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Fully Ablative CO2 Resurfacing | My Beauty Protocol

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Fully Ablative CO2 Resurfacing

Fully Ablative Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing

Plain-English name: Traditional Full-Field CO2

Also known asAcuPulseDeep Ablative CO2 LaserTraditional CO2 laser

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

This laser precisely vaporizes damaged skin layers, initiating an intense natural healing response.

Downtime: 2 weeks
Sessions: 1–2
Pain: High
Cost per visit: Price level 5 of 5
Full course: 1–2 sessionsAsk the total price for all of them.
Results start: In 2–3 weeks
Results last: Long-lasting

Full CO2 resurfacing for severe sun damage and deep wrinkles, with a long recovery.

Check first: Individuals prone to keloids or hypertrophic scarring.

Will it work for me?

Skin tone

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

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

IVery Light

IILight

IIIMedium

IVTan

VBrown

VIDeep

Often usedAsk first

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.

Breakout-proneAsk first

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

Usually not ideal for

Sensitive or Redness-proneAsk first

Usually not ideal unless a qualified clinician specifically clears it.

How do the devices differ?

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

Details

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: 1–2 hours
Total course: 2–3 weeks
Session interval: Months apart if repeated

What to expect, and what to avoid

Recovery

14–21 days

May look swollen

2 weeks

Avoid sun

90 days

No makeup

2 weeks

No sweat or heat

2 weeks

Other aftercare

Put on the ointment your provider gives you
Redness can last weeks to months

Your provider may give you different timing.

Day by day

Before your visit: ask when to start
- Antibacterial prophylaxis (sometimes for full-face treatments)
- Ask your doctor before stopping any blood thinner
- Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E, if your doctor agrees
- Stop retinoids, acids and scrubs
- Take the antiviral medicine your provider gives you
Several weeks before
No tanning or strong sun for several weeks before
After your visit
- Gentle cleansing of the treated area
- Put on the ointment your provider gives you
- Don't pick, peel or scratch
- No direct sun
- Avoid hard exercise, heat and heavy sweating for 1–2 weeks
- Take your medicines as prescribed
- The recovery involves significant redness, swelling, and oozing for the first week, followed by peeling. Skin will remain red for several weeks to months. Strict sun avoidance and diligent wound care with occlusive ointments are essential. Results start to show in 2–3 weeks, once the skin has healed.

Side effects, and who should wait

Who may want to think twice

Individuals prone to keloids or hypertrophic scarring
Active infections (e.g., herpes simplex without prophylaxis)
Recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane)
Certain autoimmune diseases
Unrealistic patient expectations

Possible side effects

Common

Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), especially in darker skin types
Prolonged erythema (redness) lasting weeks to months
Milia formation
Perioral dermatitis
Acne/rosacea exacerbation
Contact dermatitis
Demarcation lines (if only part of the face is treated)

Less common

Scarring (hypertrophic or keloid)
Delayed hypopigmentation (skin lightening)
Ectropion (for eyelid treatments)

Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.

How it works, and common myths

The CO2 laser precisely vaporizes superficial skin layers, triggering intense collagen remodelling.

A little more technical

A CO2 laser emits an infrared beam that's highly absorbed by water in your skin, rapidly vaporizing the outer layers and creating a controlled thermal injury that stimulates intense collagen production and skin remodeling.

The CO2 laser's 10,600 nm wavelength is highly absorbed by water, leading to rapid tissue vaporization and controlled thermal injury. This process ablates the epidermis and superficial dermis, inducing heat-mediated collagen contraction and stimulating neocollagenesis and dermal remodeling.

Mechanism category: Fully Ablative (Removes Top Layer); Vaporizes the damaged outer layers of skin entirely so your body grows a new, smoother surface. Requires significant downtime.
Energy type: 10,600nm (Intense Heat); The deepest ablative wavelength. It creates intense thermal heat that may reduce deep wrinkles, severe scars, and extreme sun damage.
Delivery method: Full-Field; The laser hits the entire surface area of the skin without leaving any untouched skin behind, leading to a profound but intense recovery.
Common device / product names: AcuPulse
Clinical descriptor: Fully Ablative Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing