CO2 Laser Overview Irvine, CA

Fractionated CO2 laser

Fractional CO2 is the most effective tool for resurfacing skin in order to eliminate acne scars or rejuvenate aged skin. These are before and after photos, taken four weeks apart, after one single acne scar treatment with the CO2 laser, with plans for additional treatments. call us at (949)551-1113 for a complimentary consultation to see if you are a right candidate for CO2 laser treatment and acne scar correction.

Are you overwhelmed with all the various types of laser treatments on the market?

There are many different lasers on the market including these widely known lasers used here in the U.S. such as SmartXide, ProFractional, Smartskin, Silklase, Zenpro, Pixel CO2, Deep Fx, Ultrapulse, Fraxel, Affirm CO2, Ultherapy and so many more. The CO2 laser is one of the most powerful and effective treatments, but with the fractionated features, it is able to minimize risk of complications that were associated with the “full field” CO2 lasers widely used in the past. At OC MedDerm, we ensure you are educated about your treatment options and tailor a plan that’s right for you!

CO2 laser history

The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is one of the oldest gas lasers, invented in 1964, and is still one of the most useful lasers in the medical field.

What is a CO2 laser?

What Is Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 (carbon dioxide) lasers are the highest-powered lasers used in dermatology. They work by precisely removing damaged surface skin while delivering heat to deeper layers to stimulate collagen remodeling and skin tightening.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is commonly used to treat:

• Deep acne scars
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Sun damage
• Uneven texture and enlarged pores
• Skin laxity

This treatment is especially effective for patients in Irvine and Orange County seeking long-term skin rejuvenation rather than temporary cosmetic fixes.

What is the difference between a non-fractional laser and fractional laser?

Non-fractional lasers deliver laser light and energy into the entire surface of the skin and treat the skin in a “full field”. Therefore, only one single treatment is typically needed for skin rejuvenation. This procedure is often more aggressive, requires anesthesia, has more down time after the procedure, comes at a higher cost of the single treatment, and has a greater chance of complications compared to its fractional laser counterpart. Since the introduction of fractional lasers, non-fractional laser resurfacing has diminished in popularity. Fractional lasers deliver laser energy into the skin in a fractionated or “pixelated” form, which means that the laser light and energy is introduced into only the desired areas of treatment by thousands of tiny dots, creating micro-channel injuries in the skin. The advantage of this is that each injured column in the skin is surrounded by intact skin, which aids in a faster healing period and less risk of complications. This procedure does not need full anesthesia and can usually be tolerated with topical numbing cream to control the discomfort during the procedure. Since this modality of laser treats a fraction of the skin, you benefit from repeated treatments, which eventually rejuvenate the entire skin surface after multiple treatments.

What are the benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing?

Since CO2 laser is the most powerful laser on the market, it is capable of drastically reducing common signs of aging by creating the following changes in the skin:

• Improves skin texture and tone
• Drastically reduces the appearance of fine line skin wrinkles by increasing collagen formation
• Improves acne scars
• Reduces appearance of stretch marks
• Removes sun damaged skin and skin blemishes
• Skin tightening if deeper treatment is intended
• Reduces the appearance of large pores
• Reduces uneven discoloration of the skin

How Is Fractional CO2 Laser Performed at OC MedDerm?

Before treatment, Dr. Shafa thoroughly evaluates your skin and reviews your goals. A topical numbing cream is applied for comfort. The laser is then carefully performed using customized settings, often requiring only one pass for effective resurfacing.

After treatment, a healing ointment is applied, and detailed aftercare instructions are provided to support optimal recovery.

Is CO2 laser painful?

Most patients tolerate fractional CO2 laser treatment well with topical numbing cream. Sensations are commonly described as a warm snapping feeling. Cooling technology is available for added comfort when needed.

What is the post CO2 laser procedure care instruction?

Detailed instructions regarding the procedure will be reviewed with you prior to procedure and given to you to take home after treatment. Here is a summary of do’s and don’ts regarding after care:

• DO rinse your skin with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water twice a day, pat your skin dry. Do not rub.
• DO ensure your skin is well lubricated and moist during healing phases. Keep a thick coat of Aquaphor ointment on the treated area at all the times.
• DO Avoid scratching or peeling off the skin.
• DO NOT apply any products that might irritate your skin for the week following treatment (such as makeup or prescription products, unless otherwise instructed by your physician). Inappropriate use of topical products can interfere with the optimal healing process of your skin.
• If you have a history of fever blisters, DO take medication to prevent fever blister breakouts during your healing process.
• If you have a history of acne and are being treated for acne scars, DO take antibiotics if instructed by your physician during the healing process.
• DO strictly avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen especially if you have darker skin tone.
• DO NOT perform strenuous exercise or heavy lifting the first week after procedure.

What is the down time of fractionated CO2 laser?

Downtime varies depending on treatment depth and area:

• Redness and swelling typically last 2–5 days
• Peeling may occur during healing
• Deeper treatments may require up to 7–10 days

Dr. Shafa adjusts laser intensity to balance results with downtime based on your schedule.

What is the cost of Fractional CO2 laser?

We often receive phone calls in our office inquiring about the cost of laser treatments. Imagine! You can’t call a store and ask how much is a jacket? As you know the prices of a jacket depends on the brand, style, pattern, fabric, etc. Similarly, there are many factors that dictate the cost of laser procedures that must be determined after face to face consultation. Some of the factors included but not limited are type and color of the skin, the severity of damage and aged skin, depth and type of the scar, size and location of the sacr, time frame available and many more other factors. For this reason, we offer complimentary consultations to discuss all of your concerns and address pricing. Please call us (949)551-1113 to schedule your free consultation.

Who is not a candidate for CO2 laser treatment?

Since CO2 laser is the most powerful laser on the market, it is capable of drastically reducing common signs of aging by creating the following changes in the skin:

• People with very dark skin tones or medium-dark skin tones might need a longer pre treatment preparation of the skin.
• If you have a history of keloid formation on face, you may be at risk of keloids from this procedure.
• If you have active acne or infections, we advise you start by treating active breakouts and infections followed by laser.
• If you cannot dedicate the time and effort for one week post treatment care.
• And most importantly, if someone has unrealistic expectations of the results with such a treatment, we highly recommend you take this opportunity to see us for a complimentary consultation for fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing treatment.

If you are looking for fractional CO2 laser treatment near Irvine, OC MedDerm offers physician-performed care with over 25 years of dermatology experience.

Call (949) 551-1113 or Ask Questions online to schedule your complimentary consultation and find out if CO2 laser resurfacing is right for you.