Fractional CO2 Resurfacing


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Fractional CO2 Skin Resurfacing in Washington, DC

Fractional CO2 Resurfacing is the gold standard for comprehensive single treatment skin rejuvenation, effectively treating the following in a single treatment session:

  • Fine Lines and Wrinkles
  • Sun Damage & Uneven Skin Tone
  • Crepe Skin
  • Sunspots & Brown Spots
  • Precancerous Lesions

Using the state of the art Candela CO2RE Fractional CO2 Laser System, Dr. Adrian is able to customize treatment depths, densities, and energy during and throughout each resurfacing procedure to provide individually tailored treatments to improve multiple facets of the skin in one treatment. Unlike the ‘full-field’ CO2 resurfacing performed in past decades, Fractional CO2 resurfacing has resulted in significantly decreased downtime of approximately 1 week and a significant decrease in post-treatment adverse events.

What is Fractional CO2 Resurfacing?

Fractional CO2 Resurfacing, also knows as Ablative Fractional Resurfacing (AFL) utilizes the simultaneous vaporization and heat delivery of the CO2 laser wavelength to cause a renewal of the skin surface as well as skin tightening and new collagen development in the subsurface of the skin enabling both skin tone and texture improvement with tighter, smoother, and clearer skin.

Is there downtime associated with Fractional CO2 Resurfacing?

There is typically approximately one week of downtime after a fractional CO2 resurfacing procedure to the treated area to fully heal. During this time detailed post-treatment instructions are provided to reduce the risk of adverse events and ensure maximal results are obtained from the treatment. After the initial one week healing period, patients can expect mild facial redness for an additional 1-2 weeks. Typically makeup can be applied after the first week of healing.

Is this the same as Fraxel?

No. The Fraxel Re:Store and Fraxel Dual laser (both available at the Center for Laser Surgery) are non-ablative fractional lasers. These low downtime treatments provide a fraction of the results of a single fractional CO2 procedure with minimal to no effect on fine lines and wrinkles. To further complicate things, over a decade ago a ‘Fraxel CO2’ laser was marketed, however, this device is now obsolete and has been surpassed by newer fractional CO2 lasers.

Can Fractional CO2 Resurfacing be combined with other procedures?

Yes, as a fractionated procedure this can be combined with a myriad of other procedures such as Ultherapy, Ruby Laser, Erbium Laser, or the KTP Vascular laser for focused treatment of specific concerns prior to resurfacing.

Who is a good candidate for fractional CO2 resurfacing?

This procedure is appropriate for any patient desiring rapid and significant improvement in skin tone and texture who are able to accommodate approximately one week of post-procedure downtime. Due to the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this procedure is most appropriate for patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Type I-III as noted in the below chart. Although darker skin tones can be treated with fractional CO2 resurfacing there is a much higher risk of side effects after treatment.

Fitzpatrick chart

If you would like to learn more about Fractional CO2 Resurfacing please contact our office at 202-966-8814 to schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dermatologist and Laser Surgeon Dr. Thomas Adrian. 


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*Results may vary for each patient.