CO₂ Laser Resurfacing · Prescott, AZ
Smoother, clearer skin — with a treatment that actually renews it
Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments available for deeper wrinkles, rough texture, acne scars and sun damage. It works by creating thousands of tiny, controlled treatment zones in the skin. As your skin heals, it replaces damaged tissue with fresh new skin and builds new collagen underneath.
It is also one of the more intensive skin treatments we offer — so we take our time making sure it's the right choice for you.
What CO₂ laser may help with
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
- Loose, crepey eyelid skin — treated for a subtle, non-surgical "lift"
- Rough or crepey texture
- Acne scars and some surgical scars
- Sun damage, age spots and uneven tone
- Enlarged-looking pores
Treatment areas: face (including eyelids), neck, chest, hands
How it works
The CO₂ laser (10,600 nm wavelength) is absorbed by water in your skin. In fractional mode, it treats a grid of microscopic columns while leaving the skin between them intact — which is why healing is faster than older, fully ablative CO₂ treatments. Those healthy bridges of skin help the treated areas repair and remodel, and collagen production continues for months afterward.
What to expect
Before: We review your skin type, history of cold sores, recent sun exposure, acne medications (like isotretinoin), and any history of poor healing or keloids. Some patients are given a skin-prep routine or preventive antiviral medication.
During: Numbing cream is applied for 30–60 minutes. The treatment itself usually takes 20–45 minutes depending on area. Most people feel heat and a prickly, snapping sensation.
After:
- Days 1–3: redness, swelling and a sunburn-like feeling are normal.
- Days 3–7: skin feels tight, bronzes and flakes as it renews.
- Week 1–2: most patients are back to normal activity with makeup; some pinkness may linger for several weeks.
- Results continue to improve over 3–6 months as collagen rebuilds.
Downtime depends on how aggressively we treat. A lighter treatment means less downtime and more gradual change; a deeper treatment means more downtime and more change. We'll decide that together.
Is CO₂ right for me?
CO₂ may be a good fit if you have moderate to significant texture, wrinkles or scarring and can plan for recovery time. It may not be the right choice if you:
- Have a deeper skin tone with higher risk of pigment changes (we may suggest Morpheus8 instead)
- Have taken isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 6–12 months
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active infection, a history of keloids, or certain autoimmune conditions
- Can't avoid sun exposure during healing
Risks we'll talk through
Prolonged redness, temporary darkening or lightening of skin, cold-sore flare, infection, acne flare and — rarely — scarring. Careful patient selection and aftercare reduce these risks significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments will I need?
Many patients see meaningful improvement after one treatment; scarring or deeper concerns may need more.
How long do results last?
The collagen you build is yours, but aging and sun keep happening. Sun protection and good skincare help results last for years.
CO₂ vs Morpheus8 — which is better?
CO₂ is stronger on the surface (texture, sun damage, wrinkles). Morpheus8 works deeper with less surface downtime and is often safer for darker skin. Some patients benefit from both.
Let's Talk About Your Goals
Every plan starts with an honest consultation — what you'd like to change, what's realistic, and what's right for you.
371 Garden St, Suite A · Prescott, AZ 86305 · By Appointment Only
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. A consultation is required before treatment.