CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Baton Rouge
When it comes to dramatic skin renewal, CO2 laser resurfacing remains the benchmark for excellence. At Stephens Plastic Surgery, we use the Solaria CO2 system because it offers incredible customization, from deep, transformative resurfacing to lighter, fractionated treatments. Dr. J. Anthony Stephens, a board-certified plastic surgeon, oversees every laser protocol, ensuring that high-energy treatments are performed with surgical-level safety and an artistic eye for natural-looking results.
Drastically improves deep wrinkles, acne scars, and skin texture.
Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 90 minutes.
Expect 7 to 10 days of social downtime for full-face healing.
Noticeable skin tightening and clarity after one session, with continued improvement for 6 months.
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a powerhouse treatment that strips away years of environmental damage and aging. It works by delivering short bursts of high-energy light that vaporize the outer layers of damaged skin while simultaneously heating the deeper dermis. This controlled injury triggers a massive surge in collagen production, essentially forcing the skin to grow back smoother, tighter, and more even. We offer both fully ablative options for deep correction and fractionated CO2 for patients who want significant results with a slightly faster healing bridge.
On the day of your treatment, we prioritize your comfort. Because the CO2 laser is a high-energy device, we apply a strong topical numbing cream, and in some cases, Dr. Stephens may use local anesthetic blocks. Once you are prepped, the laser handpiece is passed over the treatment area. You may feel a sensation of heat or a snapping feeling, but our advanced cooling techniques help keep the skin's surface protected. After the procedure, the skin will appear red and may feel like a significant sunburn. We apply a protective ointment immediately following the session to kickstart the healing process.
This treatment is highly effective for patients dealing with complex skin concerns that lighter lasers simply can't reach. It is the premier choice for:
While most commonly used to rejuvenate the face, CO2 laser technology is also excellent for treating the delicate skin of the neck, chest, and hands to ensure a balanced, youthful look across the body.
CO2 laser delivers significant skin rejuvenation, making it a "one-and-done" treatment for many patients. While other treatments require multiple sessions to produce visible changes, a single CO2 treatment can deliver dramatic results.
The laser's heat causes immediate contraction of existing collagen fibers. This means you don’t just see a change in spots or pigment; you see a literal lifting and tightening of your skin's architecture.
The real magic happens beneath the surface. For six months following your treatment, your body continues to produce new, high-quality collagen, meaning your skin actually looks better at the half-year mark than it did two weeks after the laser.
CO2 laser is safe for lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick scales I-III). Candidates should have realistic expectations about the recovery period for this deeper treatment. Because the laser targets water in the skin, it is powerful and requires a dedicated healing window. It is generally not recommended for those with very dark skin tones due to the risk of pigment changes or those with active acne or infections. Our team will assess your skin type, tone, aesthetic goals, and tolerance for downtime to ensure that CO2 is a safe and effective treatment option for you.
Recovery from a CO2 laser is a process, but the results make the effort worthwhile. For the first 7 to 10 days, your skin will go through a "peeling" phase. It will be red, swollen, and crusty as the old skin is replaced.
You will begin to see a new layer of skin emerge around day 10, which will look bright, pink, and incredibly smooth. Over the next few weeks, the redness will fade into a healthy glow. While the surface looks better almost immediately, deep-tissue tightening continues to improve for 3 to 6 months as new collagen fills deep lines and scars.
The results are exceptionally long-lasting. Unlike a facial or a light peel, the changes made by a CO2 laser are structural. With a good medical-grade skincare routine and daily SPF, the benefits of a single CO2 treatment can last for several years, effectively resetting your skin's age.
Choosing a provider for an ablative laser treatment is a serious decision. At our practice, you aren't just getting a technician; you are getting a team led by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Stephens understands the depth and physiology of the skin in a way only a surgeon can. We provide an honest, boutique experience that prioritizes safety above all else. If CO2 isn't right for you, we will tell you—and we'll offer a safer alternative like BBL or MOXI. We are here to ensure your transformation is safe, effective, and sophisticated.
We take every precaution to make this as comfortable as possible. Between high-strength numbing creams and Dr. Stephens’ ability to perform local nerve blocks, most patients find the procedure itself very manageable. You will feel a heat sensation afterward, similar to a sunburn, for about 24–48 hours.
For most patients, one deep CO2 treatment is enough to achieve their goals. However, if you have very deep acne scarring or severe sun damage, a second session might be recommended six months later to further refine the texture.
CO2 is generally more powerful and reaches deeper than traditional Fraxel. While Fraxel is great for maintenance and light texture, CO2 is the "big gun" for deep wrinkles and significant scarring. It requires more downtime but offers much more dramatic results.
Most patients can safely apply mineral makeup 7 to 10 days after the procedure, once the skin has completely finished its initial peeling phase and the "raw" feeling has subsided.
The cost depends on whether we are treating the entire face or just specific areas, such as the eyes or mouth. During your consultation, we will provide a clear, all-inclusive quote that covers the procedure and your post-care kit.
