CO2 laser resurfacing at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery in New York City for smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Co2 is considered the golden standard of skin resurfacing. It targets fine lines, deeper wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage while stimulating collagen renewal for lasting improvements.
30-90 minutes
5-14 days (depending on treatment type)
Moderate
Fall and Winter for avoiding sun exposure.
1-3 sessions
Ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser operating at 10,600 nm, designed to precisely remove damaged skin tissue and stimulate collagen remodeling.
Fractional resurfacing techniques create microscopic treatment zones while leaving surrounding skin intact to support healing.
Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure for several weeks before treatment.
Pause retinoids, exfoliating acids, and other potentially irritating skincare products as directed by your dermatologist.
Inform your provider about medications, recent procedures, and any history of cold sores. Preventive antiviral medication may be prescribed.
The skin is thoroughly cleansed, and topical numbing or additional anesthesia is administered as appropriate.
Your dermatologist carefully guides the laser across the treatment area, creating controlled resurfacing zones.
Treatment settings are customized to your skin type, concerns, and desired level of correction.
Expect redness, swelling, and peeling or crusting during the first several days. Some treatments may also cause temporary oozing.
Cleanse gently and apply prescribed healing ointments according to your dermatologist’s instructions.
Avoid makeup until the skin has adequately healed, and refrain from exfoliation or active skincare ingredients until cleared.
Minimize sun exposure during healing and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ once the skin barrier has recovered sufficiently for sunscreen application.
Residual pinkness may persist for several weeks or longer, even after the initial healing period.
Is CO2 laser resurfacing safe?
CO2 resurfacing is an established dermatological treatment when performed by experienced physicians on appropriately selected patients. Because it is an ablative procedure, it carries risks of infection, scarring, and pigmentation changes. Patients with darker skin tones may have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making an individualized consultation essential.
How long does it take to see results?
Initial improvements become visible once the skin heals, typically within the first few weeks. Collagen remodeling continues over the following 3–6 months, gradually improving skin texture, firmness, and the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
Does CO2 laser treatment hurt?
Topical anesthetic and, when appropriate, additional pain management help improve comfort during treatment. Patients may experience warmth or discomfort during the procedure, followed by a sunburn-like sensation during early recovery.
How long is the downtime?
Fractional CO2 resurfacing generally requires approximately 5–14 days of initial recovery, depending on treatment intensity. More aggressive resurfacing may require additional healing time. Redness can persist after the skin surface has healed.
Can CO2 laser resurfacing treat lip lines and wrinkles around the mouth?
Yes. CO2 resurfacing is particularly useful for treating vertical lip lines and wrinkles around the mouth, areas where fine lines can become more noticeable with age. Treatment can smooth the skin’s appearance without adding volume.
