Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing with CO2RE rejuvenates the skin by smoothing texture, reducing wrinkles, and stimulating collagen with less downtime than traditional CO2 lasers.
Advanced Skin Resurfacing with Minimal Downtime
Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a powerful treatment that improves skin texture, sun damage, and signs of aging with precision.
At Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery, we use the advanced CO2RE® laser as part of the Artiste Lift™, refining skin texture and tone to complement the deep structural lifting, delivering smoother, brighter, and more youthful results.
What Is Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing uses controlled pulses of carbon dioxide laser energy to create microscopic channels in the skin. These channels penetrate the skin’s surface while leaving surrounding tissue intact, which speeds healing and stimulates new collagen production in the deeper dermis.
Unlike traditional CO2 lasers, CO2RE delivers energy in a fractionated pattern, treating only a portion of the skin at a time, which allows for significant improvement with reduced downtime and risk.
“Think of it like refinishing wood with fine sandpaper, it smooths the surface while encouraging structural renewal from within.”
– Dr. Balikian
Benefits of Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing offers a scientifically advanced way to rejuvenate the skin by targeting multiple signs of aging with precision and control.
- Improves Skin Texture and Tone – Fractionated CO2 resurfacing removes damaged outer layers of skin, reducing roughness and refining pores for a more polished and radiant complexion.
- Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles – This treatment stimulates collagen at a structural level, softening fine lines and improving the depth and definition of more stubborn wrinkles.
- Fades Sun Damage and Age Spots – CO2RE is highly effective at treating hyperpigmentation, including sunspots, age spots, and discoloration, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin.
- Tightens and Firms the Skin – As new collagen forms, the skin gradually becomes firmer and more lifted, without surgery or injectables.
- Minimal Downtime – Thanks to its fractionated delivery, CO2RE preserves portions of healthy skin to accelerate recovery and reduce the likelihood of complications.
With its ability to renew skin from the inside out, CO2RE resurfacing delivers powerful, visible improvements, making it an essential part of comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Fractional CO2 Before and After Gallery
Combining a Facelift with Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing
While facelift surgery is the gold standard for lifting and tightening the lower face and neck, it doesn’t resurface the skin or address deeper lines etched into the surface. That’s why Dr. Balikian often pairs a Preservation Deep Plane Facelift with CO2RE laser resurfacing to address both structural sagging and skin texture in one comprehensive procedure.
Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing complements facelift results by:
- Smoothing etched-in lines that surgery alone cannot reach
- Improving skin quality for a more uniform, youthful appearance
- Stimulating long-term collagen remodeling to maintain results
Together, these treatments deliver a complete rejuvenation, restoring both the architecture and the surface of the face.
Am I a Candidate for Fractionated CO2 Resurfacing?
Ideal candidates for CO2RE laser resurfacing are those experiencing visible signs of sun damage, fine lines, uneven tone, or rough skin texture who are seeking enhanced results as part of a comprehensive facelift procedure.
Dr. Balikian will evaluate your skin type, medical history, and aesthetic goals during your consultation to determine if it is appropriate as part of your surgical rejuvenation plan.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
During your visit, Dr. Balikian will review your medical history, assess your skin condition, and discuss your treatment goals.
You’ll receive personalized guidance, including preparation steps, aftercare instructions, and a tailored treatment plan designed to optimize your results.
What Does CO2RE Treatment Cost?
Pricing for CO2RE laser resurfacing depends on the treatment area, the depth of resurfacing, and its integration into a comprehensive procedure like the Artiste Lift™.
To receive an individualized quote, please schedule a consultation with our office.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon serving the San Diego area.
With over 20 years of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Balikian offers a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision.
He is part of an elite group of surgeons with extensive training focused exclusively on the face and neck.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing FAQs
What is CO2RE fractional CO2 laser resurfacing?
CO2RE fractional CO2 creates microscopic treatment zones in the skin while leaving bridges of healthy tissue intact. This promotes faster healing and stimulates dermal collagen to improve texture, lines, and dyschromia.
How does Dr. Balikian’s philosophy keep results looking natural?
Dr. Balikian’s philosophy is restoration, not reinvention. He addresses structure with lifting procedures when appropriate, then refines the surface with CO2RE so light reflects more evenly. The aim is that you look like yourself, simply more rested and polished.
What concerns can fractional CO2 improve?
Fractional CO2 has demonstrated benefit for photoaging changes such as fine to moderate wrinkles, rough texture, enlarged pores, and select pigmentary issues. It also improves rolling and boxcar acne scars, typically with series-based treatment plans.
How long do results last?
Results accumulate as collagen remodels over several months and can persist for years with sun protection and skin care. Fractional CO2 improves baseline skin quality rather than stopping aging. Prospective and review data show durable wrinkle and texture gains after fractional CO2 protocols.
What is the typical recovery?
Expect redness, swelling, and bronzing or micro-crusting for 5 to 10 days depending on depth and density. Pinkness can persist beyond that while collagen remodels. Gentle cleansing, petrolatum-based occlusion, and rigorous photoprotection are essential.
Is fractional CO2 safe for all skin tones?
Fractional CO2 can be used safely in lighter skin types. Patients with Fitzpatrick IV to VI carry a higher baseline risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so settings, pre-treatment priming, and alternatives are discussed. Some recent data suggest low PIH rates with cautious parameters, but patient selection remains critical.
What reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation?
Strict sun avoidance and broad-spectrum sunscreen are mandatory. Hydroquinone priming and careful parameter selection have been associated with lower PIH rates in controlled cohorts.
What are the risks?
Temporary erythema and edema are expected. Other risks include PIH, prolonged redness, milia, acne flares, transient texture irregularity, and rare scarring or infection. Technique, appropriate parameters, and aftercare reduce risk. Reviews outline low rates of serious adverse events when performed by trained clinicians.
How soon will I see results?
Texture smoothing and clarity often appear as the skin re-epithelializes over 1 to 2 weeks. Wrinkle softening and tightening continue to improve for several months as neocollagenesis progresses.
Does fractional CO2 help around the eyes?
Periocular fine lines respond well to carefully parameterized fractional CO2. Recent randomized and cohort work shows improvement in static periorbital wrinkles, with attention to density and energy to balance efficacy and PIH risk.
Why offer CO2RE within a comprehensive plan?
Surface refinement pairs naturally with structural restoration. Dr. Balikian often sequences or combines CO2RE with procedures like facelift or eyelid surgery so both skin quality and facial architecture improve together in a single, coherent plan.
Your Journey Starts Here
Elevated Care. Exceptional Results.
Dr. Richard Balikian is recognized for elevating facial plastic surgery through precision, artistry and outcomes that reflect your true self.
Discover the Art of Facial Plastic Surgery
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS