All About CO2 Laser
Introduction:
CO2 laser resurfacing has quickly become one of the most sought-after treatments for those looking to prevent, correct, and reverse signs of aging from their skin. CO2 has the power to transform the skin by smoothing wrinkles, softening scars, tightening laxity and clearing years of sun damage, making it an extremely effective skin treatment.
While this treatment is known for its positive skin changes, we want to answer those lingering questions about downtime/recovery, and what to truly expect from the treatment.
- This blog will cover common CO2 FAQ’s, help to clear any confusion regarding the treatment, and provide realistic expectations about the treatment, overall. Keep reading below for more!
Table of Contents
What is a CO2 laser treatment?
A CO2 laser is an advanced skin-resurfacing treatment that uses focused beams of carbon-dioxide light to precisely remove damaged outer layers of skin, all while stimulating deep, healthy collagen and elastin regeneration.
In simpler terms, it’s one of the most effective skin laser technologies available for improving:
- Texture
- Pigmentation
- Lines/wrinkles
- Scars from acne or trauma
- Pores
- Uneven skin tone
- Overall skin quality/health
Because CO2 targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, clients can expect smoother, tighter, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin. For best results a series is recommended and adherence to strict aftercare. The skin continues to improver over 3-6 months following treatment.
CO2 is highly customizable at Elite—meaning the settings can be adjusted from “light” to “deep” depending on your goals, downtime availability, and skin baseline (see below for more explanation on light vs. deep CO2).
Our providers recommend CO2 laser for anyone wanting to prevent, correct, or reverse signs of aging or to address skin texture and scarring.
What does CO2 laser treat?
A CO2 laser treats a wide range of skin concerns by targeting both the surface and deeper layers of the skin.
It effectively improves the following: fine lines, deeper wrinkles, sun damage, uneven texture, pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, crepey skin, stretch marks, and even loose or lax areas for tightening.
Because CO2 resurfaces the skin and stimulates collagen production, clients often describe their skin results as smoother, firmer, clearer, and noticeably more youthful.
Keep in mind, CO2 is also a great treatment for people looking to prevent signs of aging, or for maintaining their current skin’s state.
- At Elite, we pride ourselves in offering skin treatments and plans that are fully customizable. We provide thorough consultations to create a plan fit for everyone’s skin goals!
How long do results from CO2 laser last?
Results from CO2 laser treatments are technically permanent. Results may last anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the depth and intensity of the treatment, before maintenance treatments are needed.
- A deep CO2 laser targets the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating more collagen production and leading to better correction and longer-lasting results—often up to 1-5 years with proper skin care and sun protection.
- In contrast, a light CO2 laser treatment focuses on surface-level rejuvenation, offering smoother texture and brighter tone with minimal downtime and may require a series to achieve best results.
Maintenance treatments may require a series every 1–2 years. Factors such as lifestyle, skincare habits, and natural aging also influence how long your results endure.
What is a CO2 treatment like?
A CO2 treatment consists of many steps ranging from an initial consultation to post treatment guidelines, and adequate follow up’s.
Below is a break down of what someone can expect:
- Before the actual treatment, a consultation with a licensed/trained provider is required to understand the treatment, what to expect, and to address any questions/concerns.
- The day of treatment, the provider will go through pre-treatment guidelines and apply numbing cream to the area being treated for ~45 minutes to an hour. Some offices might use local lidocaine and/or other comfortability agents (more on this below).
- Next, photos of the area being treated are taken for client charting, and the provider will then prep the laser, equipment, products and area being treated.
- The actual treatment itself then begins, and lasts around 20-30 minutes depending on the area being treated. This is usually described as a quick series of warm, prickling snaps or a mild sunburn sensation.
- Once the laser treatment has ended, the provider will apply topical products to help soothe, calm and protect the skin. Heat and sunburn sensation typically last for 1-2 hours post treatment.
- Post treatment guidelines are explained, aftercare products are given, and any other questions are answered with the provider before leaving.
Of note: this is just a general breakdown of what a CO2 laser treatment might be like at a medical spa office. Always talk with your provider about what to expect.
What are the risks of CO2 laser?
Like any advanced medical procedure, CO2 laser treatments have some expected side effects/risks, though most are mild and temporary.
- Expected mild side effects may include redness, swelling, sensitivity, and peeling during the healing phase— however, these are normal signs that the skin is healing.
- In rare cases, more serious side effects may include infection, prolonged redness, scarring, or pigment changes, especially if proper after-care isn’t followed.
It is important to see a medical provider that takes pre-screening, consultations, and medical history background very seriously to minimize any risks, and ensure clients are safe candidates for the treatment.
What is the recovery like after a CO2 laser?
Normal recovery following a CO2 treatment may include: redness, swelling, “sun burn” sensation, and flaking. With deeper treatments expected side effects may additionally include oozing, crusting, and pin point bleeding.
- For the first 5-7 days the skin is open. Using a gentle cleanser, cool compresses, and vinegar soaks are necessary to promote healing and comfort. Until the skin is completely healed, Vaseline/Petroleum is applied to the treatment area multiple times a day to lock in moisture and help prevent bacteria on the skin. During the early healing phase it is important to ensure skin is kept clean and constantly moist.
- Once the skin is no longer “open,” light pink skin becomes visible, between 7-10 days depending on healing and depth of C02 treatment. At that point, a gentle moisturizer can be used and mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ is recommended.
- Skin may be sensitive for 3-8 weeks after treatment depending on the person and the treatment. During this period it is vital to wear sun protection, avoid direct sun exposure, and use gentle products. Retinol, vitamin C, exfoliants and waxing should not be restarted until the skin is completely back to normal, between 3-8 weeks after treatment.
