Fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing treats the entire outer layer of skin, delivering improvements in wrinkles, texture, and sun damage. Because all of the surface is treated at once, results are significant, but the downtime is longer as the skin fully regenerates.

Fractional CO2 resurfacing creates tiny columns of controlled injury while leaving surrounding tissue intact. These untreated areas help the skin heal faster, leading to shorter recovery and a more gradual improvement over a series of treatments.

• At Elite, every CO2 treatment is customized. We can adjust the depth and intensity of the laser to match each client’s skin concerns and goals—so whether someone needs a lighter refresh or deeper resurfacing, the treatment is tailored specifically to them.

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.

• Regardless of depth of treatment a series may be required to achieve best results. 
• At Elite, we offer both light and deep CO2 treatment options. It is important to note that everyone’s skin is unique, so results vary based on baseline condition and goals. It’s best to consult with an experienced provider to create a personalized treatment plan and understand individual realistic expectations of the treatment.

A CO2 laser appointment at Elite Medical & Aesthetics is a thorough and personalized experience designed with client comfort, safety, and results as priority. 

• The treatment process begins with a detailed consultation and skin assessment, to determine the right treatment plan for client goals. 
• On the day of the appointment, the provider will go over what to expect, pre-treatment guidelines, and any remaining questions. Once “before photos” are taken for client charting, the skin is then cleansed and prepped for topical and/or local lidocaine numbing. Topical numbing is applied 45 mins -1 hour before treatment. 
• During treatment, the CO2 laser resurfaces the skin by creating precise, micro-injuries that trigger collagen production and skin renewal. The session typically lasts about 30–90 minutes, depending on the treatment area. 
• Afterwards, soothing post-care products are applied to the skin and your provider will go over detailed recovery instructions and how to use the included post-care products. 

At Elite, we prioritize client care and safety at every step. Clients can expect frequent check-ins from our team and any necessary follow up appointments. 

Downtime after a CO2 laser treatment varies depending on the intensity of the procedure, but it’s a crucial part of the skin’s healing and rejuvenation process.

• A light CO2 treatment downtime is around 5-7 days in which clients tend to experience redness, swelling, mild peeling/flaking, and overall skin sensitivity.
• A deep CO2 treatment downtime is around 10–14 days or more for full recovery. Clients might also experience redness, swelling, slight oozing, peeling/flaking, sun-burn sensation, pin point bleeding, and skin sensitivity.

At Elite Medical & Aesthetics, we provide detailed after-care instructions and a complete after-care kit with medical-grade, safe products, to ensure the skin heals properly and results are maximized. Our providers carefully guide you through every phase of recovery, emphasizing hydration, sun protection, and avoiding harsh products or makeup until fully healed. Follow up appointments are generally made around 1-2 weeks to check-in with the client, as well as frequent phone/text check-in’s.

Of Note: It’s essential to follow your provider’s specific after-care plan, as every clinic’s protocol may differ.

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 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. 

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 results from deep treatments can be more dramatic/longer-lasting.

At Elite Medical & Aesthetics, we offer both light and deep CO2 modalities, allowing our providers to fully customize your plan based on your skin goals, lifestyle, and tolerance for downtime. We do require a consultation prior to treatments to ensure clients are proper candidates and to determine which option is best! 

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. 

• Because we know this can be an uncomfortable treatment, we take client comfort seriously and offer multiple options to ensure your experience is as pleasant as possible. This includes topical lidocaine numbing, which significantly minimizes pain and a Zimmer machine, which continuously blows cool air across the skin to soothe and reduce the heat sensation.

During the treatment, our providers are attentive and check-in frequently to ensure client comfortability.

CO2 laser treatments must be used cautiously with darker skin tones. Overall, some skin tones are best treated with a different laser or skin modality. At Elite Medical & Aesthetics, safety always comes first—which is why we conduct a thorough consultation and skin assessment before recommending any laser/skin treatment. We pride ourselves in offering treatments for everyone.

• Book a consultation HERE to see what treatment plan is best for you.

On average, CO2 laser treatments in Lone Tree, CO cost around $1,200-$1,500 depending on the depth of the treatment. At Elite we charge an average of $1,200 for full face light CO2 and $1,800 for full face deep CO2. Targeted areas like: hands, chest, neck, around the eyes, and around the mouth require consultation for customized pricing and treatment plan.
For our full CO2 pricing, breakdown, and packages, visit our pricing page HERE.

To help with cost of aesthetic treatments, we also offer discounts through our Elite Wallet Members and Elite Membership programs, and also offer financing through Cherry Payment Plans. Link below to apply!