CO2 Ablative Laser Treatment at KronoGlow
Deep Skin Renewal for Transformative Results
If your skin looks dull and uneven, or if you’re frustrated by wrinkles, sun damage, or acne scars, CO₂ laser skin resurfacing may be the solution.
At KronoGlow Medspa, our CO₂ laser skin resurfacing treatment is truly the gold standard for comprehensive, transformative skin rejuvenation. By precisely removing the damaged outer layers of skin, this ablative laser promotes new collagen formation and dramatically improves tone, texture, and tightness, giving you smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin that lasts.
The highly skilled facial rejuvenation specialists at KronoGlow use the Cynosure SmartSkin® CO₂ ablative fractional laser device to refresh and refine your skin for gorgeous results.
Table of Contents
- What Is CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
- What Are the Benefits of CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
- How Does CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
- Am I a Good Candidate for CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
- Can I Combine CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing With Other Cosmetic Procedures?
- How Do You Prepare for Your CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
- How Is CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Performed?
- What Is Recovery Like After CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
- What Can I Expect From My CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Results?
- How Much Does CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost?
- Why Choose KronoGlow for Your CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
- What Questions Do Patients Ask About CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
What Is CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
CO₂ laser skin resurfacing is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that uses targeted laser energy to remove damaged outer layers of skin (the epidermis), heating the underlying layer of skin (the dermis), and boosting collagen production.
By creating controlled micro-injuries in your skin, this ablative treatment triggers your body’s natural healing response, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more even-toned skin. It is commonly used to address fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and overall skin texture concerns for dramatic skin renewal.
What Are the Benefits of CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The Cynosure SmartSkin® CO₂ ablative fractional laser offers KronoGlow patients a completely customizable approach to skin resurfacing, allowing our trained and experienced providers to tailor the treatment depth and intensity based on your unique concerns. This treatment:
- Smooths deep wrinkles
- Softens scars and textural irregularities
- Tightens skin and stimulates collagen
- Evens tone and reduces sun damage
- Is ideal for moderate to severe aging changes
The fractional laser technology treats only a portion of your skin at a time, promoting faster healing when compared to traditional fully ablative lasers. Patients often notice both immediate improvements and continued enhancement as healing progresses.
How Does CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
The Cynosure SmartSkin® CO₂ laser delivers precise columns of laser energy into the skin, creating microscopic treatment zones surrounded by healthy tissue. These controlled micro-injuries remove damaged skin cells while stimulating collagen and elastin production deep within the dermis. Because only a fraction of the skin is treated at once, the surrounding tissue accelerates healing. This process results in smoother, tighter skin with improved tone, texture, and overall radiance.
Am I a Good Candidate for CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Ideal candidates for CO₂ laser skin resurfacing are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for their results. Candidates for CO₂ laser skin resurfacing include people who have:
- Deep wrinkles and fine lines
- Acne and trauma scars
- Sun-damaged or aged skin
- Uneven tone and texture
- Lax skin around the eyes and mouth
To be considered a good candidate for CO₂ laser skin resurfacing, you must not have active skin infections or certain medical conditions and be willing to follow post-treatment care instructions.
The best way to determine whether Cynosure SmartSkin® CO₂ laser treatments are right for you is to schedule a consultation with a certified provider at KronoGlow. They will examine your skin, listen to your concerns and goals, and make recommendations for the treatment that will offer you optimal results.
Can I Combine CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing With Other Cosmetic Procedures?
Yes, CO₂ laser skin resurfacing is often combined with other cosmetic treatments to enhance your overall results. Many patients choose to pair their resurfacing procedure with non-surgical options, such as dermal fillers or neuromodulators. You may also choose to combine it with surgical facial rejuvenation, such as a mini facelift or traditional facelift.
Combining treatments can address multiple concerns at once, including volume loss, skin laxity, and skin imperfections. Your KronoGlow provider will create a personalized treatment plan to ensure the timing and combination of procedures are both safe and effective, offering you the best possible results.
How Do You Prepare for Your CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
Before your CO₂ laser skin resurfacing treatment, you must avoid sun exposure and discontinue retinoids and exfoliating products (both physical and chemical) as directed. Stay well-hydrated and follow any pre-treatment skincare regimen recommended by your provider. Be sure to inform your provider of medications or skin conditions, as you may need to postpone your procedure if you have an active infection.
Arrive at your appointment with clean skin, and plan for downtime as prescribed by your provider. Proper preparation and following your expert provider’s pre- and post-procedure instructions help optimize your results and support a smoother, more comfortable healing process.
How Is CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Performed?
Your treatment begins with a consultation to determine the appropriate settings for your skin type and goals. When you come in for your procedure, our board-certified specialists will perform your CO₂ laser skin resurfacing treatment under local anesthesia in-office to ensure maximum comfort and minimal downtime.
Once you are comfortable, the Cynosure SmartSkin® CO₂ laser device is passed over the treatment area, delivering controlled laser energy to create microscopic channels in your skin. The depth and intensity can be adjusted for more superficial or deeper resurfacing, according to your treatment plan. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Afterward, a soothing ointment is applied to support healing and protect your skin.
