Cosmetic Dermatology
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Local anesthesia only. No general anesthesia. All procedures performed in-office — you’re awake, comfortable, and drive-home ready.
Physician-performed fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for deep wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars — visible results without general anesthesia or hospital admission.
What it is
CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most powerful tools for reversing sun damage, fine lines, and acne or surgical scars. The fractional laser creates microscopic channels in the skin that trigger the body's natural collagen-building response, resurfacing the top layer while tightening beneath.
Ideal candidates
- You have fine lines, wrinkles, or crepey texture
- You have acne scarring or surgical scars
- You have significant sun damage or uneven tone
- You want meaningful results and can accept some downtime
The procedure
The area is numbed for comfort. Dr. Malouf passes the fractional CO2 laser over the skin, customizing depth and intensity to your goals. A full-face treatment takes 30–60 minutes.
Recovery
Expect several days of redness, swelling, and peeling as the skin renews. Most patients are socially presentable within about a week; results continue improving for months as collagen rebuilds.
Before & after
See representative results in our before & after gallery
Frequently asked questions
How much downtime is there?+
Plan for roughly a week of redness and peeling. Results improve for several months afterward.
What can it treat?+
Wrinkles, texture, sun damage, and acne or surgical scars.
What does fractional CO2 laser resurfacing do?+
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treats deep wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and rough skin texture. The laser creates controlled columns of thermal injury that stimulate long-term collagen remodeling for tighter, smoother skin.
Is CO2 resurfacing done under anesthesia?+
CO2 resurfacing is performed in-office with topical numbing and, when needed, local anesthesia. No general anesthesia or IV sedation is required.
How long is CO2 laser downtime?+
Most patients experience redness and light peeling for about a week. Makeup can typically be worn again around days 7–10. Continued improvement is visible for several months as new collagen forms.
How many CO2 treatments do I need?+
Most patients see dramatic results from a single treatment, though additional sessions can be added for deeper concerns or more aggressive rejuvenation.
How much does CO2 laser resurfacing cost in Dallas-Fort Worth?+
Cost varies depending on the area treated (full face, perioral, periorbital, or neck) and treatment depth. Pricing is discussed during consultation.
Is CO2 laser safe for darker skin tones?+
Fractional CO2 laser can be used carefully in medium-toned skin. Dr. Malouf evaluates skin type and history during consultation and adjusts settings accordingly. Very dark skin types may be better candidates for alternative treatments.
What to expect
How the CO2 laser resurfacing procedure works
1. Consultation
Dr. Malouf evaluates your skin, discusses treatment depth options, and reviews expected downtime.
2. Day of procedure
Topical anesthetic is applied, and local infiltration or nerve blocks are used for deeper treatments. Comfort is prioritized throughout.
3. Fractional CO2 treatment
Dr. Malouf delivers precisely calibrated fractional CO2 energy to resurface the skin — addressing wrinkles, texture, sun damage, and scarring.
4. Post-procedure care
Cool compresses and an occlusive ointment are applied. You go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
5. Healing
Redness and peeling for 5–7 days depending on treatment depth. Makeup can typically be applied around day 7.
6. Continued improvement
Collagen remodeling continues for 3–6 months. Improvement in wrinkles, tone, and texture continues to develop after visible healing.
Related Treatments
You may also consider
Deep Plane Facelift
Full facelift at the mass SMAS under local anesthesia.
Learn more →IPL Photofacial
For pigmentation and redness with no downtime.
Learn more →PRP Microneedling
Collagen stimulation using your own platelets.
Learn more →Botox & Fillers
Soften dynamic lines and restore volume.
Learn more →Take the next step
Interested in CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Book a consultation with Dr. Malouf to find out if this treatment is right for you.