CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment for Wrinkles and Scars

CO2 Laser Treatment is a cutting-edge procedure that treats scars, wrinkles, blotchiness, and sun damage. With the administration of carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers from a professional plastic surgeon, this treatment provides a non-surgical option for dramatically smoother, younger-looking skin.

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 laser treatments use heat energy on the skin; in microdermabrasion and microneedling, the process uses small pins and radiofrequency.

All treatments have their benefits, but CO2 laser resurfacing can be more effective in treating extensive scars or discoloration because it fractures the laser’s light into narrow shafts that can cover a broader surface area. This pixelation process makes CO2 resurfacing a more efficient and effective treatment for skin resurfacing.

It’s important to note, however, that CO2 laser treatment won’t take care of redness and dilated vessels, as an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment will.

Here at Barr Aesthetics, we have a wide range of specialized and cutting-edge aesthetic tools which we can use to treat each of our patient’s specific needs and skin concerns. Schedule a consultation to find out which is best for you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for CO2 Resurfacing Treatments?

CO2 laser resurfacing is intended to treat the following issues:

Superficial acne scars
Surgery scars
Trauma scars
Blotchiness
Sun damage
Wrinkles
Rough skin

A good candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing should not have any pre-existing health conditions to be eligible for this non-surgical procedure, which often has the best results on non-oily skin. CO2 laser resurfacing can be performed on all skin colors, but lighter skin tones tend to see the best results.

Financing for CO2 Laser Resurfacing

At Barr Aesthetics, we offer Lifestyle Lending for cosmetic surgical patients. We also accept Care Credit for injectable services. You can find out more about financing options at OnSpot Financing.

Inquire with your insurance provider if you’d like to find out if CO2 laser resurfacing is covered. In cases where it’s treating scarring from injury, it could be included in your insurance coverage.

The Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing

The CO2 laser’s effects, when used for skin resurfacing, are similar to things like microdermabrasion or chemical peels. It refreshes skin, promotes new skin cell growth, sloughs away dead skin, improves skin texture, and reduces discoloration.

Overall, you’ll see smoother, healthier-looking skin with improved elasticity after fractional CO2 laser treatments.

What to Expect When You Get CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Barr

Once you’ve been deemed eligible for laser resurfacing, here’s what you can expect at your treatment:

Based on your consultation, the CO2 laser will be adjusted for your skin tone and the areas treated. For example, the laser can be less intense for safe and effective use to treat areas around the eyes and mouth.

Deeper treatments will do more (especially for wrinkles) but require more recovery time afterward. You can also opt for a shallower treatment, requiring less downtime. How many treatments you need will depend on how deep the treatment is for that session.

What Does CO2 Laser Treatment Feel Like?

The deeper the treatment, the more sensation or discomfort you might experience. To combat this, we apply a numbing cream to the surface of the skin before the CO2 laser procedure. Once the topical numbing takes effect, you’ll only feel something like a pins-and-needles effect during the laser treatment. If needed, patients can have a mild sedative to help them keep calm and relaxed during the procedure.

Depending on what was decided during your CO2 laser consultation, you can expect the treatment to take 2 to 3 hours.

Feedback From Clients

Learn from previous clients how their experience with non-surgical cosmetic procedures went.

    
 
 
        
   frankie ann bridgeman 
 2023-07-10
 
 
  Susan, and the front desk staff, are MARVELOUS
especially, Susan...feel so cared for and about
looking forward to my next visit
  
 
       
   kathy Sidwell 
 2023-07-07
 
 
  Susan is absolutely the very there is.  She is so knowledgeable, and you can tell she feels very passionate about her job.  I learned so much and my skin has never looked better.  The women that were at the desk were extremely professional and helpful in every way.  My visit there was perfect in every way.  Thank you.
  
 
       
   Leigh Cornu 
 2023-06-07
 
 
  Not only is Colle a phenomenal esthetician and helped my skin look and feel better than it ever has in my life, I leave feeling better just having spent time with her.  She is thoughtful, attentive, results motivated, kind and caring.  She approaches any concerns I have with my skin as if they were her own and spends time and attention on making me , and my skin! feel and look the best it ever has. Can’t recommend her more!
  
 
       
   hayley andrews 
 2023-03-24
 
 
  I had the pleasure of working with Dr Barr for my recent rhinoplasty, and I couldn't be happier with the results. From our initial consultation, Dr Barr listened carefully to my concerns and worked with me to develop a plan that would achieve the look I wanted. She used photos to help me visualize the final outcome and ensure we were on the same page.

The actual procedure itself was a breeze, thanks to Dr Barr's expertise and attention to detail. I was amazed at the transformation when I saw my nose for the first time at my first post-op appointment. Dr Barr did an outstanding job and exceeded my expectations.