What Is Recovery Like After CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Same Day
Immediately after treatment, your skin will feel warm, similar to a sunburn, and appear red and swollen. A protective ointment is applied to keep the skin hydrated and support healing.
Next Day
Redness and swelling may persist, and your skin may begin to feel tighter. You might notice mild oozing or crusting as the skin starts its renewal process. Use a gentle cleanser and keep your skin hydrated with a rich moisturizer, but stay away from products with active ingredients. You should also avoid sun exposure, heat, sweating, and picking at your skin.
One Week
By this stage, most of the outer layer of treated skin will have shed, revealing the fresher, smoother skin underneath. Redness gradually fades over the following weeks, and collagen remodeling continues, improving your skin’s texture and firmness over time.
Weeks 1–2
Any lingering redness and sensitivity will have improved at this point in the healing process. Continue gentle skincare and daily sunscreen use. Avoid exfoliants, skincare products with active ingredients, and prolonged sun exposure.
Weeks 2–4
Collagen remodeling continues, and you may notice your skin tone becoming smoother and more even. You can gradually resume your normal skincare regimen; however, be sure to always apply sun protection to preserve and enhance your results.
After CO₂ laser skin resurfacing, protecting your skin is essential to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Your provider will give you personalized aftercare instructions, and following these guidelines helps reduce the risk of complications and supports a smoother, faster recovery.
What Can I Expect From My CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Results?
Once healing is complete after your CO₂ laser skin resurfacing treatment, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in your skin’s tone, texture, and overall clarity. Fine lines appear smoother, scars are softer and less visible, and your complexion looks refreshed and youthful. While your initial CO₂ laser skin resurfacing results are visible within a couple of weeks, enhanced collagen production continues for several months, further improving your results over time. With proper skincare and diligent sun protection, your CO₂ laser skin resurfacing results can be long lasting, helping you maintain smoother, healthier-looking skin long term.
How Much Does CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost?
At KronoGlow, we believe in transparent pricing, which is why we post a price list so that our patients know what to expect. Below are the starting rates/ranges for our Cynosure SmartSkin® CO₂ laser skin resurfacing:
- Face: $3,500 per session
- Face and Neck: $4,500 per session
- Face, Neck, and Chest: $5,500 per session
Keep in mind that these prices may vary depending on treatment complexity and the type of anesthesia you prefer (topical, local, IV sedation, or general anesthesia). When you come in for your consultation, you will receive a personalized treatment plan, including the cost of your treatment.
Why Choose KronoGlow for Your CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Kronowitz created KronoGlow Medspa to combine advanced medical-grade technology with physician-directed aesthetic care, utilizing expert judgment, training, and experience to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results.
With a personalized approach to each patient’s individual needs and goals, and a commitment to your safety and satisfaction, KronoGlow provides quality care tailored to your goals, ensuring a comfortable CO₂ laser skin resurfacing experience (with no need for IV sedation or pills) and beautifully refreshed, rejuvenated skin.
What Questions Do Patients Ask About CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing?
When is the right time to get CO₂ laser skin resurfacing?
Fall and winter are often ideal times for CO₂ laser skin resurfacing, as sun exposure is lower, helping reduce the risk of pigmentation issues during healing. However, it is possible to undergo treatment year-round as long as you’re committed to strict sun protection and proper aftercare.
Do I need to take time off work after my CO₂ laser skin resurfacing treatment?
Yes, most patients plan for about five to seven days of downtime. During this period, redness, swelling, and peeling are most noticeable. Some people feel comfortable returning to work after a week, while others may wait longer, depending on their comfort level.
How many CO₂ laser skin resurfacing treatments are recommended for great results?
Many patients achieve excellent results with a single treatment. However, deeper wrinkles, acne scars, or more advanced sun damage may benefit from a series of treatments spaced several months apart for optimal improvement.
How long will my CO₂ laser skin resurfacing results last?
The results of your CO₂ laser skin resurfacing treatment can last several years, especially with a consistent, high-quality skincare regimen and diligent sun protection. While your skin will continue to age naturally, the improvements in texture, tone, and collagen production are long lasting and can be maintained with periodic treatments if desired.
Are there any alternative treatments to CO₂ laser skin resurfacing?
Yes, alternatives include non-ablative laser treatments, chemical peels, and radiofrequency microneedling. These options typically involve less downtime but may require multiple sessions to achieve results comparable to CO₂ laser skin resurfacing.
Learn More About CO₂ Laser Skin Resurfacing in Houston
To learn more about CO₂ laser skin resurfacing and discover how this transformative procedure can rejuvenate your skin, schedule a consultation with one of the providers at KronoGlow, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Kronowitz.
To discover whether CO₂ laser skin resurfacing is right for you, make an appointment today by calling our office at (713) 523-0300 or by filling out our online contact form. KronoGlow serves patients from Houston, Bellaire, Kingwood, Cypress, The Woodlands, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas.
