Your skin naturally repairs and renews itself. It sheds dead cells, produces new ones, and maintains collagen and elastin to keep it firm and smooth. As you age, these processes slow, leading to uneven texture, fine lines, and a dull appearance.
CO2 laser treatments help by resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen production. This treatment removes damaged layers and allows fresh skin to emerge while promoting long-term renewal. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we offer CO2 laser treatments as an option for patients looking to improve skin tone, texture, and overall appearance.
What Are CO2 Laser Treatments?
CO2 laser treatments use targeted light energy to remove damaged layers of skin and trigger natural healing. This process can improve texture, reduce fine lines, and minimize scars or pigmentation issues. It’s a resurfacing treatment that helps your skin regenerate by stimulating collagen production.
How Do CO2 Lasers Work?
We use a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to deliver controlled heat energy to the skin. The laser creates micro-injuries that remove damaged tissue while leaving surrounding skin intact, which speeds up the healing process. As your skin repairs itself, it produces new collagen to improve firmness and texture in the treated areas. Different settings allow us to adjust the depth of treatment depending on your skin type and concerns.
About the DEKA SmartXide PRO
Lasers for skin resurfacing come in different types and intensities. Ablative laser resurfacing removes layers of damaged skin, triggering a strong healing response. Non-ablative lasers heat the deeper layers without removing the surface, stimulating gradual collagen production with less downtime. Fractionated lasers, whether ablative or non-ablative, treat only a portion of the skin at a time and allow for faster healing while still delivering noticeable results.
The DEKA SmartXide PRO is an advanced ablative laser resurfacing device that offers fractional resurfacing and allows for precise control over treatment intensity. It uses a CO2 laser combined with a unique scanning system to deliver energy in a way that maximizes skin renewal while minimizing recovery time. Adjustable pulse modes allow us to tailor the depth and thermal impact. This system is suitable for both deep resurfacing and more superficial treatments.
RefineX
Our RefineX settings are for lighter resurfacing and are a good option for treating fine lines, mild texture issues, and early signs of aging. With this treatment we deliver controlled energy to the upper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production while keeping downtime to a minimum. Patients who want a noticeable improvement without an extensive healing process often opt for this setting.
ReformX
The ReformX setting provides deeper skin renewal by targeting both the surface and underlying structures. It removes damaged layers more aggressively and is effective for deeper wrinkles, scars, and significant sun damage. This setting is often used for more advanced skin concerns, with a longer but more transformative healing process.
What Can Be Treated With CO2 Fractionated Lasers?Â
Sun Damage and Age Spots
CO2 fractionated lasers remove damaged layers of skin to fade discoloration caused by years of sun exposure. As new skin cells replace the treated areas, sun spots become less noticeable, and the skin tone evens out. This treatment also encourages fresh collagen production, which helps maintain a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
Acne Scars
Some scars sit deep in the skin and are difficult to treat with surface-level treatments. Our CO2 laser for acne scars ablates tiny areas to break down scar tissue and stimulate new collagen. This process smooths out pitted areas and improves overall skin texture, making scars much less visible.
Lines and Wrinkles
Instead of just addressing surface-level creases, the best laser for wrinkles targets both the outer layer and the deeper structures of the skin. By promoting collagen remodeling, this treatment softens fine lines and deeper folds. The skin gradually becomes firmer and smoother, with improvements continuing for months after treatment.
Sagging Skin
Loose skin lacks the support of collagen and elastin, but CO2 fractionated lasers help by stimulating new production of these structural proteins. The heat generated during treatment encourages skin tightening from within, which makes the skin appear firmer over time. This effect is especially beneficial for areas like the lower face, under the eyes, and along the jawline.
Uneven Texture
Rough, bumpy, or dull skin can make it difficult for light to reflect evenly and can be the cause of a lackluster appearance. Fractionated laser resurfacing removes damaged outer layers and triggers fresh cell turnover. As the skin heals, its texture becomes smoother, which allows for better light reflection and a more refreshed look.
Large Pores
Pores stretch when collagen weakens and oil production increases. By stimulating new collagen and resurfacing the outermost layer, CO2 laser treatments help tighten the skin around the pores to make them less noticeable. This treatment also clears out congestion, reducing the chances of pores appearing enlarged due to trapped debris.
Hyperpigmentation
Uneven patches of pigmentation develop when excess melanin collects in certain areas of the skin. CO2 laser for hyperpigmentation removes the pigmented skin cells while promoting an even tone through collagen stimulation. With precise energy delivery, we can treat darker spots without affecting the surrounding skin.
What Are the Expected Results of a CO2 Laser Treatment?Â
The skin often looks red and feels sensitive immediately after treatment. As the healing process continues, the outer layer will gradually shed, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. Over the next several months, collagen production increases, improving firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines, scars, and other texture concerns. Results develop gradually, with ongoing improvements as the skin continues to regenerate.
The Treatment Experience
Pre-Treatment Instructions
To prepare for your CO2 laser treatment, we may recommend adjusting your skincare routine a few weeks in advance. We may also have you avoid sun exposure, stop certain exfoliating products, and use medical-grade skincare to optimize your results. Keeping your skin hydrated and healthy before treatment can also improve the healing process.
What to Expect During Treatment
We start by cleansing your skin and applying a numbing cream to keep you comfortable. The CO2 laser moves easily across the skin, creating tiny perforations as it goes. The treatment time depends on the areas being addressed, but most sessions take about 30 to 60 minutes. You may feel warmth or a slight tingling as the laser works, but the numbing helps minimize discomfort.
Post-Treatment Instructions
We provide specific aftercare instructions, including how to keep your skin clean and moisturized to support healing. Avoid direct sun exposure, and use a gentle cleanser and medical-grade moisturizer to keep your skin protected. As the outer layer sheds, treat the fresh skin with care by using quality products and a gentle touch.Â
What to Expect From Your Recovery
RefineX
Patients looking for a milder resurfacing option often choose RefineX, which allows for a faster recovery. Redness and slight peeling may occur over the first few days, but most patients feel comfortable resuming normal activities within a day or two. Our CO2 laser for fine lines and mild concerns refreshes the skin without requiring significant downtime.
ReformX
The ReformX setting goes deeper and requires a longer healing period. Swelling and redness are more pronounced in the first few days, with a little more peeling. Full recovery takes about a week, during which the skin renews itself and forms fresh collagen. While the initial healing process is more intense, the results are more dramatic.
Comparing CO2 Laser Treatments to Other Treatments
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation, redness, and mild skin imperfections. While it can improve skin tone, it doesn’t resurface the skin like laser skin rejuvenation and may be less effective for deeper wrinkles or significant texture concerns.
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels exfoliate the skin using acid-based solutions, which help with discoloration, wrinkles, and texture issues.
- Microneedling: Traditional microneedling creates tiny microchannels that stimulate collagen, while RF microneedling combines this with radiofrequency energy for deeper skin tightening.
Common Questions About CO2 Laser Resurfacing
How Many Sessions Will I Need for Best Results?
Most patients see noticeable improvement after just one session, but the number of treatments depends on the depth of resurfacing needed. Milder treatments for fine lines and mild texture concerns may only require a single session, while deeper resurfacing for scars or wrinkles may need multiple treatments spaced several months apart. The results continue to develop as collagen rebuilds, so improvements can be seen for months after each session.
Can CO2 Lasers Be Combined With Other Treatments?
CO2 laser treatments can be paired with other treatments for enhanced results. However, this is determined on a case by case basis, so you will need to have a consultation to determine whether other treatments such as injectables may be suitable for you.
Can I Get CO2 Laser Treatments With Active Acne?
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is perfect for acne scars, but may not always be recommended for patients with severe active acne breakouts. If you experience frequent acne flare-ups, we may suggest treating the acne first before moving forward with laser resurfacing.
How Soon Can I Wear Makeup After My Treatments?
Makeup should be avoided until the skin has fully healed, which typically takes about 7 to 10 days, depending on the depth of treatment. Applying makeup too soon can interfere with healing and increase the risk of irritation. Once your skin is no longer peeling or sensitive, mineral-based or non-comedogenic makeup can be used to protect the fresh skin while maintaining a breathable barrier.
How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost?
The cost of CO2 laser resurfacing varies depending on the treatment area, the depth of resurfacing, and whether additional treatments are combined. During a consultation, we can provide a detailed breakdown of costs and discuss any other questions you may have about the treatment.Â
Choosing Our Clinic in La Mesa, CA
At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa, we believe in treatments that work with your natural beauty, not against it. When we perform CO2 laser resurfacing, the goal is to refresh your skin in a way that enhances what makes you, you. We take a minimalistic approach to create noticeable results without making you look overdone.
We also know that aesthetic treatments should be on your terms. You’ll never be pressured into treatments you don’t need. Instead, we’ll take the time to understand your skin, discuss your goals, and create a plan that makes sense for you. Whether you’re addressing sun damage, wrinkles, or acne scars, we’re here to guide you toward results that feel natural. Patients from La Mesa, San Diego, Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, La Presa, and Bonita trust us for expert care in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Resurface and Refresh Your Skin With CO2 Laser Treatments
CO2 laser treatment removes damaged skin layers and stimulates collagen production, improving texture, fine lines, and discoloration. The controlled energy delivery allows for precise resurfacing and a comfortable treatment without the hassle of a long downtime. To learn more or schedule a consultation at San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, call (619) 303-0988 or contact us through the online form.
