What is carbon dioxide laser resurfacing?

Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is one of the skin treatments people ask about in Rancho Cordova. Knowing what it does helps you see what a quote for it should cover.

What it is

Cleveland Clinic lists carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers among the first types of resurfacing laser, alongside erbium lasers. It says these lasers create a uniform injury to your skin in the treatment area.

WebMD says the CO2 method has been used for years to treat different skin issues, including wrinkles, scars, warts, enlarged oil glands on the nose, and other conditions.

Physician-directed laser references

For physician-directed options, the Noninvasive Facial Rejuvenation series, Part 3 covers lasers, chemical peels and other modalities. The same journal database has a review of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing complications. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has its own page on laser skin resurfacing.

What moves the number

Cleveland Clinic describes the treatment as a uniform injury across the treatment area, so ask the provider which area your quote assumes.

Getting the area and follow-up in writing

Ask the provider to mark the area they would treat and to put that area, the number of sessions, and any follow-up care into one written quote. Request it before you commit to a date.

A closing observation

The question to hold onto is not what it costs. It is what the cost covers.