--- title: "Co2 Laser" url: "https://bhskin.com/laser/co2/" updated: "2025-12-10" --- # Co2 Laser What if you could trade in the wrinkles, scars, and sun damage for youthful and healthy-looking skin? With laser skin resurfacing, you can do just that. The CO2 laser treatment is an ablative laser procedure. It holds multiple types of lasers used to meet patients' individual skincare goals. ## Remove a Lifetime of Blemishes With CO2 Laser Resurfacing What if you could trade in the wrinkles, scars, and sun damage for youthful and healthy-looking skin? With laser skin resurfacing, you can do just that. The CO2 laser treatment is an ablative laser procedure. It holds multiple types of lasers used to meet patients’ individual skincare goals. ## What Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treat? CO2 laser resurfacing treats many conditions, but it most commonly treats individuals with: - Fine lines - Deep-set wrinkles - Acne Scars - Brown Spots - Enlarged oil glands - Birthmarks - Wart removal ![Example of Co2 Laser treatment.](https://bhskin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Co2-.jpg) ## Four Amazing Benefits of the CO2 Laser Treatment Patients in Glendale and Encino rave about the CO2 laser because it offers the following benefits: ### #1 Fewer Treatments If you want a non-surgical procedure that doesn’t require multiple sessions, then CO2 laser resurfacing may be a great choice. In some cases, the CO2 laser treatment is very aggressive as it treats the entirety of the skin’s surface. Because of this, some patients see results in just 1 session whereas others require more. The number of sessions ultimately depends on your unique case and skincare goals. ### #2 Customizable For Your Individual Needs The CO2 laser treatment allows your medical provider to control the intensity of the treatment. For instance, the UltraFine-FS Fractional Scanner enhances traditional CO2 resurfacing treatments by creating micro ablative columns of injury to the tissue while conserving untreated skin in-between spots. That allows them to meet your individual goals and maximize your results. Book a virtual consultation at BHSkin Dermatology in Los Angeles to determine what’s best for you. ### #3 See Results for Years Looking for a treatment that lasts longer than a few weeks? Your skin could see improvements from a CO2 Laser treatment for years. Proper skincare maintenance, like using sunscreen and reducing sun exposure, can lead to long-term results. You’ll be able to enjoy a revitalized, youthful-looking appearance once your skin has completely healed. ### #4 The First of Its Kind The CO2 laser was the very first resurfacing laser of its kind. This created a new era in the field of photorejuvenation as skincare experts had never before been able to provide such treatment with this level of precision. CO2 laser treatment has been counted on by patients since the 1980s. ## How Does The CO2 Laser Treatment Work? The CO2 laser resurfacing process works by removing small parts of the outer layer of the skin, otherwise known as the epidermis. This process allows the skin to heal and regrow healthier tissue. One of the newest versions of CO2 laser resurfacing, called fractionated CO2, works by using pulsed light known as ultra pulse. The light is placed on the skin in a scanning pattern to remove thin layers of skin with heat. ![Before and after Co2 Laser treatment](https://bhskin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CO2-.jpg) ## Preparing for the Procedure in LA Preparing for CO2 laser treatment is about the same as most outpatient procedures. During your consultation, your skincare expert will want to review your medical history and perform an exam before anything else occurs. If they recommend you take medication beforehand to prevent complications, they’ll let you know. You’ll also have to prepare for protecting yourself from sun exposure and arranging a ride home ## During CO2 Laser Treatment During the procedure, your [laser dermatologist](https://bhskin.com/blog/best-laser-dermatologist-la/) will numb your skin with local anesthetic or even sedate you if the whole face is being treated. After the numbing is over, the treatment will begin with a beam of light directed at your skin. This laser will destroy the outer layer of the skin and heat the underlying skin or dermis. By heating the dermis, collagen will shrink allowing for new skin to be smoother and tighter than before. The entire CO2 laser treatment should take between 30 minutes to two hours depending on the area and condition. ## Aftercare and Results All cosmetic procedures come with some risk. For the CO2 laser treatment, possible risks include burning, rash, infection or redness to the skin. By following the doctor’s order before, during and after the procedure, you can minimize the risk of complications. Healing after CO2 laser resurfacing usually takes between three to ten days. Sometimes [CO2 laser recovery](https://bhskin.com/blog/co2-laser-recovery/) can take up to three weeks depending on the size of the treatment area and how deep the laser penetrated. The skin may be red and could scab during healing but ice packs can reduce swelling. You’ll also need to make sure your skin stays clean so change the dressings regularly. Your new skin will also be sensitive to the sun for up to a year so sunscreen is required.