CO2 Laser Resurfacing: What Goes Down During Your Treatment Session?

 Thinking about CO2 laser resurfacing to get that glowing, smooth skin? You're not alone! Whether you're battling fine lines, acne scars, or just looking for a skin refresh, CO2 laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to reveal fresher, younger-looking skin.

But if you're new to this whole process, you're probably wondering: what really goes down during a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment session? Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect — from start to finish — and why this treatment is a game-changer.

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

First things first: let’s quickly cover what CO2 laser resurfacing actually is. Simply put, it’s a skin treatment that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) laser beams to target and remove damaged skin layers. It helps stimulate collagen production, making your skin tighter, smoother, and more even-toned. It’s perfect for treating everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars, sun damage, and even uneven pigmentation.

The beauty of CO2 laser resurfacing is that it’s versatile. Whether you’re looking for a light refresh or more intensive resurfacing, the treatment can be customized to suit your skin needs.

So, What Happens During the Treatment?

Now that you have a basic understanding of what CO2 laser resurfacing is, let’s take a closer look at the step-by-step process of what actually happens during your treatment session. You may have seen those sci-fi lasers in movies, but don’t worry — it’s much more controlled and comfortable than you might imagine!

1. Consultation & Skin Assessment

Before you even book your appointment, you’ll need a consultation with your dermatologist or licensed practitioner. This is where they’ll take a close look at your skin, assess your goals, and determine whether CO2 laser resurfacing is the right treatment for you.
The provider will discuss what you want to address — be it wrinkles, age spots, or acne scars — and also make sure that your skin type and health are suitable for the procedure. It's also a great time to ask about the recovery process and potential side effects, so you can go into the treatment with confidence.

2. Pre-Treatment Prep: Numbing Cream & Relaxation

Once you’re ready for the big day, the first step in the treatment session is prepping your skin. CO2 laser resurfacing can cause some discomfort, so your practitioner will apply a numbing cream to your treatment area. This ensures you feel minimal pain during the procedure. You might even be offered an oral sedative if you’re particularly anxious or if you're getting a larger area treated.
During this waiting period (usually 20-30 minutes), you’ll just kick back and relax. It’s like a spa day, minus the cucumber slices on your eyes!

3. The Actual Laser Treatment

Once you're numb and comfortable, the magic happens! The provider uses a handheld device to direct the CO2 laser beams onto your skin. The laser emits short bursts of light energy that vaporize the outer layers of skin, leaving behind smoother, clearer tissue.
Depending on your specific treatment plan, the provider may focus on just a few areas or treat your entire face. The laser can also target different skin depths (superficial or deep) depending on the severity of the issue you're addressing. For instance, if you’re treating deep wrinkles or scars, the laser may be set to a more aggressive level to penetrate deeper layers of skin.
You may feel a mild heat or tingling sensation during the procedure, but thanks to the numbing cream, most people find the treatment fairly tolerable. Some describe it as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin, but again, it’s pretty manageable.

Duration: How Long Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Take?

A typical CO2 laser resurfacing session can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the area being treated and the intensity of the resurfacing. If you're only getting a small section of your face treated, it could be on the shorter end of the spectrum. But if you're going for a full-face treatment, it will take a bit longer.

It's a good idea to plan ahead and take the rest of the day off, especially if you're having a more intensive treatment, since you'll need time to relax and recover after the session.

1. Cooling Down & Aftercare

Once the treatment is complete, your provider will gently cool your skin with ice packs or a cooling gel to soothe any heat or discomfort. You’ll likely have some redness and swelling, similar to a mild sunburn, which is totally normal and will subside over the next few days.

You’ll also be given instructions on how to care for your skin post-treatment. Since your skin will be extra sensitive, it’s important to keep it hydrated and protected. Think of it as your skin’s "recovery mode" — you're going to want to treat it with TLC. Your provider may recommend using gentle cleansers, hydrating creams, and, of course, broad-spectrum sunscreen (no excuses here!).

2. Post-Treatment: Recovery Time

After your session, your skin will need time to heal. For light treatments, you may only experience a few days of redness and peeling, but for more intense resurfacing, you could have up to a week or two of recovery time.

During this period, you may notice some flaking, crusting, or even a bit of oozing (don’t panic, it’s just part of the healing process!). This is the old skin being shed to make way for fresh, new skin. Make sure not to pick at or scratch your skin, as tempting as it might be. Let the natural healing process do its thing!

3. Results: How Soon Will You See That Glow?

The best part of CO2 laser resurfacing is that the results are so worth it. You can expect to start seeing improvement in your skin after a few days to a week, with the most dramatic results becoming visible within 3-6 months as your collagen levels continue to rise and skin tightens.

Keep in mind that some people may need multiple sessions, especially if they are addressing more significant issues like deep wrinkles or scars. But overall, the results are long-lasting, and your skin will keep looking youthful and rejuvenated for months or even years.

Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing Right for You?

CO2 laser resurfacing isn’t for everyone. People with darker skin tones may want to proceed with caution, as the treatment can sometimes cause hyperpigmentation. It’s essential to consult with your provider to determine whether this treatment is suitable for your skin type.

However, if you're looking for a dramatic, lasting improvement and are okay with a little downtime, CO2 laser resurfacing can work wonders.

Have you tried CO2 laser resurfacing before? Or are you considering it for your next skincare boost? Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

Book Your Free Consultation Now!

Ready to give your skin the treatment it deserves? At LLC Cosmetic Laser Clinics, we offer personalized CO2 laser resurfacing treatments designed to address your unique skin concerns. Our experienced professionals are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you achieve the best possible results.

Don’t wait for your skin to age — book your free consultation today and start your journey to glowing, youthful skin! Let’s talk about your skin goals and how we can help you get there.