Fractionated CO₂ Laser Treatment
Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing is an advanced treatment that smooths wrinkles, refines texture, and restores youthful skin with natural, long-lasting results.
Smooth. Refresh. Rejuvenate.
Fractionated CO₂ laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for improving skin quality. By stimulating collagen and resurfacing the skin, this treatment softens lines, refines texture, and restores a healthy glow while keeping results natural.
What Is Fractionated CO₂ Resurfacing
Fractionated CO₂ resurfacing uses focused beams of light energy to create microscopic treatment zones in the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, producing fresh collagen and elastin. Because only a fraction of the skin is treated at a time, the surrounding tissue supports faster healing compared with older, fully ablative CO₂ lasers.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Balikian uses advanced platforms such as CO₂RE fractional technology to customize depth and density for each patient, ensuring treatment is tailored to their skin type, concerns, and goals.
Benefits of Fractionated CO₂ Laser
Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing offers a comprehensive way to refresh and rejuvenate the skin by addressing multiple signs of aging and damage at once.
- Smooths fine lines and deeper etched wrinkles
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Reduces sun damage and age spots
- Softens acne and surgical scars
- Refines enlarged pores
- Brightens dull or uneven skin
These benefits work together to reveal smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin that looks healthier and more youthful.
Who Is a Good Candidate
Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing is ideal for patients who want significant skin rejuvenation without surgery. You may be a candidate if you are concerned about:
- Wrinkles around the eyes or mouth
- Skin laxity or rough texture
- Acne scars or other scarring
- Sun damage or pigmentation changes
Patients with very dark skin, a history of keloids, or recent isotretinoin use may need a modified plan. A consultation will confirm the safest and most effective approach for your skin.
A Showcase of Radiant Skin Renewal
What to Expect During Treatment
Knowing what to expect during treatment helps you feel prepared and confident about your CO₂ laser resurfacing journey.
- Consultation and Planning – Dr. Balikian evaluates your skin and selects the right settings.
- Comfort Measures – Topical anesthetic is applied, and cooling enhances comfort.
- Laser Resurfacing – The fractional CO₂ laser delivers energy to both superficial and deeper layers.
- Recovery – Redness, swelling, and flaking occur for several days. Fresh, smoother skin is revealed within a week, with ongoing collagen production for months.
From consultation to recovery, each step is designed to ensure your comfort while delivering visible, lasting improvements in your skin.
Recovery Timeline
Your recovery after fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing follows a predictable timeline, with visible improvements unfolding week by week as your skin heals and renews itself.
- Days 1 to 3 – Redness, swelling, and bronzing.
- Days 4 to 7 – Flaking and peeling as new skin forms.
- Week 2 to 4 – Pinkness fades and makeup can typically be applied.
- Months 2 to 6 – Collagen remodeling continues, producing ongoing refinement.
Dr. Balikian provides a detailed aftercare plan to support comfort and healing. Many patients also benefit from light therapy after treatment to reduce swelling and enhance recovery.
Safety and Risks
Temporary redness, swelling, and peeling are expected. Less common risks include prolonged redness, pigmentation changes, infection, or scarring.
With careful planning and experienced technique, these risks are minimized.
Results
Most patients notice improvement after a single treatment. Skin continues to remodel over the next three to six months, with results that can last for years when combined with proper skincare and sun protection.
Fractionated CO₂ resurfacing is also frequently combined with surgical procedures such as facelifts, neck lifts, or eyelid surgery. While surgery repositions deeper tissues, fractional laser treatments improve surface quality for a comprehensive rejuvenation.
CO₂ Laser Resurfacing FAQs
How is fractionated CO₂ laser different from older lasers?
Fractionated CO₂ treats only a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding tissue intact. This speeds up healing while still producing dramatic improvements in wrinkles, texture, and scars.
Will I see results after one treatment?
Yes. Most patients notice significant improvement after just one session, with continued collagen remodeling that enhances results for months.
How long does recovery take?
Expect redness, swelling, and peeling for several days. By about a week, new skin is visible. Pinkness can last a few weeks but is easy to cover with makeup.
Is the treatment painful?
A topical anesthetic is applied before treatment. Most patients describe the sensation as warm or prickly rather than painful.
Can CO₂ resurfacing be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine fractional CO₂ resurfacing with facelifts, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer to address both deeper tissues and surface wrinkles.
How long will the results last?
Results can last for years with good skin care and sun protection. Natural aging continues, but the treated skin will always look younger than if no procedure had been done.
Is it safe for darker skin types?
Fractionated CO₂ can be used on many skin types, but settings and aftercare must be carefully tailored. Patients with darker skin may be at higher risk of temporary pigment changes.
When can I wear makeup after treatment?
Most patients can apply makeup once the skin surface has healed, usually by days 5 to 7.
What areas can be treated?
Common areas include the full face, around the eyes, lips, and sometimes the neck, chest, or hands, depending on individual needs.
Are the results natural?
Yes. The goal of CO₂ laser resurfacing is to refresh your skin while keeping your features natural, never overdone.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon