Fall is officially laser season, and at AnAesthetics Goldsboro, that means it is time to bring out one of the most powerful tools in aesthetics: CO₂ laser resurfacing with our Rohrer Phoenix.
CO₂ is widely considered the gold standard in skin resurfacing. Why? Because it goes beyond polishing the surface. Fractional CO₂ creates precise columns of controlled thermal injury, leaving surrounding tissue available to support healing. That controlled injury signals the skin to remodel collagen and replace damaged tissue. The payoff can be smoother texture, softer fine lines and wrinkles, more even tone, improvement in sun damage and pigmentation, and softer acne or traumatic scars.
Sometimes your skin doesn’t need another potion. It needs a Phoenix.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SPELL
Think of fractional resurfacing as a carefully planned renovation rather than a demolition. The laser delivers CO₂ energy into microscopic treatment zones. Those zones initiate a wound-healing response, collagen remodeling and new tissue formation. Because the Phoenix allows treatment to be customized, we can adjust the approach to the patient, the concern and the amount of downtime that makes sense.
We use it for concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and age spots, uneven tone and texture, acne and traumatic scars, skin laxity and crepiness, and selected areas beyond the face. With the Phoenix SwiftScan™ technology, treatment can also be tailored for larger areas such as the hands and chest.
NOW FOR THE NERDY PART
The most fascinating CO₂ research may reach beyond cosmetic rejuvenation. Aging and chronically sun-damaged skin develop cellular changes that make it less resilient to ultraviolet injury. Research on fractional ablative resurfacing suggests that removing columns of damaged and senescent tissue may help restore a healthier local cellular environment, including signaling involved in the skin’s response to UV damage.
Clinical studies in high-risk, sun-damaged patients have reported reductions in actinic keratoses and fewer or delayed keratinocyte carcinomas after fractional laser resurfacing. That is exciting science, but it is not a reason to trade your sunscreen for a broomstick. CO₂ resurfacing is not a substitute for sun protection, dermatologic screening or treatment of suspicious lesions. Regular skin checks remain essential.
ANOTHER LAYER OF SCIENCE: (plated)™ CALM
This season we are also adding (plated) Skin Science to our laser protocols. For CO₂ patients, we recommend CALM as a pretreatment and then resume it 24 hours after treatment according to protocol. CALM is a provider-exclusive topical designed to support the skin through the procedure and recovery process.
In (plated) clinical studies, pretreatment was associated with less immediate post-treatment discomfort and swelling, up to 50% less downtime, and improved outcomes compared with placebo on VISIA® imaging. I love this concept because it fits the way we already practice: create the right controlled stimulus, then give the skin an optimized environment in which to recover.
WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
CO₂ is a real resurfacing treatment, so it comes with real healing time. The exact recovery depends on the treatment depth and your skin. We customize the intensity rather than treating every face with the same recipe. Aftercare is refreshingly unglamorous: keep the skin protected and very moisturized. I typically include a simple barrier-supportive moisturizer such as CeraVe as part of post-treatment care, along with individualized instructions.
If you have been saving your sun damage, texture, fine lines or scars for “someday,” fall is the season when someday tends to arrive. Complimentary consultations are always available so we can decide whether Phoenix CO₂, a lighter resurfacing option, or another treatment fits your skin and your schedule.
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Selected References
Camp ER, et al. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2021). Research on fractional laser resurfacing, aged skin and keratinocyte carcinoma risk.
Bernstein EF, et al. JAMA Dermatology (2000). Laser resurfacing and photodamaged skin.
Manstein D, et al. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (2004). Fractional photothermolysis.
Tierney EP, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2017). Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing and actinic damage/skin cancer prevention research.
(plated) Skin Science clinical protocol and clinical-study materials for CALM.
Results vary. Consultation is required to determine candidacy. CO₂ resurfacing does not replace sunscreen, routine skin examinations, biopsy, or medical treatment of suspicious lesions.
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