Of note: Always follow your office’s pre and post care instructions, as this is just a list of what recovery may look like after a CO2 at Elite. For questions/concerns regarding a treatment call your provider ASAP.
Real Client CO2 Healing Progression:
Here you can see one of our client’s healing progression from a medium CO2 treatment. At 8 days, she is done flaking, her skin is looking brighter and more refreshed. Her skin will remain slightly pink for 3-8 weeks while she continues to build collagen, she will continue her aftercare by keeping the skin hydrated and protected from the sun.
What is the difference between a deep and light CO2?
The difference between a light CO2 treatment and a deep CO2 treatment lies in how intensely the laser penetrates the skin, the level of resurfacing achieved, and the amount of downtime required.
- A light CO2 treatment, uses lower laser energy and treats a fraction of the skin’s surface at a time. This is ideal for improving fine lines, mild texture concerns, enlarged pores, and pigmentation. Recovery typically involves about 5–7 days of redness, swelling, sensitivity, and mild peeling—allowing clients to return to their normal routine fairly quickly.
- A deep CO2 treatment, uses higher laser energy levels to target deeper layers of the dermis, stimulating more collagen and elastin remodeling. This is ideal for deep wrinkles, stubborn scarring, significant sun damage, and skin laxity. Deep CO2 treatment downtime is longer, around 10–14 days and deep treatments may result in a longer period of sensitivity to sun, products and treatments.
Finding an office that offers both light and deep CO2 modalities, can be very beneficial because it allows customization of treatment to best align with different clients’ skin goals, lifestyles, and tolerance for downtime.
What is the best age for CO2 laser?
The best age for CO2 laser treatment isn’t defined by a specific number—it’s defined by your skin’s needs. However, it is most common for people to begin exploring CO2 resurfacing in their 30’s to 50’s. This is when signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and texture changes become more noticeable.
However, younger clients with acne scarring, pigmentation, or looking to prevent signs of aging can also be great candidates! Because of this variation, it is important to see a provider who has the technology, experience, and training to fully customize CO2 treatments. Everyone’s skin and skin goals are unique, therefore customized treatment plans provide the best results.
- Overall, CO2 is a great treatment option for anyone looking to prevent, correct, or reverse signs of aging.
Is CO2 laser painful?
A CO2 laser treatment can cause some discomfort, but most clients find it to be tolerable with the right comfort measures (see below). The sensation from the laser itself has often been compared to a hot, prickly, or “sunburn-like” feeling. While every provider and medical office offers different comfortability measures, the most common ones include things like:
- Topical lidocaine numbing
- Local lidocaine injections
- Zimmer machine (continual blowing of cool air)
- Pronox (aka “laughing gas”)
- Sedative medications
It’s important to note that the pain may vary based on the intensity of the CO2 treatment (lighter versus deeper). Everyone’s pain tolerances and treatments are DIFFERENT, so discussing ways to keep you comfortable during the treatment is important to address in a consultation with your provider. *Always follow your office’s pre and post treatment guidelines*
When will I see final results from CO2?
Improvements from CO2 laser are noticed within the first few weeks after a CO2 laser treatment, when the skin is fully healed. Most clients notice smoother texture, brighter tone, and softening of lines early on, however, true final results develop gradually over time. This is because CO2 resurfacing triggers deep collagen remodeling, therefore the skin continues to improve for 3–6 months after treatment as new collagen forms and the tissue strengthens.
- While the initial healing phase lasts around 7–14 days, depending on the depth of treatment, the long-term results are what make CO2 so transformative for clients.
Does CO2 help under eye bags?
Yes, CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly improve the appearance of under eye bags—especially when they’re caused by crepey skin, fine lines, or loss of collagen.
The CO2 laser tightens and thickens the delicate under eye tissue by stimulating new collagen production, which helps smooth wrinkles and reduce the puffiness caused by laxity. Overall, this can create a firmer, more lifted look.
Of note: While some under eye bags/concerns may require other treatment modalities or surgical correction, CO2 may be an appropriate treatment for this area. It is recommended to consult with a provider to see which treatment(s) are best suited for your under eye concerns!
How can I maximize CO2 results?
Clients can maximize CO2 laser results by supporting the skin before, during, and after treatment—because great resurfacing results come from both the procedure and the recovery.
- Prepping the skin before treatment with medical-grade skincare, consistent SPF, and a healthy barrier sets the stage for smoother healing and stronger collagen formation.
- After the treatment, maximizing results may look like: following the provider’s post-care instructions, avoiding picking or peeling, staying hydrated, and protecting your skin from the sun (aka wearing hats and mineral SPF).
- Additionally, CO2 treatment add-on’s like PRF/PRP, salmon DNA, growth factors, and red-light therapy, can also accelerate healing and enhance collagen remodeling.
Talk with a trusted provider that can create an individual step-by-step treatment plan.
Conclusion:
In summary, CO2 laser resurfacing is a great treatment option for optimal skin health, renewal, and rejuvenation. Keep in mind that it is important to understand the treatment, healing timeline, and what to expect in order to feel confident and prepared.
Additionally, customization and safety is key for best results catered to each individual. At Elite, we prioritize thorough consultations, honest guidance, and realistic expectations so every client feels supported from start to finish.
Results may vary, but when done thoughtfully and strategically, CO2 laser resurfacing can be one of the most transformative treatments available, revealing smoother, brighter, stronger, and truly rejuvenated skin. Link below to book a consultation with one of our providers.
