Last updated: October 2025

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing, including fractional CO2, uses a carbon dioxide laser at 10,600 nm to ablate microscopic columns of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This fractional pattern speeds healing and stimulates new collagen for smoother texture, improved scars, and firmer skin. Parameters such as energy, density, and number of passes are adjusted to balance results and downtime for each patient.

Scientific and Clinical Evidence

Fractional treatment creates tiny, controlled zones of thermal injury that re epithelialize from adjacent intact skin. Human histology shows new collagen and elastin after ablative fractional CO2 resurfacing. Clinical studies report improvement in wrinkles, acne scars, and photodamage after one to three sessions, with continued gains as collagen matures over several months.

Ideal Candidates

• Fine lines, wrinkles, texture irregularities, or atrophic acne scars
• Photodamage with enlarged pores or uneven tone
• Healthy individuals who can follow strict sun protection during recovery
• Fitzpatrick skin types I to III. Types IV and V may be treated cautiously by experienced providers after careful evaluation

Who Should Avoid or Delay

• Active skin infection, active acne flares, or open wounds in the area
• Recent isotretinoin use without adequate washout per provider guidance
• History of keloids or abnormal scarring without specialist clearance
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Recent intense sun exposure or inability to avoid sun during healing

What To Expect During Treatment

• Typical full face treatment time 30 to 60 minutes depending on settings
• Topical anesthetic used for comfort. Protective eyewear required
• Sensation described as warm, prickly heat during laser passes
• Cooling and soothing products applied immediately after treatment

Recovery and Downtime

• Redness and swelling for two to five days. Micro crusting often appears by days two to seven
• Most re epithelialization completes around days seven to ten depending on density and energy
• Strict sun avoidance and daily broad spectrum SPF during and after healing
• Pause retinoids, acids, and exfoliants until cleared by your provider
• Results continue improving for two to three months as collagen remodels

Cost of CO2 Laser in Los Angeles, 2025

Skin Works Medical Spa pricing, verified 2025 (South Bay, Los Angeles). Area based pricing is finalized after assessment. First time savings of 10% apply where noted. Price Match and Flexible Payment eligible.

• CO2 Laser Face regular $2,500, first time $2,250
• CO2 Laser Neck regular $1,700, first time $1,530
• CO2 Laser Chest regular $1,700, first time $1,530
• CO2 Laser Lower Eye regular $1,000, first time $900

For a full face plan or combination areas, request an itemized quote on the service page: Skin Works Fractional CO2 pricing. You can also text 844 759 6757 for quick pricing questions.

Financing Options

We offer flexible monthly payments through CareCredit, Klarna, and Affirm, subject to approval. Many patients choose to spread the cost of a series across several months. Ask our team to estimate monthly payments for your specific plan during consultation.

Possible Side Effects

• Temporary redness, swelling, warmth, or crusting
• Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk, higher in darker complexions without careful protocols
• Acne flares during early healing are possible
• Low risk of infection when aftercare is followed

Do CO2 Lasers Really Work

Yes. Fractional CO2 is one of the most studied options for deep resurfacing. Unlike superficial modalities, it reaches the dermis to remodel collagen. Trials and reviews document improvement in wrinkles, texture, and acne scars after one to three sessions, with continued gains as collagen matures.

Questions To Ask Your Provider

1. Are you planning fully ablative, fractional, or a hybrid approach for my concerns
2. How many sessions and what interval do you recommend
3. What comfort measures and aftercare products are included
4. What is my expected recovery timeline with your settings
5. How do you minimize pigment changes for my skin tone
6. Can this be combined with microneedling, PRP, or other lasers for better results

Summary

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing precisely removes micro columns of damaged skin while sparing surrounding tissue for faster healing and reliable collagen renewal. In Los Angeles, Skin Works offers clear area based pricing with first time savings and financing through CareCredit, Klarna, and Affirm. Careful screening, parameter selection, and aftercare are key to safe, high quality outcomes.

References

1. Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RK, Tanner H, Anderson RR. Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling. Lasers Surg Med. 2004. PubMed
2. Hantash BM, Bedi VP, Kapadia B, Rahman Z, Jiang K, Tanner H, Chan KF, Zachary CB. In vivo histological evaluation of ablative fractional CO2 resurfacing in human skin. Lasers Surg Med. 2007. PubMed
3. Karsai S, Pfeiffer S, Raulin C. Ablative fractional lasers CO2 versus Er:YAG in periocular rhytides, randomized split face. Lasers Surg Med. 2010. PubMed
4. Magnani LR, Weinberg T, et al. Fractional CO2 lasers for atrophic acne scars: review of clinical studies. Expert Rev Dermatol. 2014. PubMed
5. Majid I. Monotherapy fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for acne scars: prospective study. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014. PMC
6. Ramsdell WM. Fractional CO2 resurfacing overview and tissue interaction at 10,600 nm. Dermatol Surg. 2012. PMC