We have something new for you: laser treatments with CO2! Our patients have loved their results from our current laser therapies such as IPL and fractional, non-ablative laser treatments with ResurFX™, so we are excited to add an even more transformative treatment option to our laser services. Here’s what you need to know about the new CO2 laser skin treatment at our Asheville medspa and how it compares to the laser treatments you already know and love.
How a CO2 laser works
A CO2 laser delivers high-powered infrared light that is absorbed by water molecules in your skin. This action ablates, or vaporizes, skin cells, effectively removing the damaged outer layer of skin and making room for the skin’s surface to regenerate itself.
Some ablative CO2 lasers are non-fractional, which means the entire surface of a treated area is removed. These CO2 lasers can achieve significant skin renewal; however, they will require a minimum downtime of up to two weeks, sometimes longer.
At Mountain Radiance, we offer a more advanced type of CO2 laser called fractional CO2. Our fractional laser works similarly to a standard ablative CO2 laser, but does not vaporize the entire surface. The Phoenix system by Rohrer Aesthetics divides the laser beam into tiny columns of light called microthermal zones. Only the skin within a microthermal zone is vaporized. Picture a microscopic checkerboard, for example—the white tiles would receive the laser energy, but leave the black tiles undisturbed.
So while some of the skin in treated areas remains untouched, the ablated portions of the skin are close enough together to trigger cell turnover and new collagen formation across the treatment site, rejuvenating the entire surface of treated areas. The biggest advantage of fractional CO2 laser treatments is much less downtime without compromising the results.
“Wonderful and friendly providers and staff. They spend a lot of time with you and help to figure out your best options based on evaluation of your skin. Prices are very affordable.”
—5-star Google review
Who should consider CO2 laser treatments
If you have any skin concerns, chances are, a CO2 laser skin treatment can address them! The most common issues we can correct or improve with CO2 laser include:
- Lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and age spots
- Pigmentation irregularities
- Acne/acne scarring
- Surgical scars
- Large pores
- Stretch marks
- Mild skin laxity & crepey skin
- Skin texture issues
- Benign moles
We can extend the benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing to your neck, chest, and hands as well. In fact, the Phoenix system has a separate attachment to treat larger areas. You can simply place your hand and arm under the device for the entire surface to be treated at once.
Your treatment options
We offer two different types of CO2 laser treatments: CO2 Lite and CO2 Complete.
- CO2 Lite is similar to a Cool Peel treatment, noticeably improving blemishes and signs of aging with the least amount of downtime.
- CO2 Complete provides deeper rejuvenation and significant skin renewal. You’ll need a little more downtime (about a week) but perhaps fewer treatments to see the results you’re looking for.
During your consultation, we will discuss your preferences and recommend the number of treatments you may need. You can purchase a single treatment for any area, or a package of 3 for cost savings.
Comparing CO2 to other laser treatments
Here’s a quick comparison of our laser skin rejuvenation options (spoiler alert—they’re all good!):
CO2 vs. IPL
IPL delivers short pulses of a broad spectrum of visible and near-infrared light to target skin concerns such as pigmentation, vascular lesions, and mild photoaging. This is a non-ablative treatment, meaning the light passes through the skin to heat the deeper layers without removing the outer surface. You’ll see gradual improvements in imperfections over 2-3 weeks as pigmented spots rise to the surface and flake off. There’s no healing time needed after an IPL treatment.
A CO2 laser treatment offers more dramatic and near-immediate results for pigmentation issues and other concerns like signs of aging and scarring. Ultimately, the choice between CO2 and IPL depends on your specific skin goals, the severity of your skin issues, and your tolerance for downtime and recovery.
CO2 vs. ResurFX non-ablative laser treatments
ResurFX’s fractional non-ablative technology delivers microscopic laser beams that penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen production without removing the surface layer. You’ll see steady, noticeable improvement in your skin tone, imperfections, and overall texture. There’s no healing time needed, though you may have some redness right after a treatment. This type of laser is great for people who have more mild concerns and those who want to improve the health and appearance of their skin but can’t commit to a few days of downtime that’s needed after a CO2 treatment. Like IPL, the right treatment for you depends on your skin condition and your preferences on the type of aftercare needed.
Can’t decide? That’s why we’re here! We will walk you through all the options and help you determine what’s best for you and your skin.
Think CO2 laser skin resurfacing could be right for you?
Book your consultation with our trained laser provider Dr. Mark Chandler to get started! Please call our Asheville medical spa at (828) 627-2711 or fill out the contact form below.
