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Provider performing a laser treatment on a patient

Services

CO₂ Laser Treatment

At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists deliver transformative results with advanced CO₂ laser resurfacing. With fellowship-trained laser expertise and the most comprehensive collection of laser devices in the East Bay, we provide the sophisticated care your skin deserves.

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Dramatic Skin Rejuvenation with Fractional CO₂ Laser Technology

Fractional CO₂ laser represents the most advanced solution for significantly aged or damaged skin. Fractional CO₂ laser works by vaporizing microscopic columns of damaged tissue, triggering your body’s natural healing response to produce fresh, healthy skin cells and abundant collagen.

While fully ablative CO₂ lasers were once the gold standard for resurfacing, today’s fractional technology delivers comparable rejuvenation with far less downtime and risk. By treating only a fraction of the skin and leaving surrounding tissue intact, this advanced approach promotes faster healing and optimizes safety—all while producing impressive, transformative results.

Transform your skin with benefits including:

  • Significant reduction in deep lines and wrinkles
  • Dramatic improvement in acne scars
  • Restored skin elasticity and firmness
  • Elimination of sun damage and age spots
  • Smoothed skin texture
  • Visible tightening in treated areas
  • Long-lasting results from a single treatment
co2 fraxel laser

How Does CO₂ Laser Resurfacing Work?

During CO₂ laser treatment, targeted energy penetrates both the surface and deeper layers of your skin in a series of precise passes. The laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones that remove damaged tissue while stimulating collagen production.

This FDA-approved technology triggers your skin’s natural regeneration process. Meanwhile, the untreated tissue surrounding each microscopic zone accelerates healing, allowing you to achieve remarkable results with manageable downtime. Most patients see transformative improvement after just one session.

CO2 Fraxel Before and After Photos of a middle-aged Male
CO2 Fraxel Before and After Photos of a middle-aged Male
CO2 Fraxel Before and After Photos of a middle-aged Male

What Areas Can CO₂ Laser Treatment Address?

Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing effectively treats multiple areas where aging or damage is visible:

  • Full face
  • Targeted facial areas (ex. Upper and lower eyelids)
  • Neck and chest
  • Hands
  • Acne scars and surgical scars
  • Other areas, as recommended by your dermatologist
Background texture

Who Is a Good Candidate for CO₂ Laser Resurfacing?

Ideal candidates are ready to address significant skin concerns and can commit to proper recovery:

  • Individuals with medium-to-deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and/or loss of elasticity
  • Patients seeking dramatic improvement in acne scarring
  • People committed to 14 days of social downtime for optimal healing
  • Patients in good overall health without active skin infections
  • Individuals seeking long-lasting, transformative results

Why Medical Professional Experience Matters

CO₂ laser resurfacing is one of the most powerful treatments in aesthetic dermatology. However, when performed by inexperienced providers, it can result in serious complications, including burns, scarring, and permanent pigmentation issues.

At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, your treatment is personally performed by board-certified dermatologists with advanced training in laser procedures. Our physicians teach at Stanford, UCSF, and UC Davis, training other doctors in advanced laser techniques. This exceptional level of expertise ensures both your safety and your results.

Furthermore, our practice features the most comprehensive laser collection in the East Bay. This means we can customize your treatment parameters precisely for your unique skin type and goals, achieving optimal outcomes while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Provider consulting with a patient

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

Your CO₂ laser treatment journey begins with a comprehensive DermDesigned consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists. During this appointment, we will evaluate your skin, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine whether CO₂ fractional laser resurfacing is the right choice for you.

Additionally, we provide transparent guidance about what to expect during treatment and recovery. Your customized plan may combine CO₂ laser resurfacing with other advanced technologies from our extensive laser collection to achieve your desired results. Throughout the process, our team guides you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About CO₂ Laser Treatment

How long does CO₂ laser resurfacing take?

Treatment typically takes about one hour. You will receive a mild oral sedative combined with local anesthesia for your comfort.

What should I expect during recovery?

Plan for 14 days of social downtime. During the first 10 days, you will experience swelling, redness, and peeling as your skin regenerates. Your dermatologist will provide detailed aftercare instructions.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients achieve dramatic results after a single CO₂ laser treatment. Your dermatologist will assess your skin and recommend the best approach for your concerns.

Are the results permanent?

Yes, CO₂ fractional laser resurfacing creates permanent improvement by stimulating new collagen and removing damaged cells. However, proper sun protection is essential to maintain your results as your skin continues to age naturally.

Is CO₂ laser treatment safe for all skin types?

CO₂ laser resurfacing works best for those with fair to light complexions. During your consultation, our dermatologists will evaluate whether this treatment is appropriate for you.

What makes the CO₂ laser different from other laser treatments?

Fractional CO₂ delivers the most dramatic results in a single session. Other laser treatments are less aggressive with shorter recovery times but require multiple sessions and still may not reach comparable results.

Can I combine CO₂ laser resurfacing with other treatments?

Yes, CO₂ laser treatment can be part of a comprehensive aesthetic plan. Our physicians will discuss all options and create a customized approach for your unique needs.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Doctors Ellis and Potozkin

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900