CO2 Laser
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Alhambra and Santa Ana
The CO2 laser is designed to target skin concerns and imperfections by resurfacing the skin. (1) It can address a wide variety of skin conditions, including sun damage, wrinkles, sunken and raised scars, benign lesions, and more. If you are ready to revitalize and refresh your skin, look no further than SkinZone Medical!
Dr. Hannah Vu is a cosmetic facial and plastic reconstructive surgeon at SkinZone Medical. With more than 25 years of experience, she has helped thousands of patients rejuvenate their appearances. She is dedicated to providing natural-looking results through gentle yet effective techniques, helping each patient look and feel their best.
To schedule your personal consultation, please submit our online contact form. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our Alhambra office at (626) 329-4555 or our Santa Ana office at (714) 361-1555.
Contents
About CO2 Lasers
As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin begin to decline, leading to the formation of wrinkles, laxity, and other signs of aging. (2) By addressing the outer layers of skin and increasing collagen levels with CO2 lasers, patients emerge from treatment with a more even, youthful-looking appearance.
Fractionated CO2 Laser
A modern advancement in CO2 laser technology is fractionated CO2, where the laser energy is delivered in a grid-like pattern, leaving tiny untreated areas between treated spots. This allows the skin to heal faster, reduces downtime, and lowers the risk of side effects, while still stimulating collagen and improving texture, tone, and overall appearance. Fractionated CO2 is especially effective for fine lines, acne scars, and sun-damaged skin.
eCO2 Laser
The eCO2 fractional laser is a state-of-the-art CO2 laser system that combines the benefits of fractionated technology with enhanced precision and safety. Key advantages include:
- Customizable treatments: Adjustable settings to target specific skin concerns and depth levels, from superficial to deeper layers.
- Faster healing and minimized downtime: Fractionated delivery allows untreated areas to support rapid recovery.
- Precision and consistency: Accurate laser energy reduces the risk of side effects and ensures reliable outcomes.
- Patient comfort: Advanced cooling mechanisms improve comfort during treatment.
The eCO2 fractional laser is highly versatile and effective in addressing a wide range of skin conditions, including wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation irregularities, and uneven skin texture. Compared to traditional ablative lasers, the eCO2 fractional laser offers superior control, safety, and recovery, making it one of the most advanced options for achieving long-lasting skin rejuvenation.
Benefits of CO2 Lasers
CO2 laser treatments offer numerous advantages, including:
- Wrinkle Reduction: This treatment effectively diminishes facial wrinkles, providing a smoother skin appearance.
- Pigmentation Removal: The CO2 laser can effectively target pigmentation concerns, such as age spots or hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even and uniform skin tone.
- Improved Skin Textures: By resurfacing the skin, patients can experience improved smoothness, reducing rough patches and the visibility of acne scars.
- Long-Lasting Results: Many patients enjoy durable results for an extended period post-treatment due to enhanced collagen production.
- Minimal Downtime: Patients often see faster recovery times compared to other treatments, allowing them to return to their schedules sooner.
- Customizable Treatment: The laser settings can be adjusted based on individual circumstances, tailoring the procedure to achieve each patient’s goals.
Ideal Candidates
Suitable candidates for our laser treatment include anyone interested in enhancing the appearance and health of their skin. Suitable candidates include those with loose skin, wrinkles, scarring, sun damage, and other skin concerns. (1)
All candidates interested in our CO2 laser should be in good overall health and free from any underlying medical conditions that may impair healing. Realistic expectations should also be held regarding what this procedure can accomplish. Patients with active acne or certain skin conditions may not make suitable candidates for this procedure, but are still encouraged to reach out so that our team may find an effective alternative.
Personal Consultation
Each patient is asked to attend a personal consultation before undergoing our CO2 laser treatment. During this meeting, Dr. Vu will ask about medical history, skin concerns, and ideal treatment outcomes. A skin evaluation will also be performed to help determine the best treatment plan. Once enough information is gathered, a treatment plan will be crafted, and additional treatments may be suggested to help refine each individual’s results.
Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our Alhambra office at (626) 329-4555 or our Santa Ana office at (714) 361-1555.
We service Los Angeles County and Orange County of Southern California in cities like:
- San Marino
- Arcadia
- Pasadena
- Montebello
- Pico Rivera
- Glendale
- Hollywood
- Buena Park
- Puente Hills
- Baldwin Park
- Norwalk
- Fountain Valley
- Huntington Beach
- Anaheim
- Costa Mesa
- Newport Beach
- Irvine
- Tustin
Preparation
To prepare for our CO2 laser treatment, patients should stop using medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties. We also recommend maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated before the procedure. Nicotine use should be completely stopped several weeks before and during the recovery period. Alcohol consumption should be avoided for a few days before and after treatment. Patients may also be instructed to modify or alternate their skincare routine before their treatment to avoid harsher products such as retinoids or chemical peels. Dr. Vu will provide more detailed preparation instructions during the personal consultation.
Procedure
On the day of the procedure, each patient should arrive with a clean face, free from any makeup or skincare products. Dr. Vu will cleanse the skin to remove any residual product or oils on the surface. A topical anesthetic will also be applied to ensure each patient is relaxed yet awake throughout their treatment.
After these preparation steps, the laser energy is administered through a small device. Multiple passes may be made over the face to ensure even distribution. The laser energy heats the underlying layers of tissue in the treatment area, stimulating collagen synthesis. This can lead to an improvement in the texture, tone, elasticity, and overall health of the skin. The duration of the procedure can vary depending on the size of the treatment area, as well as the conditions being treated, with each session lasting between 30 to 60 minutes on average.
Results
The results of the CO2 laser treatment will become more noticeable as the skin continues to heal. Patients can experience a smoother, more even skin tone and texture, as well as firmer and more elastic skin. Skin irregularities will be softened, and pigmentation concerns will be reduced, leaving the skin looking clearer overall. Many patients can continue to see these improvements develop as the collagen in their skin continues to increase; however, most patients will experience the best results from undergoing a series of regular treatment sessions.
Corresponding Procedures
Botox®
Botox (Botox®) is an injectable formula that can restore a more youthful-looking appearance by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for repeated muscle contractions. This FDA-approved treatment is a neuromodulator, meaning it interacts with certain neurotransmitters to achieve its rejuvenating effects. This treatment is often performed on areas such as the forehead, temples, crow’s feet, and lip lines.
To learn more about the other procedures we offer, we encourage you to read Dr. Vu’s blog!
Cost of CO2 Laser in Los Angeles County and Orange County
The cost of a CO2 laser treatment can vary depending on the number of sessions needed and the concerns being addressed. Dr. Vu will determine and disclose the cost of each patient’s treatment once their treatment plan is established. At SkinZone Medical, we offer several financing and payment plans, and our patient care coordinators will be happy to help you explore your options.
To learn more about the cost of your CO2 treatment, please schedule your consultation by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our Alhambra office at (626) 329-4555 or our Santa Ana office at (714) 361-1555.
FAQ
What skin conditions can the CO2 laser address?
Our CO2 laser can effectively treat a range of conditions, such as acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, and pigmentation concerns.
How long will the results of my CO2 laser treatment last?
The results can last for several years, but it is important to wear sun protection, maintain good skincare practices, and avoid excessive sun exposure for the best results.
Is it painful to undergo CO2 laser treatments?
Most patients find CO2 laser treatments tolerable due to the anesthesia provided during the procedure. Any discomfort after the treatment is generally mild and may be addressed using pain medications.
How many CO2 laser treatment sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed will vary depending on your skin condition and treatment goals. During your consultation, Dr. Vu will determine the number of sessions needed when crafting your treatment plan.
Can I combine my CO2 laser treatment with another procedure?
Yes, patients are more than welcome to combine their laser treatment. Many patients opt for minimally invasive procedures such as Botox. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation for tailored suggestions based on your treatment goals.
References
- Yumeen S, Khan T. Laser Carbon Dioxide Resurfacing. Nih.gov. Published April 23, 2023. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560544/#article-24071.s2
- Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, et al. Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin. The American Journal of Pathology. 2006;168(6):1861-1868. doi:https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302