Full Face CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Results, Recovery, and Costs Explained

If you have been searching for a method to improve or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin tone and restoring youthful radiance, then full face CO2 laser resurfacing (and Erbium laser resurfacing) could be the solution you need. CO2 laser treatment works to eliminate wrinkles, scars and sun damage which results in smoother skin after the recovery period. 

What Is Full Face CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

The ablative skin therapy known as CO2 laser resurfacing eliminates sun damaged skin layers while stimulating new collagen production. When done across the full face, it helps treat wrinkles, scars, and uneven texture all at once. 

The CO2 laser for facial treatment goes deeper than standard chemical peels and facials to create a strong skin renewal process, including significant new collagen production. The treatment produces results that make your skin look like it has been completely renewed, including improvements in both tone, texture and firmness.

Patients who undergo laser skin resurfacing treatments experience significant changes in their skin’s appearance that are easily visible with before and after photo comparisons. The procedure results in skin that looks tighter and smoother with a more youthful appearance.

How CO2 Laser Resurfacing Works?

The treatment operates by directing carbon dioxide laser light onto the skin to remove surface layers of damaged skin with tissue vaporization. The treatment can use either of two methods which include – fractional CO2 laser therapy for targeted or deeper skin areas and fully ablative resurfacing for larger areas that require full face surface improvements.

• Fully ablative laser resurfacing eliminates damaged skin layers (epidermis and upper dermis) while stimulating the body to produce new collagen. 
• Fractional resurfacing lasers produce tiny openings in the skin (rather than full face treatment).  This method helps speed up the recovery process vs fully ablative treatments.

The technologies enable CO2 laser facial treatments to work effectively on wrinkles, acne scars and/or pigmentation issues.  The procedure is a leading wrinkle treatment option that we provide our patients.

Benefits of CO2 Laser for the Face

The treatment helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while it also works to remove age spots. 

• The procedure works to tighten loose skin as it improves elasticity, the skin’s natural ability to stretch and contract.
• The fractional CO2 laser treatment shows beneficial results when used to treat both acne scars and enlarged pores.
• The treatment results in a balanced skin color and tone and smoother skin texture. 
• CO2 laser resurfacing treatments provide long lasting results (years) that are easily visible in before and after images. 
• The laser CO2 facial treatment produces lasting visible improvements to the entire face or specific targeted areas like the upper lip or under eyes.

Types of Facial Laser Treatments

Multiple laser treatment options exist for facial skin based on individual skin characteristics and desired results.

• The ablative lasers (CO2 and Erbium) work by removing the top layer of skin while promoting new skin development. 
• The fractional laser technology works on specific small areas of the skin to accelerate recovery times while enhancing skin texture. 
• Non-ablative lasers work by stimulating collagen production underneath the skin while keeping all skin layers intact, which minimizes recovery time. 

Multiple treatment options allow for patients like you to have multiple techniques to achieve both smoother and more uniform skin texture and color..

What Happens During a CO2 Laser Treatment

The first step of your treatment requires topical anesthesia to numb your skin before the procedure begins. Comfort measures for Erbium and CO2 resurfacing may also involve nerve blocks and prescription medications.  During treatment, the laser creates specific heating points across the face. A full face laser resurfacing session usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes and recovery at our office is 1-2 hours.

Afterward, your skin will feel warm, stingy and tight, similar to a dramatic sunburn. This process is the body’s first stage of recovery after laser injury.

CO2 Laser Recovery: Day-by-Day Healing Process

Patients need to show patience during the recovery process from CO2 laser resurfacing because it requires time for proper healing. The following section describes the process of recovery that people usually experience after surgery: 

• Day 1–3: Redness, swelling, and some weeping (oozing).
• Day 4–6: Peeling begins as new skin starts to form.
• Day 7–14: Skin looks pink and feels tighter; makeup can often be used by the end of this stage.

Week 2 – week 12 and beyond: Gradual improvement in tone and texture with residual redness often present.

Daily CO2 laser resurfacing recovery pictures at our office which show the detailed healing process. Following our post-treatment recovery recommendations will help you avoid skin irritation and reduce CO2 and erbium laser resurfacing side effects.

Before and After CO2 Laser Resurfacing Results

Treatment results become visible by evaluating the before and after CO2 laser photos, which demonstrate the skin rejuvenating capabilities. The skin shows reduced fine lines, and better tone and texture while achieving a more youthful appearance.

The results show that patients experience skin tightening and enhanced skin brightness and clarity from both fractional CO2 laser treatments and fully ablative resurfacing procedures. The evaluation of before and after laser facial resurfacing treatments show that patients achieve great results for acne scars along with improved skin pigmentation and reduced wrinkles.

Cost of Full Face CO2 Laser Resurfacing

The cost of CO2 laser resurfacing (and Erbium laser resurfacing) depends on the treatment depth and location as well as the provider you select.

On average:

• The price range for full face CO2 laser resurfacing treatments generally falls between $1,000 and $5,000.  Whether or not general anesthesia is used will have a significant impact on the cost. 
• The price for Fractional CO2 laser treatments generally ranges between $1,000 and $3,000 per treatment session.

The costs for CO2 fractional lasers and ablative laser resurfacing treatments vary from one provider to another. Always confirm the total cost for CO2 laser skin resurfacing during your consultation, including follow-up visits, prescription medications or other skin care products.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

CO2 or Erbium laser resurfacing treatments work best for patients who show signs of skin aging or have acne scars or uneven skin tone.  Maintaining realistic expectations about final results is an important issue for patient selection. Patients with dark skin tones or certain medical conditions should consult a medical professional as options may be limited by these factors. We will decide which facial laser treatment including Erbium or CO2 laser therapy will work best for your skin condition, overall health and personal goals. 

Risks and Side Effects

Like all aesthetic procedures, CO2 lasers can have side effects.  The most common symptoms include facial redness along with skin peeling and short-term skin sensitivity. A qualified medical professional who has experience performing these procedures will rarely have complications which can include mild scarring and pigment changes.

The body requires avoidance of sunlight as well as a predetermined skincare recovery routine to achieve proper recovery from laser CO2 treatment and prevent possible complications.

Aftercare Tips for Smooth Recovery

• Keep the treated area clean and moisturized with washes every 3-4 hours
• Avoid picking or scrubbing peeling skin
• Use a gentle cleanser and a recovery gel such as vaseline
• Follow your provider’s instructions carefully

Following these steps ensures your Erbium or CO2 laser healing day by day progresses safely and comfortably.

Real Results: What Patients See After Healing

Laser resurfacing patients achieve the best results when their skin redness disappears because this treatment produces radiant and smooth skin texture. Final results become visible after several months because collagen production takes time to reach its peak and redness fades over time. 

Before and after laser resurfacing face photos often show easily visible differences in fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone, and texture — especially with consistent skincare afterward.

Conclusion: Is Full Face CO2 Laser Resurfacing Worth It?

If you’re ready for smoother, tighter, and more even skin texture and tone, full-face CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective options available.  While recovery requires patience, the transformation is well worth it.

Patients for our CO2 laser skin resurfacing procedure maintain their appearance for at least several years by following proper skin care instructions.  Our CO2 laser patients achieve dramatic improvements including healthier and younger-looking skin.