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Will CO2 Laser Treatment Damage My Skin?

Category:
January 26, 2022

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coloradoskin1

You want to rejuvenate the skin on your face. Maybe you’re dealing with discoloration from years of sun exposure. Or perhaps you’re frustrated by small lines and wrinkles around your eyes and mouth. One method to revitalize your appearance is through CO2 laser treatment.

CO2 laser treatment has been available for a number of years. It’s one of the most reliable skin tightening procedures that produce permanent results. However, many people worry that this type of laser skin resurfacing process will damage their skin. If you’ve been wondering about unwanted side effects, read on to learn more about how CO2 laser treatment works and how you can optimize your outcomes.

CO2 Laser Treatment: A Basic Overview

A medically trained professional can use a traditional CO2 laser to remove the upper layer of facial skin. This causes new layers of skin to develop over a period of weeks. The new skin surface will be smoother and more youthful-looking. It should also be free from blotchiness. Many laser skin resurfacing before and after pictures show dramatic results.

Because the CO2 laser treatment takes away the epidermis, or top level of skin, it leaves the remaining affected skin tender and red. Patients who undergo CO2 laser treatments typically spend up to three weeks recovering. After this initial period, they may still need to wait for months until their skin looks completely natural and healthy.

In other words, CO2 laser treatment is a very big commitment. You can expect to need at least a local anesthetic, if not general anesthesia, to get through each session. However, CO2 lasers are very predictable in terms of what they can do. If you’re not interested in or able to set aside several weeks to recover from CO2 laser treatment, you may prefer to undergo CO2 fractional laser resurfacing instead.

How Does CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing Work?

Fractional CO2 lasers remove the top layer of skin just like their more powerful CO2 laser counterparts. The difference, though, is that the laser’s microbeams only remove some columns of skin. This means that a large percentage of your skin remains untouched. As such, you can expect a far faster downtime than you would with regular CO2 lasers.

Though fractional CO2 lasers do not penetrate as wide an area as regular CO2 lasers, they do an excellent job. Many patients are thrilled to have fewer sun damage marks, improved skin textures, and minimized pockets of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, patients like being able to get back to their regular routines quickly.

Can Anyone Get CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

All types of CO2 laser treatment can be done on any skin type, including dark-toned skin. With that being said, not everyone is an immediate candidate. Even if you find a great provider by Googling “laser skin resurfacing near me,” you may be introduced to a different type of skin rejuvenated method better suited for your situation.

For instance, CO2 laser treatment may not be for you if you take certain kinds of medication or are dealing with serious health problems that compromise your immunity. The use of tobacco may interfere with your body’s ability to heal after this or any related type of procedure, too.

The best way to find out if CO2 laser treatment is the best option for you is to talk with a medical professional. That way, you can get a personalized opinion based on your history and goals.

So Will CO2 Laser Treatment Leave Lasting Damage?

The good news is that most patients recover from all types of CO2 laser treatment without experiencing any damage to their skin. You can take measures to ensure that you reduce your chance of negative side effects by:

  • Following pre-procedure and post-procedure guidelines.
  • Contacting your doctor about any concerns immediately.
  • Avoiding the sun after your procedure.
  • Wearing sunscreen and moisturizers.
  • Keeping your face cleansed.

If you would like to get more information about fractional CO2 laser treatment or other popular skin rejuvenating solutions like pulsed dye lasers and microdermabrasion, please contact Colorado Skin & Vein by submitting an online form today. Our team can help improve your skin’s appearance by using the right mix of world-class techniques for your individual needs.

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Colorado's Vascular & Aesthetic Medicine

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Danielle Killingsworth, NCMA, Aesthetics Coordinator at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Danielle Killingsworth

NCMA, Aesthetics Coordinator

Danielle is a Colorado native who brings more than 22 years of experience in the medical field. Throughout her career she has developed a diverse clinical background across infectious disease, general surgery, and pain management — giving her a well-rounded understanding of patient care and of what it takes to create a safe, comfortable, and personalized experience.

As Aesthetics Coordinator at Colorado Skin & Vein, Danielle combines that clinical knowledge with a genuine passion for aesthetics. She is dedicated to helping patients feel confident, informed, and supported throughout their aesthetic journey, from the initial consultation through treatment and follow-up care.

