CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing


Ohio cosmetic surgeon Dr. Faisal Quereshy recommends CO2 laser resurfacing to patients with the following cosmetic concerns:

  • Acne scars
  • Sun damage
  • Facial creases and fine lines
  • Rough skin texture
  • Crepey skin around the eyes
  • Mouth wrinkles

How to Prepare for CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Dr. Quereshy will have you start preparing for your laser skin rejuvenation treatment and provide you with aftercare instructions and necessary prescriptions well in advance so you are ready to go when the day arrives. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you will be required to quit using them before your procedure.

Two weeks before and after laser treatment, you may be directed to discontinue taking medications and supplements that can thin the blood, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and vitamin E, as well as medications that may increase the risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Abstain from alcohol for one week before your CO2 laser procedure, and let Dr. Quereshy know if you are prone to cold sores or notice signs of an infection or illness prior to treatment.

CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment

Before your CO2 fractional laser treatment, the treatment area, which may include all or part of your face and neck, will be cleansed and prepared for treatment. Patients will be given a mild sedative prior to the procedure.

Dr. Quereshy will adjust laser settings to provide you with the level of correction needed to achieve your cosmetic goals, and spend roughly 30 minutes to complete a full face treatment.  Small pockets of skin are vaporized with the CO2 laser handpiece to encourage collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing Recovery and Results

Depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment, the CO2 laser resurfacing recovery period is about 1-2 weeks. In the first 2-3 days after your procedure, you will likely experience redness, swelling, crusting and weeping, and although unsightly, these temporary side effects should not be painful. After 4-5 days, skin may begin to peel.

Dressings will need to be changed every few hours for 2-3 days, and patients may shower 48 hours after the procedure. For two more days, dressings will need to be changed at longer intervals. It is important to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling and use recommended moisturizers during CO2 laser resurfacing recovery.

Taking antibiotics and protecting your skin from the sun will help ensure you do not experience infection, poor wound healing or potentially permanent skin pigmentation changes after CO2 laser treatment.

Because Dr. Quereshy uses a fractional CO2 laser for skin resurfacing, downtime is significantly reduced as compared to traditional CO2 skin resurfacing. Most patients return to work and resume wearing makeup one week after CO2 laser treatment, and by the second week of your recovery period, skin is almost completely healed except for slight residual pinkness.

Final CO2 laser resurfacing results are seen 6-8 weeks after treatment, at which time firmer, smoother skin, reduced wrinkles and lines, diminished acne scars and skin irregularities and overall improvement in skin tone and texture will be visible.

The Visage Surgical Institute is located in Medina, Ohio and serves local patients seeking CO2 laser skin resufracing, as well as those from the greater Cleveland and Akron metro areas. For more information about CO2 laser treatment, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Quereshy, please call Visage Surgical Institute Medina Office Phone Number 330-721-2323.