Facial laser resurfacing using Carbon Dioxide (CO2) technology is widely considered the gold standard for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. By delivering concentrated beams of light to the skin, these lasers address deep-set structural issues while simultaneously refining the surface. CO2 laser resurfacing is a cornerstone of our facial rejuvenation practice Wood MediSpa. Fully ablative CO2 laser treatment, delivered using our DEKA Smart Xide laser, is often combined with surgical procedures like facelifts and blepharoplasty to achieve pan-facial rejuvenation. The DEKA SmartXide is a premier, FDA-approved fractional CO2 laser system used for our advanced skin resurfacing, tightening, and rejuvenation.

The technology is primarily categorised into two delivery methods: fully ablative and fractional.

Fully Ablative CO2 Lasers 

Fully ablative lasers are the most aggressive and powerful form of resurfacing. For your comfort, all our patients undergo this treatment under general anaesthetic. Fully ablative lasers treat 100% of the skin surface in the targeted area, removing the entire epidermis (outer layer) and heating the dermis (middle layer). The laser vaporises skin cells layer-by-layer, forcing the body to regenerate an entirely new surface. CO2 resurfacing excels at correcting deep “etched-in” wrinkles (e.g., smoker’s lines), severe sun damage, and significant skin laxity.

It often requires only one session to achieve dramatic, permanent structural changes. It is particularly effective for tightening delicate areas like the eyelids. Recovery is intensive, typically requiring 10–14 days of initial healing (oozing and crusting) and several weeks of residual redness – but results are dramatic.

Fractional CO2 Lasers

Fractional technology is a more modern approach designed to provide high-level results with significantly less downtime. 

Instead of treating the whole surface, the laser creates thousands of microscopic columns of thermal injury (dots), leaving bridges of untouched skin between them. These untreated areas act as reservoirs that accelerate the healing process.

Fractional CO2 treatment excels at treating moderate wrinkles, acne scarring, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture. This is a less intensive treatment and downtime is reduced to roughly 7–10 days. It offers a lower risk of complications like scarring or permanent pigment changes, making it safer for a wider range of skin types. While powerful, it often requires a series of 2–4 treatments to match the results of a single fully ablative session.

Functional Benefits of Laser Resurfacing

The primary functional benefit of all CO2 lasers is the stimulation of the body’s natural wound-healing response, leading to two distinct phases of rejuvenation: 

Immediate Tightening (Collagen Contraction) 

The intense heat from the CO2 laser causes existing collagen fibres in the dermis to denature and shrink. This creates an immediate lifting and tightening effect visible shortly after the procedure. 

Long-Term Remodelling (Neocollagenesis)

The true power of the laser lies in its ability to trigger neocollagenesis – the production of brand-new collagen. 

  • Fibroblast Activation: The laser injuries activate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for skin structure, to produce new collagen and elastin.
  • Texture & Tone: As the epidermis renews itself, surface irregularities like age spots, rough patches, and fine lines are replaced by smoother, brighter skin.
  • Scar Softening: For acne or surgical scars, the laser breaks down disorganised scar tissue and replaces it with organised, healthy collagen, flattening and blending the scar with surrounding skin. 

Medical & Preventative Benefits

Beyond aesthetics, laser resurfacing has functional health benefits. It can remove precancerous skin cells (actinic keratosis) caused by chronic sun damage, significantly reducing the future risk of skin cancer in the treated area. It is also the definitive treatment for rhinophyma, a condition involving thickened, bumpy skin on the nose.