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Fractional CO2 Resurfacing | My Beauty Protocol

Fractional CO2 Resurfacing

Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing

Plain-English name: Targeted Laser Resurfacing

Also known asFraxel re:paireCO2Pixel CO2

Educational info only, not medical advice. Ask a qualified provider. Disclaimer · Terms

Microscopic thermal zones stimulate profound collagen remodeling and cellular renewal, significantly improving skin quality.

Downtime: 1 week
Sessions: 1–3
Pain: Medium to high
Cost per visit: Price level 4 of 5
Full course: 1–3 sessionsAsk the total price for all of them.
Results start: In 5–7 days
Results last: Long-lasting; skin keeps aging

A strong CO2 laser for deeper lines, scars and sun damage, with real downtime.

Check first: Active infections (e.g., herpes simplex outbreak).

Will it work for me?

Skin tone

Often used on tones I–IV, with the right settings.

On tones V–VI, dark or light patches are more likely. Ask your provider first.

IVery Light

IILight

IIIMedium

IVTan

VBrown

VIDeep

Often usedAsk first

Skin tone ranges differ by device. Ask which device they will use for your skin.

General info, not a check of your own skin.

What people use it for

Tap one to see how it helps.

Skin types

Tap a profile to see what may change.

Skin types to ask about first

Dry or FlakyAsk first

Can leave dry skin tighter and flakier while it heals. Ask your provider how to prepare and moisturize.

Sensitive or Redness-proneAsk first

Needs a gentle, barrier-safe plan and careful screening.

Breakout-proneAsk first

Active breakouts in the area may need to calm down first. Ask your provider.

How do the devices differ?

In no special order. Ask which one they use, and why.

10 devices

Ask your provider

Which device and settings will you use for my skin, and why?
Can we do a test spot first?
What result is realistic for me, and after how many sessions?

Before and after your visit

Plan it around your lifeMakeup, sun, workouts — see what fits around your treatment.

The visit

Duration: 30–90 minutes
Total course: Several months, depending on the number of sessions required.
Session interval: 4–8 weeks

What to expect, and what to avoid

Recovery

5–7 days

May look swollen

1 week

No direct sun

28 days

Avoid sun

4 weeks

No makeup

5 days

No sweat or heat

3-7 days

Your provider may give you different timing.

Day by day

Before your visit: ask when to start
- Tell your provider if you get cold sores
- Stop retinoids, acids and scrubs
2–4 weeks before
No tanning or strong sun for 2–4 weeks before
1–2 weeks before
Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for 1–2 weeks before, if your doctor agrees
After your visit
- Don't pick, peel or scratch
- No direct sun
- Wear sunscreen every day
- Keep the area clean
- Avoid hard exercise, heat and heavy sweating for 3–5 days
- No retinoids, acids or scrubs until healed
- Drink plenty of water
- The skin will be red, swollen, and may feel like a severe sunburn immediately after. Over 5-7 days, the treated skin will peel and flake as new skin emerges. Healing is rapid due to the untouched surrounding tissue, but redness can persist for weeks to months. Results start to show in 5–7 days, as new skin comes through.

Side effects, and who should wait

Who may want to think twice

Active infections (e.g., herpes simplex outbreak)
Recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6-12 months
History of keloid scarring
Certain autoimmune diseases or connective tissue disorders
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Unrealistic patient expectations

Possible side effects

Common

Erythema (redness)
Burning sensation
Dryness
Edema (swelling)
Prolonged erythema (redness lasting weeks to months)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), especially in darker skin types

Less common

Infection (bacterial, fungal, viral, e.g., herpes simplex virus outbreaks)
Scarring
Ectropion (eversion of the eyelid)
Hypopigmentation (loss of pigment, less common with fractional than traditional CO2)

Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.

How it works, and common myths

Controlled micro-injuries trigger the body's natural wound-healing response, inducing collagen rebuilding and dermal remodelling.

A little more technical

The laser uses focused light energy. It creates microscopic thermal zones in the skin. This stimulates the body's natural healing. New collagen is produced, improving skin quality.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing employs fractional photothermolysis, delivering 10,600 nm wavelength energy highly absorbed by water, creating microscopic thermal injury zones (MTZs) that ablate tissue and stimulate neocollagenesis and dermal remodeling.

Mechanism category: Ablative (Vaporizes Tissue); Uses heat to vaporize narrow columns of skin, forcing deep tissue regeneration and collagen production.
Energy type: 10,600nm (Deep Heat); A powerful wavelength that reaches deep into the dermis to target moderate to severe wrinkles and acne scars.
Delivery method: Fractional (Micro-Holes); Instead of removing the whole surface, it pokes thousands of microscopic holes. The healthy, untouched skin around each hole helps your face heal rapidly.
Common device / product names: Fraxel re:pair · eCO2 · Pixel CO2 · AcuPulse · SmartXide Tetra · Lumenis UltraPulse CO2
Clinical descriptor: Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing