Face & Skin
CO2 Laser Resurfacing: The Gold Standard for Dramatic Results
When it comes to laser treatments that actually change your skin—like, goodbye-deep-wrinkles, hello-glow change, CO2 laser resurfacing is in a league of its own. At Coastal Aesthetics Med Spa in York, ME, serving the greater Portland, ME and Portsmouth, NH areas, we bring out the heavy-hitters when your skin needs a total reboot.
If you’ve tried creams, peels, or even lighter lasers and still feel like your skin needs more, this is the “more” you’ve been looking for.
What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing is an ablative treatment, meaning it works by removing the top layers of damaged skin to trigger deep regeneration. It’s not subtle—and that’s the point.
This treatment delivers powerful energy in short bursts or a fractionated pattern, which helps it target fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and scarring like nothing else can. While you’ll need some downtime, the results are worth every minute of healing.
What It’s Great For:
- Deep wrinkles and creases (especially around the mouth and eyes)
- Surgical or acne scars
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Sun damage and dark spots
- Skin laxity and dull tone
Who’s a Good Candidate for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
- Fair to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-III typically respond best)
- Clients with deeper lines, scars, or texture issues
- Those who can commit to downtime and strict aftercare
- Not ideal for: active acne, darker skin tones (unless using specialized fractional tech), recent Accutane users
How It Works: Science Meets Skin Rebirth
CO2 lasers use a high-energy beam of light to vaporize the top layer of skin, removing damaged cells and stimulating collagen deep beneath the surface.
At Coastal Aesthetics Med Spa, we use advanced fractional CO2 technology, which means we treat microscopic zones of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. Why that matters:
- Faster healing
- Fewer risks
- More natural-looking results
This isn’t one-size-fits-all. We customize every treatment plan based on your skin tone, texture, goals, and comfort level.
Also Read:
How to Prepare for Your CO2 Laser Treatment
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2+ weeks prior
- Discontinue retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and exfoliants 5–7 days before
- Start antiviral medication if prone to cold sores
- Come with clean, product-free skin
What to Expect: Real Talk
- Treatment Time: 60–90 minutes, depending on the area.
- Pain Level: Moderate; numbing cream and cooling are used.
- Downtime: 5–10 days. Redness, swelling, and peeling are expected.
Before & After Timeline: What Results to Expect When
- Days 1–3: Redness, swelling, oozing, crusting
- Days 4–7: Peeling, itching, tender pink skin underneath
- Week 2–4: Skin settles; visible glow starts
- Month 1–6: Collagen production kicks in; tone, texture, and firmness improve
Post-Treatment Skincare: What to Use and Avoid
Use:
- Gentle cleansers
- Healing ointments like Aquaphor or Cicalfate
- Mineral SPF 30+ daily (even indoors)
Avoid:
- Makeup (until cleared)
- Active ingredients (acids, retinoids)
- Sweating, swimming, hot tubs, or saunas for 7–10 days
Risks & Side Effects: What’s Normal vs. What’s Not
Normal:
- Swelling, redness, peeling
- Mild weeping, tightness
Watch Out For:
- Signs of infection (pus, fever, spreading redness)
- Unusual discomfort past 10 days
- Hyperpigmentation or prolonged redness (consult with our team immediately)
Why CO2 Is the Gold Standard
Other treatments might refresh or boost, but CO2 laser resurfacing transforms. It’s ideal if:
- You’re over quick fixes
- You want long-lasting results
- You’re ready to commit to downtime for a serious payoff
CO2 vs. Other Lasers: Quick Comparison
| Need This | Choose CO2 |
| Maximum wrinkle reduction | ✅ |
| Scar revision | ✅ |
| Single-session power | ✅ |
| Can’t do downtime | ❌ (Try non-ablative) |
| Light touch-up | ❌ (Try microneedling) |
CO2 vs. Microneedling vs. Chemical Peels
| Concern | CO2 Laser | Microneedling | Chemical Peels |
| Depth of treatment | Deep | Medium | Light to medium |
| Downtime | 7–10 days | 1–3 days | 0–5 days |
| Best for | Wrinkles, scars | Texture, pores | Pigmentation |
| Session count | 1–2 | 3–6 | 3–5 |
Meet ALMA HYBRID
If you’re not quite ready for full CO2 downtime but still want powerful results, consider the ALMA HYBRID laser. Offered right here in York, ME, this revolutionary treatment combines ablative and non-ablative technologies to give you significant skin renewal with a more manageable recovery process.
Best For:
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks
- Texture irregularities
- Moderate wrinkles
Why It’s Unique:
- Customizable intensity
- Shorter downtime than traditional CO2
- Stimulates collagen without full surface ablation.
Real Client Story
“I had acne scars since my teens and always covered them with makeup. One CO2 treatment at Coastal Aesthetics changed everything. It was intense, but after a week of healing, I saw smoother, healthier skin for the first time in years.”
Client A
CO2 Laser FAQs
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Typically better for lighter skin, but with advanced fractional lasers and expert care, some medium to deeper tones can be treated.
How is fractional CO2 different?
It treats tiny fractions of the skin, speeding healing and reducing risk while still delivering serious results.
Can I combine CO2 with other treatments?
Yes. Many clients combine it with PRP or microneedling for enhanced healing and results.
Not for a while. One treatment can last years, but some clients do touch-ups every 1–2 years.
Yes—it’s one of the best options for under-eye wrinkles, when performed by trained professionals.
Final Word: Start Fresh, Look Forward
CO2 laser resurfacing isn’t for everyone—but if you’re ready to hit reset on your skin, it’s the closest thing to a magic wand we’ve got. At Coastal Aesthetics Med Spa in York, ME, we’re pros at guiding you through the journey and helping you come out the other side glowing like never before.
Book Your CO2 Consultation Today
📍 Visit us in York, ME – proudly serving the Portland, ME and Portsmouth, NH communities
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✨ Let’s make dramatic skin transformation your new normal
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