If you’re tired of dealing with frustrating signs of aging and sun damage, fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing in Denver is one of the most effective non-invasive solutions. CO2 laser treatment is an ideal way to treat the surface of your skin, whether you are looking for preventive services, want to treat the beginnings of fine lines, or want to address sun damage and deeper facial wrinkles.
Our fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing combines surface and deeper revitalization, helping patients achieve the youthful and smooth skin they’ve been searching for. It’s one of the best scar reduction treatments, particularly for troublesome acne scarring.
While facial plastic surgery procedures such as a deep plane facelift, mini facelift, deep neck lift, blepharoplasty, and brow lift are all excellent ways to restore a youthful look, many patients prefer to try a non-surgical option first. Laser skin resurfacing is an incredibly versatile non-invasive laser skin treatment and can treat skin issues on the face, neck, and decolletage.
This safe and effective procedure is the perfect way to address a wide variety of skin imperfections. It provides cutting-edge wrinkle reduction, reducing signs of aging like fine lines and deeper creases. It can tighten sagging skin and smooth away roughness caused by sun damage. It can also correct uneven skin tone, reducing dyschromia and restoring a youthful complexion.
An ideal complement to any cosmetic surgery, laser resurfacing uses new laser advancements to deliver precise results deep into the dermis of the skin. From the inside out, laser skin resurfacing creates healthy skin that appears younger and shows off the angles of your new surgical enhancements.
The best part? Once fine lines are smoothed away, new skin regenerates softer and more youthful-looking than ever before.
Additionally, laser skin resurfacing can fade brown spots, shrink oversized pores, and treat scarring and acne scars. By triggering new collagen and elastin production, it can bring back the skin’s healthy and youthful appearance.
The science behind the CO2 laser resurfacing revolves around controlled damage to the skin layers (the same principle behind chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microneedling).
The CO2 laser energy heats the skin tissues, creating microinjuries. These microinjuries “kickstart” your body’s natural healing process, causing the tissues to produce more collagen and growth factors. This remodels the treated areas.
This type of laser is commonly combined with facelift and mini facelift procedures to allow for the healing processes to run concurrently, minimizing your downtime.
We perform laser skin resurfacing using the Cynosure SMARTSKIN®+ CO2 workstation. This state-of-the-art system achieves effective skin resurfacing utilizing a fractional technique.
When a laser technique is described as “fractional,” that means that it directs numerous laser energy microbeams at specific tiny areas, or “fractions,” of the skin. Older laser techniques treated the entire skin layer, which led to the need for extensive recovery times. Fractional lasers leave areas of tissue undamaged, and these healthy skin cells then help to heal the damaged cells.
Laser treatments can be “ablative” or “non-ablative.” Micro-ablative lasers use heat energy to remove skin tissue, whereas non-ablative lasers do not remove tissue. Micro-removal of tissue is similar to exfoliation, encouraging the body to grow new collagen and skin cells. This removes existing skin issues and results in smoother, healthier skin.
Cynosure SMARTSKIN®+ CO2 laser skin resurfacing is incredibly customizable. Technicians can choose between weaker and stronger pulses of laser energy to achieve specific results. This also allows them to minimize the chance of complications and reduce required downtime.
There are three main settings our surgeons use for this treatment: the fractional CO2 setting, the semi-ablative setting, and the ablative setting.
The fractional CO2 laser setting can be used on the face, neck, and decolletage areas, as well as the back of the hands. It is a slightly lighter dose that can help treat your skin texture, quality, pigmentation, and light to medium-depth facial wrinkles. You can undergo the treatment while awake, and only minimal downtime is needed.
Our surgeons can use the fractional setting on the face, neck, and decolletage to treat all areas with sun damage.
We ensure you are at ease during your procedure by using topical numbing cream, along with a cryo device that blows cool air at -20 degrees to help keep you comfortable during the quick 10-minute laser procedure.
This setting is best for the initial series of three treatments and for maintenance treatments. Downtime for this treatment is usually 3 to 5 days. This modality is also commonly combined with facial anti-aging surgeries, with one of the 3 treatments done at the same time as the surgical procedure.
Semi-ablative CO2 laser resurfacing is our “medium” laser strength, which can be helpful for deeper wrinkles. It may be performed with numbing cream or under twilight anesthesia, since it resurfaces to a deeper skin layer than the fractional setting.
This setting can only be used on the face. Only one treatment is required, and downtime is usually 5 to 7 days.
Ablative CO2 laser resurfacing is our strongest laser setting, and it provides the most dramatic results. This setting can address very deep wrinkles and signs of sun exposure. This setting is generally only performed under anesthesia, since it reaches the deepest skin layers for maximum results.
