CO2 Fractional Laser

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

A fractional CO2 laser is an advanced, ablative skin- resurfacing tool that uses carbon dioxide laser energy in a grid-like pattern to treat microscopic columns of skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing. This translates to a greater ability to repair aging, scarred, discolored, and sun-damaged skin without lengthy downtimes.

The fractional CO2 laser reduces lines and wrinkles, tightens the skin, and promotes collagen regeneration, leading to a healthier, younger-looking you. New Image Plastic Surgery is led by Dr. Lisa Brostrom, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience. Sharing her commitment to excellence is Sierra Jeffress, MLE, CLT, the practice’s esthetician and laser technician.

If you are looking to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars and improve your overall skin texture, contact us online or call our office directly at (210) 640-6310 to schedule your consultation.

About Fractional CO2 Lasers

New Image Plastic Surgery uses the Tetra PRO CO2 laser, an innovative, versatile device that uses controlled beams of light energy to renew the skin. Fractional lasers target micropoints on the skin instead of treating the entire surface all at once. The laser has a specific wavelength that is absorbed by water in skin cells, increasing their temperature and triggering a controlled injury with a subsequent healing response. (1) By creating thousands of tiny raised-temperature zones, collagen and elastin production are stimulated, which creates firm, youthful, and smooth skin. Over time, the skin repairs itself, revealing a healthier, more youthful texture.

This laser offers the latest in state-of-the-art technology, providing superior outcomes with a fraction of the downtime compared with fractional CO2 lasers from 2-3 years ago. The Tetra PRO can also be adjusted to treat the skin at different intensities.

Candidates

The Tetra PRO CO2 laser helps individuals who want to improve the health, tightness, and overall appearance of their skin. This treatment is highly customizable and can address a wide range of more specific skin concerns, including:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scars or other scarring
  • Sun damage
  • Enlarged pores
  • Age-related spots
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Dull skin
  • Mild to moderate skin laxity

Patients must have realistic expectations for their results, be in relatively good health, and not have active acne or a propensity for keloid scarring.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, your specialist will evaluate your skin concerns and examine the areas of concern. As they create your treatment plan, they will calculate the correct intensity and depth of the laser, determine the total number of treatment sessions you will need, outline which skincare products to avoid before treatment, and provide specific post-treatment instructions. If you are ready to begin your CO2 laser treatment, contact us online or call our office directly at (210) 640-6310 to schedule your personal consultation.

Preparation

Preparing for your CO2 laser treatment ensures a smooth procedure and optimizes healing. Your specialist will provide detailed preparation instructions during your consultation. They may instruct you to:

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning prior to treatment
  • Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
  • Keep your skin hydrated
  • Avoid harsh skin chemicals like acids, retinoids, and certain other active ingredients one week before treatment
  • Avoid alcohol consumption
  • Cease nicotine and tobacco use
  • Schedule sufficient downtime, as the skin will be red and peeling
  • Avoid sun exposure for 2 -4 weeks after treatment

Treatment Process

Your specialist will begin your treatment after cleansing your skin. They will numb the treatment area using a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort, and you will receive protective eyewear. After preparing your skin, they will move the Tetra PRO CO2 laser over the target areas. The fractional beams of energy deliver precise pulses that vaporize damaged cells and stimulate collagen and elastin production to tighten the skin and diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Your specialist will repeat this process over the entire treatment area, ensuring that each section thoroughly and evenly absorbs the laser energy. Patients may feel a warm or slightly prickly sensation, but most find it completely tolerable, and it will subside after the laser targets that specific area.

Recovery

After your laser treatment, you may experience:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • A warm, sunburn-like sensation
  • Peeling or flaking
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Tightness

These side effects are temporary and will improve as your skin heals. Redness and swelling are more common during the initial stages, followed by flaking and peeling.

Fractional CO2 lasers like the Tetra PRO are known for their ability to reduce downtime by treating micropoints of the skin rather than the entire surface. Depending on the extent of your treatment, you should be prepared for about 5 to 10 days of downtime. Although this procedure does not require an extensive amount of downtime, properly taking care of your skin post-treatment and avoiding sun exposure will optimize your results and promote youthful, tightened skin. Your specialist will let you know when you can return to all of your normal activities.

Results

CO2 laser treatments deliver long-lasting skin rejuvenation results. Patients often see a reduction in wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. (2) You will be able to enjoy optimal results after your skin has fully healed. Improvements in collagen production are gradual, so you can expect to see additional improvements in the following weeks.

You can expect to see substantial results appear after your first session, but some patients benefit from a second session three to six months later to achieve their ideal results.

Cost of CO2 Laser Treatment in San Antonio, TX

The cost of your CO2 laser treatment depends on the complexity of your concerns and how many sessions you require. During your consultation, your specialist will create a personalized treatment plan and provide a comprehensive price quote.

CO2 lasers offer transformative results to your skin texture and confidence! If you are ready to explore these benefits yourself, schedule your personal consultation online or call our office directly at (210) 640-6310 to begin your skin rejuvenation journey.

FAQ

How long is the downtime after my CO2 laser treatment?

The downtime after your CO2 laser treatment can be anywhere between 5 and 10 days, or longer for more complex treatments. Although the recovery period is minimal, proper recovery requires post-treatment care, which includes limiting sun exposure, prioritizing rest, and following your post-treatment skincare routine as advised by your specialist.

Will I experience any discomfort during my CO2 laser treatment?

During your procedure, you may experience a warm sensation and mild stinging, but this is normal and will subside upon completion of your treatment. You will receive a topical numbing cream to reduce discomfort. Most patients find the treatment to be quite tolerable. Minimal discomfort is experienced during the recovery period as the skin heals.

How long will I need to wait to see results from my CO2 laser treatment?

You will see significant improvements after just one treatment; however, results continue to improve over time as collagen production increases. Patients can also enhance their results by undergoing a series of treatments. How many CO2 laser treatment sessions are necessary? The number of CO2 laser sessions you need varies based on your individual skin concerns and treatment goals. Patients will see significant improvement after just a single session, but some patients may benefit from a series of treatments to effectively address their concerns.

Can I combine CO2 laser treatment with other procedures?

Absolutely. You can pair CO2 laser treatment with certain other treatments, like microneedling or surgical procedures. Your specialist can recommend effective pairings during your consultation.

How much does CO2 laser treatment cost?

The cost of your CO2 laser treatment depends on the complexity of your treatment and how many sessions you will need. During your consultation, your specialist will create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your skin concerns and disclose the total cost for your procedure.

Why is CO2 laser treatment a better alternative compared to a regular non-ablative laser?

The ‘better’ laser treatment for you actually depends on your individual skin type, sensitivities, and aesthetic goals. CO2 laser treatments are ablative; they remove the topmost layers of the skin in order to address deeper concerns such as wrinkles and scarring. On the other hand, non-ablative lasers work beneath the skin’s surface without removing tissue, making them a gentler option with less downtime but more subtle results.

What role does carbon dioxide play in CO2 laser treatment?

In a CO2 laser, carbon dioxide gas is used inside the device to generate a specific wavelength of light that is effectively absorbed by water in the skin. This allows the laser to precisely target and treat the tissues of the face. The CO2 itself remains contained within the system and is not applied to the skin.

References

  1. Guo H, Zhang X, Li H, et al. Dynamic panoramic presentation of skin function after fractional CO2 laser treatment. iScience. 2023;26(9):107559. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.107559
  2. Gu G, Ji L, Qiu X, Zhang J. A Retrospective Analysis of the Effectiveness of Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy in Treating Linear Scars: Investigating the Ideal Timing for Intervention. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025;24(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70019