Fractional CO2 Laser

A CO2 laser emits infrared light at 10,600 nm, which water in the skin absorbs intensely. In fractional mode the beam is split into thousands of microscopic columns, vaporizing tiny channels of tissue while leaving the skin between them intact. Those untouched islands drive rapid healing, while the controlled injury triggers a wave of new collagen — remodeling scars and wrinkles over the following months.

The area is numbed first. During treatment you'll feel heat and prickling. Afterward, expect swelling, redness, and a sandpaper texture that peels over 5–14 days depending on depth. Strict sun protection is essential. Most people see progressive improvement for 3–6 months.

Temporary redness, swelling, itching, and peeling are expected. Less common risks include prolonged redness, infection, and — particularly in deeper skin tones — post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Choosing an experienced provider lowers these risks.

Not ideal for active infections, during pregnancy, for those on isotretinoin recently, or — without careful settings and provider expertise — for richly pigmented skin, where the risk of pigment change is higher. Non-ablative options may be safer in those cases.

How is fractional CO2 different from Fraxel? Fraxel is typically non-ablative (it heats without vaporizing tissue), so it's gentler with less downtime but more sessions. CO2 is ablative — stronger, one-and-done potential, more recovery.

Is one session enough? For moderate concerns, often yes; deeper scarring may need a series.