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FRACTIONATED CO2

Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing is one of the most powerful skin rejuvenation treatments available today. At U Aesthetics, we use this advanced technology to resurface the skin’s surface, stimulate collagen production, and dramatically improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity all in a single treatment.

This treatment effectively addresses moderate to deep wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and sun damage. By physically removing the top layers of damaged skin, it also offers a medical benefit eliminating pre-cancerous cells and stimulating the growth of healthier, younger skin.

Whether you're seeking smoother skin, clearer tone, or a more youthful appearance, Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing delivers noticeable, long-lasting results with precision.

How does it work

Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing is a non-surgical, energy-based procedure that uses microscopic columns of laser light to target damaged skin. Unlike older, fully ablative lasers that removed the entire skin surface, the fractionated CO₂ laser creates a grid-like pattern, leaving small areas of healthy skin between treated zones. This allows for faster healing and significantly lower risk of side effects.

The laser vaporizes damaged tissue, reduces pigment irregularities, and triggers your body’s natural wound-healing response — resulting in smoother texture, improved tone, and firmer skin over time.

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What It Treats:

  • Fine lines and moderate wrinkles
  • Skin laxity (especially around the eyes and mouth)
  • Sun damage and brown spots
  • Pigmentation irregularities and melasma
  • Enlarged pores and rough texture
  • Acne scars and post-surgical scarring
  • Overall dull or aging skin

Common Treatment Areas:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Hands
  • Arms
  • Around the mouth and eyes

Fractionated CO₂ is often used alone or in combination with surgical lifting procedures to enhance skin quality and ensure the skin matches the newly lifted contours.

Treatment Highlights:

  • Customizable depth and intensity
  • Stimulates collagen regeneration
  • Tightens and resurfaces in one treatment
  • Medical-grade improvement in texture, tone, and pigment
  • Minimal risk when performed by experienced professionals
  • Can be combined with surgical or non-surgical lifting procedures

Is Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing painful?

Most patients find the treatment very tolerable. We use a combination of topical numbing cream and local anesthetic injections to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. You may feel heat or a slight snapping sensation during the treatment, but discomfort is minimized with proper preparation.

How long is the recovery?

Downtime typically ranges from 7 to 10 days, depending on the intensity of your treatment. Redness, swelling, and light crusting or peeling are common during the healing phase. Pinkness may linger for several weeks as your skin continues to regenerate.

When will I see results?

You’ll notice tighter, smoother skin within 7–10 days of treatment. However, the most significant improvements — especially in skin firmness, texture, and tone — develop gradually over 3 to 6 months as new collagen forms.

How many treatments will I need?

Many patients achieve excellent results with a single session, but deeper wrinkles or significant sun damage may require a second treatment spaced 6 months to one year apart.. Your provider will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your skin’s needs and goals.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Fractionated CO₂ laser is often combined with facelifts, neck lifts, or injectables for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It’s also an excellent complement to microneedling, PRP, or maintenance treatments over time.

Is it safe for all skin types?

This treatment is most appropriate for fair to medium skin tones. Patients with darker skin may be at increased risk of pigmentation changes and may benefit from alternative treatments. Your provider will assess your skin during consultation to determine if CO₂ resurfacing is right for you.

What to expect about the procedure:

Prior to treatment, a combination of topical and local anesthetic is applied to ensure your comfort. Your provider will select laser settings customized to your skin type, concerns, and the level of rejuvenation desired.

During the procedure, the laser creates thousands of microthermal zones, vaporizing targeted areas while leaving surrounding skin intact to speed up healing. The entire process, including photos, numbing, treatment, and post-care, typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

After the procedure, a healing ointment will be applied and you’ll receive thorough post-care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Post-Treatment & Recovery

You can expect:

  • Redness and swelling, especially around the eyes, for the first 1–3 days
  • Moist skin with some crusting in the initial 2–4 days
  • Peeling or flaking typically begins around day 3–5
  • Pink, fresh skin will emerge and continue improving over 7–10 days

Most patients can apply makeup in 7–10 days, and pinkness fades gradually over the following weeks.

While your skin will look tighter and smoother within the first week, final results develop over 3–6 months as new collagen forms and continues to remodel.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

  • Healthy individuals with signs of sun damage, aging, or scarring
  • Patients looking for full-face or targeted rejuvenation
  • Those with fair to medium skin tones (darker skin types may require alternate treatments)

Patients with active acne, rosacea, or other inflammatory skin conditions may need pretreatment. Those with a history of cold sores may receive a preventive antiviral prescription.