This setting can only be used on the face. It only needs to be performed once, and it can have amazing effects for your skin that cannot be replicated with any other method. Downtime is usually 10 to 14 days.
At Smith Cosmetic Surgery, we also have Alexandrite laser, Erbium YAG laser, laser vein removal, and IPL Photofacial treatments. Our expert team can help you choose which laser treatment is best for you.
The Alexandrite laser (aka Alex) specifically targets brown spots by targeting the melanin pigment in the skin. It can often treat stubborn brown spots that are resistant to lightening creams and other resurfacing methods.
The Alexandrite laser can also reduce the appearance of vascular lesions like spider veins and vascular birthmarks. In these cases, the laser’s energy targets the red pigment (hemoglobin) in these lesions.
This red-light laser creates energy at a wavelength of 755 nm, which is in the infrared spectrum. It’s best for patients with fairer skin tones.
This laser treatment can be done with numbing cream and does not require anesthesia. It requires minimal recovery time, usually a few days to one week, and mild swelling and redness may occur.
The YAG laser can also be done in the office and is used to specifically target small blood vessels. One of the most commonly treated issues are the blood vessels next to the nostrils, which can become more prominent with age. It can also address uneven texture, age lines, sun damage, acne scars, and stretch marks.
The Erbium YAG laser creates energy at a wavelength of 2,940 nm using a YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) crystal. Its heat energy vaporizes skin cells by targeting the water in the cells. It’s less intense than CO2 lasers, and because of this, it results in less damage to surrounding skin. It also causes less bruising, redness, and swelling, and it requires a shorter healing period.
The Erbium YAG laser is an ideal option for delicate and sensitive areas like the chest, neck, and around the eyes. It’s also generally safer for darker skin tones.
With laser vein removal treatments, our experts can reduce the appearance of spider veins (telangiectasias) and reticular veins. These veins are typically found on the face and legs, and they are usually blue, red, or purple.
Laser vein treatments involve targeting the veins with laser energy. The heat from this energy damages the veins, causing the body to naturally reabsorb them.
Usually, around six to nine laser vein removal treatment sessions are required. Six to twelve weeks must pass between each session.
The IPL Photofacial is a great minimal-downtime skin treatment that can be performed on the face and body. It can help give the skin a more glowing and refreshed appearance while evening skin tone.
The treatment is done in the office, with numbing cream applied beforehand. We use Lumenis® M22 technology to apply intense pulses of light to the treatment areas. Settings are customized based on each patient’s aesthetic goals. The light pulses can be used to reduce the look of broken blood vessels, sun spots, and age spots.
Laser skin resurfacing is an optimal treatment option for patients looking to rejuvenate their skin without undergoing a surgical procedure. Patients with sun damage, signs of aging, and other skin imperfections are good candidates for this popular laser treatment.
The SMARTSKIN®+ CO2 laser is one of the best lasers for removing scars and is especially ideal for acne scar removal. Because of this, patients looking for laser scar removal in Denver find this to be a particularly effective treatment.
Patients who are in good overall health are the ideal candidates for fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing, since this reduces the likelihood of complications during and after treatment. Generally, patients under age 16 should not undergo this treatment, though there may be exceptions for certain birthmarks or scars.
Patients who have taken Accutane® in the past twelve months or used Retin-A medication must discuss this during their consultation for SMARTSKIN®+ CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Accutane® can result in scarring and a prolonged healing process. Retin-A and acne antibiotics like doxycycline, erythromycin, tetracycline, and minocycline increase light sensitivity, resulting in a higher chance of complications.
Those who regularly suffer from cold sores must also discuss this during their consultation. Active skin infections must be fully treated before coming in for this form of skin rejuvenation. People with active acne are not ideal candidates for laser skin resurfacing. Additionally, patients with burns that are still healing are not good candidates.
Patients with darker skin tones or very tanned skin may be at risk of pigmentation changes like melasma and hyperpigmentation. These patients may be recommended to consider other treatment options, such as chemical peels or microneedling. If your skin tone is classified on the Fitzpatrick scale as V or VI, you may not be a good candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing.
Pregnant or nursing patients are recommended to avoid fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. If you’ve recently undergone a facelift or eyelid surgery, you may need to wait before coming in for this treatment. If you have a history of ectropion (outward-turning eyelid), discuss this during your consultation.
If you have psoriasis or vitiligo, it’s best to avoid CO2 laser resurfacing, since it can increase Koebnerization (the formation of new patches in response to skin damage). People with sensitive skin, severe eczema, scleroderma, a history of keloid scarring, or skin cancer should avoid this treatment option.
Patients who have connective-tissue disorders, autoimmune conditions, poor immune systems, blood-related health issues, or metabolism-related conditions are not ideal candidates. Additionally, those with a history of poor wound healing are not good candidates.
