases, life-changing.
The board-certified dermatologists at UnionDerm have performed countless CO2 laser resurfacing treatments and have presented on the procedure at leading dermatology conferences, studying the healing process, the impact of different settings and modalities, and how to achieve the best possible outcomes for each patient.
Who Is a Candidate?
An ideal candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing is someone in good overall health who is looking to address moderate to significant signs of skin aging, deep acne scars, sun damage, or uneven skin texture and tone. This treatment is particularly well-suited for patients who have not achieved the results they are looking for from lighter resurfacing options such as Clear + Brilliant or non-ablative Fraxel.
CO2 laser resurfacing may not be appropriate for patients who:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have active skin infections, cold sores, or open wounds in the treatment area
- Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- Have used isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past year
- Have darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types V and VI), as the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is higher; your physician will discuss whether CO2 is the right choice for your skin
To find out whether CO2 laser resurfacing is right for you, please schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists.
Why Choose UnionDerm for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments in aesthetic dermatology, and one of the most technique-dependent. Where you go and who performs your treatment matters enormously. Here is why UnionDerm is the right choice.
Three CO2 Devices, Tailored to You: Unlike practices that offer a single CO2 platform, UnionDerm has three distinct CO2 laser devices. This means your physician can select the technology that is best matched to your specific skin concerns, your skin type, and the results you are hoping to achieve, rather than fitting you into a one-size-fits-all approach.
Board-Certified Dermatologists Only: CO2 laser resurfacing is an intense, ablative procedure that requires clinical precision and expert judgment. At UnionDerm, every CO2 treatment is performed exclusively by our board-certified dermatologists, not by aestheticians or physician assistants. You can feel confident that you are in the most qualified hands possible from the moment treatment begins.
Unmatched Experience and Expertise: Our physicians have performed CO2 laser resurfacing treatments extensively and have presented on the procedure at top dermatology conferences, diving deep into the science of the healing process, optimal settings, and different modalities to encourage the best possible outcomes. This level of dedication to the craft is reflected in every treatment we perform.
Support Throughout Your Healing Journey: We know that the days and weeks after CO2 resurfacing require just as much care as the treatment itself. At UnionDerm, we offer additional devices and premium skincare, including Alastin Skincare, to support your skin as it heals. Our clinical team is readily available to answer your questions and address any concerns at every stage of your recovery. You will never feel like you are healing alone.
What Can I Expect with CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Healing and Downtime
CO2 laser resurfacing is a meaningful commitment, and we believe in setting honest expectations so you can plan accordingly and feel prepared every step of the way.
Immediately After Treatment
You will leave the office with treated areas bandaged. For full-face treatments, this means wearing a bandage mask home; we recommend bringing a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a scarf. The skin will appear red and raw, similar in feel to a significant sunburn. Swelling, oozing, and some bruising are all normal in the first 24 to 48 hours, and swelling around the eyes can be particularly pronounced.
The First Week
Plan to take approximately 3 to 7 days away from work. Some patients heal quickly and feel comfortable returning in as few as 3 days; others need the full 7 to 10 days before they are able to wear makeup. During this time, you will follow a detailed wound care routine that includes cool distilled water soaks every 4 to 6 hours and consistent application of Aquaphor healing ointment to keep the skin moist and minimize crusting. Keeping the skin hydrated is the single most important factor in how quickly and smoothly you heal.
Days 3 through 5 often bring visible peeling and skin shedding, which is a normal and expected part of the process. Resist the urge to pick — allowing the skin to slough off naturally protects your results and reduces the risk of scarring.
You will also be prescribed an antiviral medication and an antibiotic to take beginning on the day of your procedure. It is important to take all medications as directed.
Weeks 2 Through 4
Crusting generally resolves within the first week, but the skin may feel dry, tight, and itchy as it continues to repair itself. Redness can persist for up to a month or longer, depending on treatment depth and individual healing. During this phase, your skincare routine simplifies: a gentle cleanser, Alastin Nectar Cream, and daily SPF in the morning. Sunscreen is non-negotiable once your physician clears you to use it, as freshly resurfaced skin is significantly more vulnerable to UV damage.
General Guidelines During Recovery
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated on 2 to 3 pillows
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least the first two weeks
- Drink plenty of water and get as much rest as possible
- Do not pick, rub, or apply makeup until your physician gives approval
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure throughout the recovery period
- Call our clinical team at any time with questions or concerns
Your UnionDerm physician will schedule follow-up appointments at 48 hours, 5 days, and 3 months post-treatment to monitor your healing and results.
Our CO2 Devices
At UnionDerm, we offer three industry-leading CO2 laser platforms. During your consultation, your physician will recommend the device, or combination of approaches, that is best suited to your goals.
SecretPro
SecretPro by Cutera is an advanced dual-technology platform that combines fractional CO2 laser resurfacing with radiofrequency microneedling in a single device. This combination allows the physician to address surface texture, pigmentation, and fine lines with the CO2 component while simultaneously delivering radiofrequency energy deeper into the skin to stimulate collagen and improve laxity. The ability to layer these two modalities makes SecretPro an excellent option for patients seeking comprehensive rejuvenation in a single treatment session. SecretPro is particularly well-suited for improving skin tone and texture, fine lines, mild to moderate wrinkles, acne scars, and early signs of skin laxity.
Fraxel Re:Pair
Fraxel Re:Pair is the gold-standard fractional ablative CO2 laser and one of the most clinically studied resurfacing devices in dermatology. Unlike traditional ablative lasers that treat the entire skin surface, Fraxel Re:Pair uses fractional technology to treat thousands of microscopic columns of tissue while leaving the surrounding skin intact, accelerating healing while still delivering dramatic results. It is particularly effective for deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, acne scars, and advanced textural irregularities. The UnionDerm team has extensive experience with Fraxel Re:Pair and has studied its settings and outcomes in depth, including presenting their findings at leading dermatology conferences.
CO2RE
CO2RE by Syneron-Candela is a versatile fractional CO2 platform capable of treating multiple depths of the skin simultaneously, from the most superficial layers down to the deeper dermis. This flexibility allows the treating physician to customize each session with exceptional precision, targeting specific concerns at the depths where they originate. CO2RE is an excellent option for patients with a mix of surface-level texture issues, pigmentation irregularities, and deeper wrinkles or scars, as the device can be configured to address all of these in a single treatment.
What Areas Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treat?
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Hands
Schedule a Consultation
We offer CO2 laser resurfacing in New York City at our Union Square and Central Park offices, and in The Hamptons at our Water Mill, NY office. If you are interested in learning more about CO2 laser resurfacing and how it can help you achieve transformative, long-lasting results, please contact UnionDerm today. A consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists is the first step toward clearer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