She believes one of the most rewarding parts of her career is building meaningful relationships with patients and helping them look and feel their very best.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, including her four boys, getting lost in a good book, and working in her garden. Fun fact: she is a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan.

Nikki Moyta, Operations Director at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Nikki Moyta

Operations Director

For over 26 years, Nikki has dedicated her career to the dermatology and aesthetics industry, building her experience from the ground up — starting in a patient scheduling call center, moving to the front desk, and rising to executive leadership overseeing multiple providers and locations.

Originally from Pittsburgh, she moved to Orlando before starting 10th grade and later attended Seminole State College of Florida. Her career in dermatology began in 2002, scheduling appointments for a multi-location practice. She grew quickly within the organization, moving into front-desk and checkout roles before being promoted to Office Manager in 2008. In 2012, her leadership and operational expertise led the CEO to seek her out for an expanded role overseeing multiple providers and locations — a position she held through 2022.

Outside of her professional career, Nikki is passionate about giving back to the community:

  • Community outreach
  • Voted “Cheerleader of the Practice”
  • 1st Place Winner — Miles for Melanoma

With a career built on leadership, dedication, and a genuine passion for patients and the aesthetics industry, she is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the Colorado community. When she is not in the office, you can find Nikki with her Siberian husky, Compass, somewhere on top of a mountain.

Betina Lacson, RVT at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Betina Lacson

RVT

Betina graduated from the Cardiovascular Technology Program at Grossmont College in California in 2020, and brings more than six years of experience in the duplex world of venous insufficiency. Much of her career has centered on superficial vein mapping and assisting in surgery while providing attentive patient care.

At Colorado Skin & Vein, she assists with venous ablation procedures as well as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. She is committed to quality care at every stage — from the initial consultation, through surgery, to post-operative appointments — making sure each patient feels fully supported.

In her free time, Betina loves Kizomba dancing with her Afro-Latin dance community, and can often be found at electronic dance music shows in different cities. If you are feeling generous, she will happily accept a karaoke room or an iced Thai milk tea.

Brooke Owens, PA-C, MPAS at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Brooke Owens

PA-C, MPAS

Brooke Owens, PA-C, MPAS is a compassionate Physician Assistant who brings a strong clinical foundation, exceptional attention to detail, and a patient-centered approach to Colorado Skin & Vein.

Prior to joining the practice, Brooke spent several years in pediatric primary care, caring for patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. She became known for her thorough evaluations, thoughtful clinical decision-making, and ability to build lasting relationships with patients and their families. That experience strengthened her diagnostic expertise while reinforcing the importance of listening carefully, educating patients, and creating individualized treatment plans.

Drawn to the unique blend of medicine, procedures, and patient transformation, Brooke was excited to move into vascular medicine and aesthetic care. She is passionate about helping patients improve not only their health but also their confidence — whether they are seeking treatment for vein disease, skin concerns, or cosmetic enhancements. By combining broad medical experience with advanced specialty training and a meticulous eye for detail, she delivers safe, effective, and personalized care.

Brooke believes the best outcomes begin with trust. She values taking the time to understand each patient’s goals, answer questions, and ensure they feel informed and comfortable throughout their care.

Angel Croce, Staff Manager at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Angel Croce

Staff Manager

Angel has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. Her journey began in 2004, after her father suddenly passed away from a stroke. Losing him was a life-changing experience, and it inspired her to choose a career where she could help others and give patients and their families the care, compassion, and support they need during difficult times.

Throughout her career she has worked across cardiology, neurology, family practice, and urgent care — each experience helping her grow both personally and professionally. She now works in vascular care and aesthetics, where she enjoys building relationships with her patients, helping them understand their care, and making sure they feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey.

Outside of work, Angel is a proud mom of two. Family is incredibly important to her, and in her spare time she loves being outdoors with her husband and their two dogs — hunting, fishing, and enjoying Colorado.

For Angel, healthcare is more than a career — it is personal. What started as a way to honor her father’s memory has become more than two decades of caring for others, and she is grateful to keep doing something that means so much to her every day.