Laser, Interrupted: What CO₂ Skin Resurfacing Really Feels Like in Orange County
Andrew Smith, MD, FACS, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Not from the carbon dioxide laser beam—yet. But from the towel you instinctively reach for in the middle of summer when your skin suddenly doesn’t match your age or the mirror. That heat? It’s frustration. From the fine lines that settled in without asking. The acne scars that overstayed their welcome. The sun damage your SPF “most days” didn’t quite fend off.
That’s where CO₂ laser skin resurfacing enters the chat. Not as a magic wand, but as a recalibration tool, smart, intense, clinical, and surprisingly cathartic.
The carbon dioxide laser (CO₂ laser for short) is one of the most powerful ablative laser treatments in cosmetic dermatology. It works by focusing a high-energy beam of infrared light onto the skin’s surface. The energy generated targets water-rich skin tissue, vaporizing the superficial layer and triggering new collagen production.
Unlike milder resurfacing options like chemical peels or intense pulsed light, CO₂ laser resurfacing creates controlled thermal injury that leads to dramatic rejuvenation. Your skin cells absorb the laser energy and shed, revealing fresh new skin over time.
This laser light isn’t just used in cosmetic treatments. In fact, carbon dioxide molecules and the gas mixture in CO₂ lasers are also used for laser welding, laser cutting, and other industrial applications. But here, we’re using it to heal soft tissue and reverse skin aging.
The procedure is especially effective for:
It won’t address volume loss or sagging in deeper facial structures, which is why some patients combine it with surgical procedures or fillers.
Laser resurfacing works best on Fitzpatrick skin types I-III. For darker skin types (IV-VI), there’s an increased risk of post-laser treatment pigmentation issues or skin burns, especially with aggressive ablative laser resurfacing. Dr. Smith evaluates each patient’s skin color and type to determine if a fractional laser or alternative approach is safer.
The treatment room looks more clinical than cozy. After numbing, protective eyewear goes on, and the laser gets to work. CO₂ lasers operate using stimulated emission to amplify light waves into a focused beam. That beam, directed through a partially reflective mirror and gas-filled tube, interacts with your skin at a cellular level.
The ablative treatment removes the superficial layer of denuded skin. It doesn’t just skim the surface—it reshapes the architecture of your skin by encouraging deeper healing and collagen synthesis. Precision matters here. Dr. Smith uses advanced settings and precise control to avoid damaging the surrounding skin.
Depending on the extent of treatment, it takes 30 to 90 minutes.
The healing process varies, but generally looks like this:
Dr. Smith emphasizes sun protection and gentle care. Even after your skin appears to heal, sun exposure can trigger pigmentation or undo results. SPF, hats, and patience are your best friends.
While erbium and fractional lasers are good for moderate issues and darker skin, carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is the gold standard for deep resurfacing. Its laser output has the strength needed to target thickened skin, old acne scars, or years of cumulative damage.
CO₂ laser treatment is often preferred by plastic surgeons and dermatologists for:
More significant skin tightening
Treating thicker materials (like scarred or sun-damaged tissue)
Greater laser power and penetration depth
Despite its benefits, CO₂ laser treatment isn’t without risk. Common side effects include:
Less common but more serious risks:
This is why it matters that your provider is trained in both cosmetic treatments and medical procedures. Laser surgery is not just cosmetic; it’s technical.
The results aren’t immediate. Your body needs time to regenerate. But when it does, you can expect:
And because the laser carbon dioxide resurfacing promotes new skin formation through deeper remodeling, the effects can last for years.
| Treatment | Depth | Downtime | Skin Types | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ Laser | Deep | 7–10 days | I–III (with caution for IV+) | Scars, wrinkles, laxity |
| Erbium Laser | Medium | 3–7 days | I–IV | Milder aging, texture |
| YAG Laser | Shallow | 0–2 days | All skin tones | Pigmentation, redness |
| IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) | Surface | Minimal | Light to medium tones | Redness, sun spots |
| Chemical Peels | Superficial to medium | 1–7 days | Most types | Brightening, texture |
CO₂ laser skin resurfacing requires precise control over laser energy and laser output. Dr. Andrew Smith uses medical-grade gas lasers—similar in construction to those used in laser cutters and industrial applications, but tuned for facial aesthetics.
That level of precision makes a difference when working with soft tissue like eyelid skin or scarred areas. Whether he’s treating sun damage or skin aging, the cutting process is both meticulous and personalized.
CO₂ laser resurfacing is not the casual option. It’s the considered one. It’s for patients who are ready to invest in longer-term skin health, not just the latest trending treatment.
From the moment your skin cells absorb the laser light to the final stages of collagen regeneration, this is a treatment that asks a lot—but gives even more back.
Done right, it doesn’t just reveal fresh new skin. It resets your skin story entirely.
Andrew Smith MD, FACS
Irvine, CA | (949) 264-0950
www.asmithmd.com
Contact Andrew Smith, MD FACS Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Irvine, Orange County to schedule your consultation.
