Professional anti-aging treatments have come a long way over recent years. No longer are you limited to restore a healthier and younger appearance through surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Steven S. Carp, M.D., F.A.C.S of Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center in Uniontown and Beachwood, Ohio, specializes in non-invasive and minimally-invasive treatments to give people in and around Akron, Cleveland and Canton solutions to fight aging.
Why Collagen Loss Ages Your Skin
Collagen is one of the most important substances that keeps the skin looking young and healthy. It is a key protein that helps to maintain the elasticity of the skin. As people age, they produce less collagen. Things such as UV rays and air pollution can change the color of the skin and also lead to premature aging, creating wrinkles and fine lines.
If your skin is not as healthy and smooth as you would like it to be, you may want to consider CO2 laser skin resurfacing. This is a highly effective and cutting-edge treatment used to improve the appearance of the skin. CO2 laser resurfacing can help you regain smoother, firmer skin by jump-starting collagen production and reducing wrinkles, discoloration, and scars.
What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
This treatment has been designed to help individuals who are looking for wrinkle-free, toned, and younger-looking skin.
- Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treats a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding skin intact to support faster healing.
- Full-field CO2 laser resurfacing treats the entire surface area for deeper resurfacing, typically with more downtime.
The CO2 laser resurfacing treatment we offer is one of the most effective options available for resurfacing facial skin. This can help individuals who are dealing with acne, blemishes caused by UV rays, and most other forms of facial skin damage.
The powerful lasers used in CO2 laser resurfacing treatment will vaporize a microscopic layer of problematic skin, rather than working on the entire face. Amplified waves of carbon dioxide are used and will not damage the surrounding soft tissue. This means that there is less healing time for our patients.
Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing
There are many options available for individuals who would like to improve the appearance of their skin. However, CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most beneficial options. It is safe, reliable, and delivered with precision. For this reason, Dr. Carp prefers the system.
CO2 laser resurfacing is often a great fit if you want noticeable improvement in fine lines, sun damage, acne scarring, or uneven tone without surgical tightening. Collagen remodeling continues for several months after treatment, and many patients enjoy results that can last for years with good skin care and sun protection.
CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can provide long-lasting and safe results for the following:
- Skin damage that has resulted from acne scars and the sun
- Irregularities in the texture of the skin
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Pigmentation issues and lesions in the skin
How the CO2 Laser Resurfacing Procedure Works
Laser treatments are used in the medical community for a variety of purposes, including cosmetic and aesthetic applications. When it comes to treating lesions, wrinkles, and other blemishes, Dr. Carp will use a specialized device that delivers high-energy laser treatment to the skin surface. This device will only treat the top layer of the dermis, leaving the underlying layers undamaged. The lower layers are heated, which stimulates the skin to produce new collagen fibers. The result is that when the skin grows back, it is normally much younger-looking.
Before treatment, we’ll review your skin goals, confirm your medical history, and prep the treatment area. We’ll apply numbing (and may use additional anesthesia, depending on the depth of treatment), and you’ll wear protective eye shields during the procedure. After the laser portion is complete, we’ll apply your first dressing or protective ointment to support early healing.
A moist dressing will be applied to the area that was treated as soon as the procedure is over. This will help to speed up the healing process. The healing and recovery process are of particular importance. Dr. Carp will provide specific instructions to help you achieve the best results.
It may be necessary to do multiple laser resurfacing treatments in areas that are especially problematic. It is necessary for individuals who receive this treatment to maintain a daily skin care routine to sustain their results. This includes using products specified by our team, protecting the skin from pollution and UV rays, and cleaning your face each day.
Who Is a Candidate for CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?
You may be a good candidate for CO2 laser skin resurfacing if you want to improve wrinkles, sun damage, uneven tone, or acne scarring with a customized, non-surgical approach. You might not be a good candidate for CO2 laser skin resurfacing if you:
- have an active skin infection or open wound in the treatment area
- are prone to poor wound healing or keloid scarring
- have taken isotretinoin within the past six to 12 months
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- can’t avoid sun exposure during the healing period
The best way to confirm candidacy is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Carp to review your skin type, goals, and downtime needs.
What Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Feel Like?
Individuals who have tried this treatment report feeling a warm and sharp feeling followed by the tightening of the skin. It is also likely that you may feel as if your skin has been slightly sunburned. Your face may experience increased sensitivity. Our staff can provide cooling anesthetic ointments to help improve your comfort.
REAL PATIENT REVIEW
“Dr. Carp and his staff are absolutely wonderful!!! I can not believe the difference facial injections made in my appearance. Sassy is THE best. Could not be happier with the outcome. I have been to Dr. Carps office multiple times, having one major surgery performed by him to correct something another surgeon did. If you are thinking of getting a procedure done dont hesitate to call his office. You will be happy you did!!” – Melisea F.
How Long Will My Treatment Take?
The treatment usually takes about 30 minutes. However, the timeframe is going to depend on the types of blemishes that are treated.
How Do I Care for my Skin After the Treatment?
Right after CO2 laser resurfacing, it’s normal to have redness, swelling, and a warm, sunburn-like feeling. Over the next 7–10 days, you can expect peeling or flaking as new skin forms, and pinkness may linger for several weeks as your skin continues to strengthen.
- cleanse gently as directed and pat dry (don’t scrub)
- apply the recommended ointment or moisturizer to keep skin protected and comfortable
- avoid sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen once your skin can tolerate it
- skip strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, and pools until you’re cleared
Even after the surface heals, your skin will keep remodeling collagen for months, so consistent after-care and sun protection matter for the best long-term results.
How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost?
CO2 laser resurfacing typically ranges from $1,200-$4,500+ depending on the treatment area, whether a fractional or full-field approach is used, and how many sessions you need. Your exact price will also reflect factors like the depth of resurfacing, anesthesia needs, and whether your plan includes additional skin care products; during your consultation, we’ll review a customized treatment plan and your total cost. When the payment is made, we accept personal checks, cash, and credit cards, and we also have financing options.
How Long Do CO2 Laser Resurfacing Results Last?
Many patients enjoy results for five to 10 years, especially when they protect their skin from sun exposure and follow a consistent skin care routine. Natural aging continues, but collagen remodeling after CO2 laser resurfacing can create long-lasting improvement in texture, tone, and fine lines.
What Are the Risks and Downtime of CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Most patients should plan for 7-10 days of social downtime, with redness, swelling, and peeling during early healing. Pinkness can last for several weeks, and you’ll need to avoid sun exposure while your skin recovers. Less common risks can include infection, prolonged redness, scarring, and changes in pigmentation, which is why careful after-care and an experienced provider matter.
Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Really Work?
Yes. CO2 laser resurfacing works by removing damaged outer skin and heating deeper layers to trigger collagen remodeling, which can improve wrinkles, discoloration, and acne scarring. Your results develop over time as your skin heals and produces new collagen.
If you live in and around Akron, Cleveland and Canton, you deserve to have young and fresh skin. Laser resurfacing from Dr. Carp, a board-certified plastic surgeon, can provide you with results that you desire. Contact our offices in Uniontown or Beachwood, Ohio to schedule your consultation today.