With more than two decades of laser experience, Dr. Goldman’s team has extensive expertise with CO₂ technology—the most powerful option for resurfacing the skin. Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing creates a controlled, superficial injury to the skin, triggering a robust healing response that increases collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other structural components.
This process tightens and smooths the skin while reducing wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, and other signs of dermal aging.
Traditional CO₂ lasers treated the entire skin surface (confluent resurfacing), requiring longer recovery. Fractional CO₂ technology instead treats the skin in a pattern of tiny microscopic columns, leaving areas of untreated tissue between them. This allows:
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing remains one of the most effective technologies available for meaningful skin rejuvenation.
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation to assess your goals, dermatologic history, and skin type. If fractional CO₂ is recommended, a customized plan is created for your face, neck, chest, or other areas.
On the day of treatment:
Treatment times vary by area (e.g., full face ~30 minutes).
Immediately afterward, pinpoint bleeding, swelling, and redness occur—this looks dramatic but typically involves minimal discomfort. Patients usually remain at home for 4–5 days, using occlusive ointments. Most return to work and exercise in about a week. Mild redness can persist for several weeks.
Detailed post-care instructions and close follow-up are provided to support optimal healing.
Ablative lasers (like CO₂ or Erbium) create controlled injury to the skin surface to stimulate healing and tightening. Non-ablative lasers pass through the surface and are used for concerns like pigment or hair—but do not significantly tighten or improve texture.
CO₂ resurfacing is generally not appropriate for darker skin tones due to a higher risk of pigmentation changes. Patients with olive-toned skin often pre-treat with pigment-suppressing skincare before treatment.
Early improvements appear as redness fades over several weeks, but collagen remodeling continues for up to six months, when final results are most visible.
Most patients undergo one treatment. Areas with thinner skin (neck, chest, eyelids) or deeper wrinkles may benefit from repeat sessions.
Expect several days of swelling, redness, and pinpoint bleeding, followed by redness that resolves over several weeks. Pain is usually minimal despite dramatic early appearance.
Results can last several years depending on aging, sun exposure, smoking, and skincare habits. Many patients repeat the treatment every few years to maintain results.
Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing remains one of the most effective approaches for dramatic facial rejuvenation. At The Surgeon’s Spa – Beachwood and The Surgeon’s Spa – Westlake, our experienced team will guide you through your options and help determine whether CO₂ resurfacing is the right fit.