Overall, I highly recommend Dr Barr to anyone considering a rhinoplasty or other cosmetic procedure. Her talent, dedication, and compassion make her stand out among her peers, and I am grateful for her exceptional work
  
 
       
   K. C. 
 2023-03-14
 
 
  I traveled from Los Angeles to Salt Lake to have my blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) performed by Dr. Barr because I knew she was exceptionally qualified as an ENT facial plastic surgeon. I had a wonderful experience. Dr. Barr understood (better than I did) my desired outcomes and provided excellent alternatives to a mini-facelift (which I thought I needed). The blepharoplasty was amazingly pain-free with a local anesthetic, and I had minimal swelling and bruising. Because I work remotely, the only downtime I experienced was the afternoon of the procedure. A week after the operation, it was hard to tell that I had had any work done!

Besides the blepharoplasty, my treatment included strategic filler, lightened melasma, and Kybella to shrink jowls. In addition, I started a round of EMface sessions (which I finished in LA) to lift and tone my facial muscles and skin. It's been a month, and the results are stunning. Because it takes the results of Kybella and EMface longer to fully appear, I feel like I am getting younger every day.

All of the clinic staff I met were lovely. Elle guided me through the process and ensured that I always had the information and products I needed in her kind and timely manner. She deftly and efficiently provided laser treatment to help minimize bruising. Whitney conducted my EMface therapy, and her calm, confident approach created a relaxed environment during the sometimes bizarre sensations of the procedure.

Dr. Barr had my best interest at heart when deciding which and how much of each product to use, and I would encourage anyone considering these types of treatments to get her opinion before having any work done. If I had known I was only a few weeks away from feeling this refreshed, I would have done it long ago!
  
 
       
   Jeff Motta 
 2023-02-28
 
 
  Very professional business and Rey was able to put me at rest and was very clear about what to expect and explained what I would experience with my procedure.  I would recommend Rey Ilada to everyone.  Thank you!

V
  
 
       
   Vineela Maddukuri 
 2023-02-28
 
 
  Absolutely love it. Susan explains everything so diligently and recommends really good products. She never pushes me to buy them. She is very thorough in all the procedures.
  
 
       
   Kozy 
 2022-10-04
 
 
  Dr Lucy Barr did my rhinoplasty in April of this year and I’m over the moon with how amazing it is. Every step of the process was painless and I was given excellent care by her, her husband (Dr Sharma did my functionality surgery at the same time) and her staff. My results exceed my expectations. I’m so pleased!

Dr Barr has also reconstructed my earlobes (I used to have them stretched big in the early 2000s) and I’ve also had laser work done on my pigmentation on my face.

I see Susan for laser work, Chase for injections and Elle for facials. Every single member of this team is a gem.

The office is clean and beautiful and every one is kind and the best in their field.

Thank you for helping me to look my best, I genuinely love all of you.
  
 
       
   Diane Guido 
 2022-09-21
 
 
  I rarely make online comments/reviews, but I felt this was important. The experience I have had at Barr Aesthetics has been fabulous! Colle has been doing a Med-lite treatment with me, and it has truly made a difference in the overall texture and tone of my skin. Of course, everyone is different, but this has certainly done wonders for me. And, Colle has been such fun to meet with over the past couple of months (and so caring) that I just want to post something. Oh, also, they have a cute little sign in the front office that asks you not bring young kids with you to the waiting room....I so appreciate that! Thank you Dr. Barr, Colle, and the whole office staff for everything that you do! Diane
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 83 reviews

When Can I Go Back to Work After CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Immediately following your CO2 resurfacing treatment, you’ll experience redness and inflammation in the treatment areas. It’s advised you take the whole day off work or other activities so you can rest and recover. Lighter treatments will require a few days before going back in public, whereas deeper treatments may need one week to ten days of recovery before redness and swelling subsides.

CO2 Laser Recovery

You can combat swelling and redness on treated skin by applying cold compresses in the days following your procedure. You’ll be given antivirals to prevent infection after your treatment, and we recommend abstaining from using facial lotion and makeup for at least 24 hours after resurfacing.

Possible Side Effects of CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Besides the aforementioned side effects (redness, inflammation), you might feel slight burning or see a change in skin pigmentation immediately following your CO2 laser resurfacing. Typically, it can feel like a slight sunburn during the week following your treatment.

Before and after your CO2 resurfacing treatment, we’ll discuss the proper preparations and recovery care for your skin.

How Long Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Last?

You can enjoy the results of your CO2 laser treatment for up to five years. Depending on what we’re treating, you can come in sooner for a touchup that will prolong your results. We’ll discuss realistic expectations from your treatment at your consultation to ensure you’re making the right choice for the results you want.

DR. LUCY BARR