When several skin concerns appear at once, treating them separately can feel frustrating. You may notice brown spots alongside fine lines, rough patches, enlarged-looking pores, or old acne scars. Makeup may settle unevenly, and skin care may not produce the improvement you want.
CO2RE laser skin resurfacing addresses multiple layers of damage in a single customizable treatment. At DeRosa Facial Plastic Surgery on Newbury Street in Boston, your provider adjusts the treatment depth and intensity to your skin, concerns, and tolerance for downtime. Below, we describe which skin concerns we can treat through laser skin resurfacing.
Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
Years of UV exposure can produce brown spots, pigmentation, and an uneven complexion. These changes frequently appear on areas that receive regular sun exposure, such as the face. CO2RE removes the damaged skin tissue through controlled fractional treatment. As the area heals, fresher skin becomes visible, which may make uneven pigmentation less noticeable.
Laser treatment cannot prevent future UV damage. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and professional skin care remain essential for preserving your results.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Collagen provides much of your skin’s firmness and support, but its production naturally slows over time. Repeated facial movement and environmental damage can then make fine lines and wrinkles increasingly visible.
Fractional CO2 laser energy creates microscopic channels while leaving areas of surrounding skin intact. This stimulates healing and new collagen production. As collagen develops over the following months, treated skin may appear smoother and more resilient.
CO2RE may soften fine lines around the mouth, cheeks, and lower eyelids. It cannot stop facial movement or eliminate every wrinkle, so your provider may recommend pairing resurfacing with neuromodulators, injectables, or another carefully selected treatment.
Rough or uneven skin texture
If your complexion feels coarse or looks dull, damaged surface cells may be preventing light from reflecting evenly. Laser skin resurfacing removes selected areas of the outer skin while encouraging cellular renewal.
As your skin heals, it may feel softer and appear more luminous. CO2RE may also reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and surface irregularities, creating a more polished complexion without altering your natural features.
Acne scars and other textural irregularities
Indented acne scars form when inflammation disrupts collagen during healing. Because these scars extend below the surface, ordinary exfoliation may provide limited improvement. CO2RE goes beyond basic skin treatments and promotes collagen remodeling in the treated area. This may soften scar edges and make the skin look more even. Your outcome depends on the type, depth, and extent of the scars. Deeper or varied scarring may require multiple sessions or a combination approach.
Mild skin laxity
CO2RE can support firmer-looking skin by stimulating collagen beneath the surface. This may provide a subtle tightening effect in areas with early laxity. However, laser skin resurfacing does not reposition deeper facial tissues or remove excess skin. If sagging rather than surface quality is your main concern, your provider may discuss RF microneedling, injectables, or surgical treatment as part of a broader rejuvenation plan.
What laser resurfacing cannot treat
Laser resurfacing is effective for many tone and texture concerns, but it is not the right solution for everything. It does not replace lost facial volume, significantly lift lowered tissues, or erase every scar and wrinkle. Your skin tone, medical history, tendency toward pigmentation, recent sun exposure, and ability to follow aftercare instructions must also be considered. A consultation allows your provider to determine whether CO2RE is appropriate and how deeply your skin should be treated.
Discover beautifully subtle skin renewal in Boston
Led by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, DeRosa Center takes an individualized approach to facial rejuvenation. Your provider will listen to your concerns and create a CO2RE laser skin resurfacing plan intended to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Schedule a consultation at DeRosa Center in Boston’s Back Bay to learn whether laser resurfacing can help you look and feel your best: beautifully subtle, unmistakably you.
