CO2 Laser
Severe sun exposure, deep acne scarring, and advanced chronological aging create structural changes in the skin that light chemical peels or superficial lasers cannot fully address. Over time, collagen fragmentation within the deeper dermal layers leads to persistent wrinkles, heavy textural irregularities, and stubborn hyperpigmentation.
At On The Glow Medspa & Aesthetics in Porter Ranch, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing provides intensive tissue renewal. By vaporizing microscopic columns of damaged epidermal and dermal tissue while leaving surrounding areas intact, CO2 laser technology initiates a powerful biological healing response that replaces aged skin with fresh, firm, and healthy tissue.
Smooths deep wrinkles, reduces pronounced acne scars, tightens lax skin, and clears severe sun damage.
Moderate to high. Post-procedure redness, swelling, peeling, and skin pinpoint oozing resolve over 7 to 14 days.
Visits take approximately 90 to 120 minutes, including 45 to 60 minutes of topical and nerve block numbing.
Long-lasting dermal renewal, with structural collagen benefits persisting for several years.
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) laser resurfacing is an ablative skin rejuvenation treatment that utilizes an infrared light wavelength of 10,600 nanometers. This specific wavelength is intensely absorbed by water molecules within skin cells.
Modern CO2 laser systems utilize fractional technology, delivering laser energy in an array of microscopic beams (micro-thermal zones) rather than stripping the entire skin surface at once. As the laser energy hits the target area, it instantly vaporizes tiny columns of damaged outer tissue while delivering thermal energy deep into the surrounding dermis. This controlled thermal energy causes immediate collagen fiber contraction and stimulates long-term neocollagenesis (new collagen synthesis) during the healing phase.
A CO2 laser resurfacing appointment begins with thorough patient preparation. Due to the ablative nature of the treatment, a combination of prescription-strength topical numbing gel, local nerve blocks, or oral pain medications may be administered 45 to 60 minutes prior to treatment to ensure patient comfort.
Once the treatment area is completely numb, the provider cleanses the skin and fits the patient with protective laser eyewear. The CO2 handpiece is moved systematically across the target zones, delivering micro-pulses of laser energy in a precise pattern. Patients typically feel a warm prickling or snapping sensation along with intense thermal heat. Immediately following the pass, a thick occlusive barrier ointment and cooling compress are applied to protect the exposed micro-channels.
Check out our latest specials to see if there are any current promotions on CO2 laser treatments.
CO2 laser resurfacing is most commonly performed on the full face or localized high-wrinkle areas (such as around the mouth or eyes). With adjusted pulse parameters, it can also treat the neck, chest, and backs of the hands.
Common conditions treated include:
Smooths stubborn perioral (lip) lines, forehead creases, and crow's feet that resist milder treatments.
Remodels rigid scar tissue and softens ice pick, boxcar, or rolling acne scars.
Clears persistent solar lentigines, deep brown spots, and actinic texture changes from chronic UV exposure.
Tightens thin, crinkly skin around the eyes and mouth.
Resurfaces coarse, bumpy, or thickened skin to reveal a smooth epidermal texture.
The CO2 laser offers a range of benefits for skin rejuvenation. It effectively reduces wrinkles, scars, and sun damage by precisely removing damaged skin layers. This promotes collagen production, leading to smoother and firmer skin. The procedure can target specific areas without affecting surrounding tissues, ensuring minimal downtime and faster recovery.
It is Ideal for those seeking noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone. CO2 lasers provide long-lasting results. Plus, they are suitable for various skin types and concerns, making them a versatile choice for individuals looking to safely enhance their appearance.
CO2 laser resurfacing is suitable for adult men and women with fair to medium skin tones (typically Fitzpatrick types I–III) exhibiting significant photoaging, deep facial lines, rough skin texture, or prominent scars.
CO2 lasers carry an elevated risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) and require strict pre-treatment protocols if considered. CO2 laser treatment is contraindicated for individuals with active skin infections, a history of keloid scarring, recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use within the past 6 to 12 months, compromised immune healing, or active pregnancy. A comprehensive medical review is conducted at On The Glow prior to scheduling.
CO2 laser resurfacing requires a dedicated recovery period as the skin sheds vaporized outer layers and heals new tissue. Immediately post-treatment, the skin feels hot, heavily sunburned, and will exhibit significant redness and swelling. Micro-pinpoint oozing or crusting typically occurs during the first 3 to 5 days.
Between days 4 and 7, old surface skin will darken, dry, and peel away, revealing pink, delicate fresh skin underneath. Full re-epithelialization generally finishes within 7 to 10 days, while lingering pinkness gradually fades over 2 to 6 weeks.
To ensure safe healing and avoid scarring, patients must observe these instructions:
Initial skin smoothing and significant tone clearing are visible once peeling completes around day 7 to 10. As the newly formed skin heals, texture feels noticeably smoother, fine lines appear diminished, and surface hyperpigmentation is cleared.
Because CO2 laser energy triggers deep dermal remodeling, structural improvements—such as progressive skin tightening, deepening line softening, and scar leveling—continue to evolve over 3 to 6 months as new collagen matures. Results are long-lasting, often enduring for several years when paired with daily broad-spectrum sun protection and medical-grade skincare.
Ablative laser resurfacing requires clinical expertise, accurate energy calibration, and thorough post-procedure management. At On The Glow Medspa & Aesthetics, our physician-led clinical team customizes laser energy parameters, density settings, and spot sizes based on your anatomical needs and skin tolerance.
Serving patients across Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Northridge, Chatsworth, and the wider San Fernando Valley, our practice focuses on patient safety, effective pain mitigation, and step-by-step recovery guidance to deliver safe, transformative outcomes.
Non-ablative lasers heat underlying tissue without removing the surface skin. Fractional CO2 lasers are ablative, meaning they vaporize microscopic columns of outer skin cells to force complete epidermal renewal and more dramatic dermal remodeling.
Because CO2 lasers deliver significant thermal energy, local numbing cream, nerve blocks, and oral comfort medications are utilized before treatment to keep discomfort manageable throughout the session.
Most patients achieve significant correction in a single comprehensive treatment. Severe scarring or deep static wrinkles may benefit from a second treatment spaced 6 to 12 months apart.
Social downtime generally lasts 7 to 10 days. During this time, redness, swelling, and peeling occur. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or public activities around day 10, using mineral makeup to cover residual skin pinkness.
Potential risks include prolonged redness, temporary or permanent hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation, delayed wound healing, infection, or scarring. Strict adherence to pre-care and post-care instructions significantly minimizes these risks.
Cost varies depending on the treatment scope (e.g., full face vs. focal perioral or periorbital treatment) and the depth settings required. Detailed pricing is reviewed transparently during the initial consultation, with 20% off available for new clients.
Porter Ranch • Northridge • Granada Hills • Chatsworth • Santa Clarita • Stevenson Ranch • Calabasas • Hidden Hills • Woodland Hills • West Hills • San Fernando Valley • Los Angeles • Encino • Tarzana • Sherman Oaks • West Hills • Sylmar
