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    CO2 Laser Resurfacing: what it is, what to expect and where to find it

    What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

    CO2 laser resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove or heat thin layers of skin, prompting the skin to rebuild. It is used for wrinkles, sun damage, uneven texture and some scars. Many clinics use fractional CO2 lasers, which treat a grid of tiny columns and leave untreated skin in between, and lighter versions such as CoolPeel.

    How CO2 Laser Resurfacing works

    The CO2 laser beam is absorbed by water in skin cells, vaporising tissue in a precise pattern. Fractional treatment leaves bridges of healthy skin that speed healing. As the skin repairs itself, it produces new collagen and fresh surface skin. The depth and density of treatment decide both how much change is possible and how long recovery takes.

    What to expect at the appointment

    1. A consultation and often a period of skin preparation, plus preventive cold sore medicine for people prone to them.
    2. Numbing cream or other pain relief before treatment.
    3. Passes of the laser over the area, with a hot, prickly feeling.
    4. A detailed aftercare routine with ointments, gentle cleansing and strict sun avoidance.

    Recovery and downtime

    Lighter treatments may mean a few days of redness and flaking. Deeper fractional resurfacing often means around a week of swelling, oozing and peeling, with pinkness that can last longer.

    Safety and suitability

    • Darker skin tones carry a higher risk of pigment changes, so careful device and setting choice is essential.
    • Possible complications include infection, prolonged redness, pigment changes and scarring.
    • Recent isotretinoin use, active infections and a tendency to keloid scars may rule treatment out.
    • Plan time off work and social events for stronger treatments.

    Questions to ask before you book

    • Is this a fractional or fully ablative treatment, and how deep will you go?
    • Who performs laser resurfacing at your clinic, and how many have they done?
    • How much downtime should I plan for with these settings?
    • What aftercare products and follow-up visits are included?

    CO2 Laser Resurfacing FAQ

    What is the difference between CO2 laser and CoolPeel?

    CoolPeel is a lighter CO2 laser treatment that targets the surface with less heat, so recovery is shorter. Traditional fractional CO2 resurfacing treats deeper and needs more downtime.

    How long is recovery from CO2 laser resurfacing?

    It varies with depth. Light treatments may need only a few days, while deeper resurfacing usually needs around a week before you feel comfortable in public, with pinkness lasting longer.

    Can CO2 lasers treat acne scars?

    Fractional CO2 lasers are often used for some acne scars and textural irregularities. A series of treatments, or combination with other procedures, is common.

    This is general information, not medical advice, and results differ from person to person. This treatment should be prescribed or performed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed medical provider. Talk to a licensed provider about your health history before booking.

    Written and fact-checked against our editorial rules (no prices, statistics or promised results) by the MedSpa Listings editorial team. Last reviewed 2026-11-03.

    Where to find CO2 Laser Resurfacing

    City pages for CO2 Laser Resurfacing appear once at least three listed clinics in a city name it on their own website. Browse med spas by state.

    16 listed clinics name CO2 Laser Resurfacing on their own website (MedSpa Listings service scan).