Deeper lines, significant sun damage, and more pronounced texture may benefit from a stronger resurfacing treatment—but stronger is not always better.
CO2 laser resurfacing can create substantial change, with more downtime and a higher need for careful patient selection.
We consider skin tone, healing history, goals, and recovery time before deciding whether it is the right tool.
Recovery & Results
Daily activities: Plan time away from public-facing work while the skin heals.
Visible recovery: Often 1–2 weeks or longer; pinkness may persist for weeks or months.
Results: Assess after healing; collagen remodeling continues over subsequent months.
What does ablative fractional resurfacing mean?
Ablative refers to removal of targeted tissue. Fractional treatment places microscopic treatment zones between areas of untreated skin rather than treating the entire surface uniformly. Depth, density and the size of the treatment area influence both the potential benefit and recovery. Fractional does not mean gentle enough for everyone or free of significant risks.
Which concerns may be appropriate?
A consultation may focus on selected depressed acne scars, fine lines, rough texture or photoaging. Scar type and depth matter: a single device cannot reliably address every scar. Active acne, infection or inflammation may need treatment first. A changing or suspicious growth must be examined before any cosmetic resurfacing is considered.
CO2RE and Fraxis Duo are platform names, not identical protocols. Fraxis Duo’s CO2 treatment is distinct from microneedling; the device name does not mean both procedures should be performed together. Your clinician should explain exactly which modality is planned.
How does CO2 compare with lighter treatment?
Clear + Brilliant / Permea belongs to the nonablative resurfacing discussion. Conventional microneedling uses a different method of controlled injury. These options are not interchangeable: the concern, risk profile and time available for healing should determine the choice. Our fractional resurfacing overview explains the broader category.
Preparation and recovery planning
Discuss prior scarring, pigment changes, cold sores, recent tanning, medical conditions, current medications and previous procedures. Depending on your history, your clinician may recommend specific preparation or preventive medication. Do not start or stop a prescription based on general website instructions.
Expect more than a lunch-hour recovery. Redness, swelling, tenderness, peeling, crusting or oozing may occur while the surface heals, and residual redness can last longer. The recovery window depends on treatment intensity and the area treated. Before proceeding, obtain instructions for cleansing, wound care, sun avoidance, follow-up and when to resume makeup and active skin-care ingredients.
Important risks and skin-tone considerations
Potential complications include infection, cold-sore reactivation, prolonged redness, burns, scarring, delayed healing and persistent darkening or lightening of the skin. People with melanin-rich skin or a history of pigment alteration need especially careful selection and may be better served by a different approach. This is not a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Contact the practice promptly for increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever or unexpected blistering after treatment. Follow the specific urgent-care instructions supplied at your visit.
Consultations in Long Island and Queens
Our offices are in Garden City, Syosset and Bellerose. Confirm device availability and the treatment location when scheduling. The consultation should include an individualized estimate based on the treatment area and plan.
Your Questions, Answered
When can I wear makeup?
Once the surface has healed and your clinician clears you; never over raw or oozing skin.
Does everyone recover at the same speed?
No. Treatment depth, area, skin tone and healing history affect the plan.
Recovery varies with your skin, treatment area and settings. Follow your individual aftercare instructions.
Who performs this treatment?
Your care is provided by Borealis Dermatology clinicians with experience in medical and aesthetic dermatology. Depending on the treatment and office, this may include Navin S. Arora, DO, FAAD, Lydia Lee, MSPA, PA-C, Luke Renda, MSPA, PA-C, Elaine Lai, MSPA, PA-C, and Pamela Lachs, MSPA, PA-C. Specific procedure availability varies by clinician and location; our team will match your request to the appropriate provider when scheduling.