Those who are undergoing chemotherapy or have recently undergone facial radiation therapy are not ideal candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing. Radiation therapy can reduce the skin’s ability to effectively heal and regenerate after a laser treatment.
If you’re curious about whether you’re a good candidate for fractional CO2 laser treatment, it’s best to set up a consultation at our clinic. We’re located near a number of high-quality hotels, such as the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver Tech Center, the Denver Marriott Tech Center, and The Inverness Denver.
Smith Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetic Center is one of Colorado’s top facial plastic surgery practices. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cory Bovenzi focuses specifically on facial procedures, and he strongly believes in the harmony between facial plastic surgery and non-surgical facial treatments.
Dr. Bovenzi possesses a rich knowledge of facial anatomy and has performed over 5,000 facial plastic surgery procedures. He has been a guest at numerous medical conferences, where he has delivered lectures and presentations.
Dr. Bovenzi’s years of medical training helped him become the skilled facial plastic surgeon he is today. First, he attended Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson Hospital, graduating in the top 1% of his class with his MD.
Next, he did his residency in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at Thomas Jefferson Hospital. He followed this with a specialized facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Bovenzi has authored several articles for medical journals, and he has privileges at Littleton Adventist Hospital and Porter Adventist Hospital.
Our skilled staff creates a welcoming and warm environment for our patients, who continue to choose us year after year for their aesthetic needs. Shay, our nurse aesthetician, is an expert in laser resurfacing and has over 13 years of experience helping patients achieve their health and beauty goals.
Our Denver clinic is very discreet, making us an excellent choice for fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing patients. We’re located at 5161 E. Arapahoe Rd., STE 350, Centennial, CO 80122. Our facility isn’t far from Coors Field, the Denver Zoo, the Littleton Museum, and the Holly Park Pool and Tennis Center.
The consultation for this anti-aging treatment will involve meeting with one of our skilled aesthetic professionals. They will tell you more about the treatment process from start to finish, including preparation directions and recovery instructions. They will also help set realistic expectations regarding the potential results and benefits of this treatment.
The aesthetic professional will carefully examine your skin, noting texture, quality, and the skin issues being targeted for treatment. You will go over your aesthetic goals, along with your medical history. Questions will be asked regarding your current medications, any allergies, past aesthetic treatments, and any pre-existing conditions.
Before your fractional CO2 laser treatment at our Denver clinic, you’ll need to prepare properly according to Dr. Bovenzi’s directions. Following his instructions closely will help you minimize side-effects, avoid complications, and have a more comfortable healing process after the treatment. Proper preparation also leads to higher-quality results.
For at least four weeks before the date of your laser treatment, it’s vital to avoid direct sunlight, prolonged sun exposure, and tanning. During this time, you’ll need to apply an SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen (mineral titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) on a daily basis, even when it’s cloudy out. Wearing a wide-brim hat is very helpful for sun protection. You’ll also need to avoid bronzing serums, self-tanners, and tanning spas.
Taking these steps is key, because UV exposure causes the skin tissues to produce more melanin pigment. Tanned or sunburned skin is at a much higher risk of complications like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and discomfort during the treatment.
Two weeks before your CO2 laser skin resurfacing session, you’ll need to quit smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow, creates inflammation, and slows down the healing process. Additionally, it can increase the chance of side-effects and make your results look uneven or dull.
Two to three days before your treatment, you must avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can thin the blood, increasing the likelihood of exacerbated bruising and bleeding. It can also create inflammation.
Before the treatment, you’ll need to decide on a recovery area in your home and stock up on supplies for it. This means getting recovery aids like white distilled vinegar, gauze pads, washcloths, Q-tips, ice packs, baby shampoo, snacks, and bottles of water.
It will be important to buy all recommended ointments, cleansers, moisturizers, and lotions. You’ll also need to fill medication prescriptions and buy OTC medications as directed.
You’ll need to make changes to your skincare routine starting at least ten days before your treatment. Focus on incorporating gentle cleansers and moisturizers that won’t irritate the skin. These will keep the skin well hydrated and calm. Strengthening the skin barrier is key. Products with peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants can increase skin health to prepare it for treatment.
Exfoliation should be avoided, meaning you’ll need to stay away from products containing retinol, glycolic acid, tretinoin, hydroquinone, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or any other exfoliating agents. These can thin the skin, making it more prone to peeling, irritation, and inflammation.
You’ll need to work with your primary care physician to make various medication changes before your fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment.
For two to three days beforehand, stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), fish oil, and vitamin E. Like alcohol, these can thin the blood, resulting in bleeding, bruising, and redness in the treated areas.
Patients who have a history of herpes or shingles must start taking an antiviral medication like acyclovir or valacyclovir two days before the treatment. This will help prevent outbreaks triggered by the laser energy.
The fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment process is performed in the comfort of our Denver office. We’re located near several popular coffee shops, like Huckleberry Roasters, The Weathervane Cafe, Rivers and Roads, Little Owl, The Molecule Effect, and Queen City Collective Coffee. We’re also not far from Centennial Airport, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and the Denver Art Museum.
The process is very quick—it usually takes only twenty minutes for a full-face treatment. At the start of the procedure, patients must wear protective eyewear. Numbing cream may be administered in order to ensure full patient comfort throughout the entirety of the session.
Once the numbing cream has taken full effect, the plastic surgeon (or nurse aesthetician) places the CO2 laser handpiece over the area targeted for treatment. Laser energy is directed into the skin tissues, creating microscopic treatment zones that reach down into the deeper skin layers to stimulate new collagen production.
Once your SMARTSKIN®+ CO2 laser skin resurfacing is complete, you’ll be able to return home. Care instructions will be provided based on your skin type, the treated area, and treatment intensity, and these must be followed closely in order to experience optimal results.
Right after the CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, the skin of the area may feel temporarily warm, tight, or raw and may sting or itch. It might look swollen and red. These issues will fade during the course of the recovery process.
An ice pack wrapped in a towel may be placed against the targeted areas in order to reduce the chance of post-treatment swelling. During the first two to three days of recovery, for anywhere from one to five times a day, apply the ice pack to the area for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, sleep with your head elevated, since this will also help with swelling.
The recovery process is very quick—for the fractional setting, patients only need around three to five days of social downtime in order to let their skin recover. During this time, the treated area will have a pinkish hue, and flaking will occur.
Take all prescribed medications as directed. Pain is very minimal, and there should not be any bleeding. OTC pain medications like Tylenol and cool compresses may be used to address pain or discomfort. Zyrtec and Benadryl can help reduce itching, as can cool compresses.
Avoid picking, rubbing, peeling, irritating, scrubbing, or scratching at the area while the skin recovers, as this can create new damage and scarring. Instead, allow any crusting, flakes, or scabs to exfoliate naturally on their own.
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning (spray tanning, sun tanning, and tanning beds) for at least four weeks. The treated area will be very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, and exposure can result in prolonged healing, exacerbated redness, pigmentation problems, wrinkles, scarring, and skin cancer.
Don’t apply sunblock for the first four days. Once new skin has formed in the treatment area, apply a broad-spectrum titanium/zinc-based physical sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ daily (chemical sunscreens can cause stinging). Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts.
Moisturizing with a gentle moisturizer is key during recovery. Twice a day, apply a thin layer to the area so it doesn’t become dry. This soothes the red, flaking skin, reducing discomfort and encouraging healing.
In five to seven days, patients can return to all everyday activities and apply makeup again. It will be important to come in for CO2 laser skin resurfacing follow-up appointments so that Dr. Bovenzi can evaluate the healing process. He will identify and address any complications, and he will clear you to resume various activities.
Patients are recommended to come in for three treatment sessions in order to achieve optimal results. By doing this initial series of three, you get a synergistic effect on the skin for full rejuvenation. A period of six to eight weeks must pass between each session to give the skin time to fully recover and build new collagen protein.
Once the treatments have been performed, the skin will regrow with a youthful and smooth look. The increase in collagen production will also result in gradual and impressive rejuvenation. After around four to six months, the skin will look revitalized and youthful.
The results of fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing can last for several years. This can vary depending on factors like your overall health, any weight fluctuations, the natural aging process, sun exposure, and whether or not you smoke.
Patients often prefer to come in for maintenance treatments every six to twelve months to prevent new signs of aging and sun damage. This is important to do in addition to wearing sunscreen and quality skincare products.
A number of factors can affect the overall cost of SMARTSKIN®+ CO2 laser skin resurfacing in Denver. The patient’s aesthetic needs and goals can play a role in determining cost.
Other aspects of the treatment that may affect the total price can include the severity of the skin issues being treated, along with the size, number, and location of the targeted skin issues. The laser setting and depth also contributes to the overall cost, typically with the stronger settings associated with a slightly higher cost.
We’ve partnered with CareCredit, a medical financing company, to provide budget-friendly payment options for fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing and our other treatments. CareCredit offers a variety of financing plans for patients.
The best way to learn more about fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing in Denver is by setting up a consultation at Smith Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetic Center! Achieve the youthful skin you deserve—contact us to schedule your informative consultation. Call us at (303) 741-2211. Our office is near Highlands Ranch Mansion and Historic Park, the South Suburban Golf Course, and Cherry Creek State Park.
