CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Newport Beach
Fractional Skin Resurfacing With the DEKA DOT
CO2 laser resurfacing at Beyond Restore in Newport Beach uses the DEKA DOT, a fractional CO2 laser, to help with fine lines, rough texture, sun damage and acne scars. Your plan, including how intense the treatment is and how much downtime to plan for, is set at a free consultation.
The DOT CO2 laser treats tiny, evenly spaced points of skin and leaves the skin around each point untouched. That untreated skin helps you heal, while the treated points prompt your skin to renew its surface and build new collagen over time. Every treatment is adjusted to your skin, your goals and the downtime you can plan for. Individual results vary.
What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing uses carbon dioxide (CO2) laser energy to remove very thin layers of skin and heat the layers below. A fractional CO2 laser like the DEKA DOT does this in a grid of tiny treatment points instead of across the whole surface, so the skin between the points stays intact and helps the treated area heal.
As your skin heals, it replaces the treated skin with fresh skin and is designed to build new collagen, which can help skin look smoother and more even over time.
What CO2 Laser Resurfacing Can Help With
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Rough or uneven texture
- Sun damage and uneven tone
- Acne scars and some other types of scars
- Enlarged-looking pores
We treat the face, neck, chest, the skin around the eyes and the hands. How deep the treatment goes is planned at your consultation.
Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing Right for You?
DOT CO2 laser resurfacing may be a good fit if you:
- Want to soften fine lines, rough texture, sun damage or acne scars
- Are in good general health and heal well
- Can plan for some downtime while your skin heals
- Can protect your skin from the sun before and after treatment
Skin Tone and Pigment Risk
We treat medium and deeper skin tones. CO2 lasers carry a higher risk of pigment changes on darker skin tones, including darker patches and, less often, lighter patches that can last a long time. Your consultation and our physician decide the settings and preparation for your skin. If another option, such as microneedling or Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling, may suit your skin better, we’ll tell you.
Who Should Wait or Isn’t a Candidate
CO2 laser resurfacing may not be right for you, or may need to wait, if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have taken isotretinoin (a prescription acne medication) recently
- Have an active skin infection, cold sore, open wound or rash in the area
- Have a history of keloids or abnormal scarring
- Have a recent tan or sunburn, or use self-tanner in the area
- Have a condition or take a medication that slows healing or weakens the immune system, or have had radiation to the area
- Have vitiligo or another condition that affects skin pigment
Tell us if you get cold sores, since laser treatment can trigger a flare; our physician can prescribe a preventive medication when appropriate. We’ll review your health history, medications and skin care at your consultation.
Want the full picture? Read our CO2 laser guide.
What to Expect From DOT CO2 Laser Treatment
Before
It starts with a free consultation. Our physician looks at your skin, ask about your health history, medications, skin care and any history of cold sores, and talk through your goals. Together we decide whether the DOT CO2 laser fits, which areas to treat, how intense the treatment should be and how much downtime to plan for. You may be asked to avoid sun exposure and certain skin care products before your treatment.
During
Your treatment is performed by a physician. Comfort options include a topical numbing cream, Pro-Nox (nitrous oxide) and lidocaine injections, and you’ll choose together at your consultation. Your skin is cleansed, your comfort option is applied and your eyes are protected, then the laser is passed over the treatment area. Many people describe heat or a prickling feeling during treatment.
Optional Add-Ons: PRP or a Topical Exosome Serum
You can ask about adding PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or a topical exosome serum to your treatment. Our physician will tell you whether either add-on fits your plan.
After
It depends on the treatment depth, but downtime is usually about 4 to 7 days. Right after treatment, your skin will usually look red and swollen and may feel like a sunburn. It may then look darker or rough and flake or peel as fresh skin comes through. Pinkness can last longer than the peeling.
Aftercare
Follow the aftercare plan we give you: keep the skin clean and moisturized as directed, don’t pick or peel flaking skin, avoid the sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen once your skin has healed enough. Ask us before you go back to makeup, active skin care or exercise.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
CO2 laser resurfacing is a medical treatment, and side effects are expected while your skin heals. The most common are redness, swelling, a burning or sunburn-like feeling, itching, oozing or crusting, and flaking or peeling. Redness or pinkness can last for a while after the skin has healed.
Less common risks include:
- Changes in skin color, such as darker patches or, less often, lighter patches, which are more likely on darker skin tones
- Acne breakouts or tiny white bumps (milia)
- A cold sore flare in people who get them
- Bacterial, viral or fungal skin infection
- Scarring, which is rare
Call us right away if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, blisters or sores while your skin heals.
Results Timeline
Every skin is different, and individual results vary. Many people see a fresher, smoother look once the peeling settles. Because new collagen builds gradually, skin can keep changing for months after treatment.
Usually 1 treatment is recommended, and then our physician evaluates from there. Daily sun protection and good skin care help you keep your results, and your skin will continue to age naturally.
See our before-and-after gallery, which includes a combined IPL and CO2 laser case. Individual results vary.
CO2 Laser vs. Morpheus8, Microneedling, Chemical Peels and HydraFacial
CO2 laser resurfacing is one of several skin treatments we offer. Here’s how they compare:
| Treatment | How it works | Often considered for |
|---|---|---|
| DOT CO2 laser | Fractional CO2 laser energy resurfaces tiny points of skin | Fine lines, texture, sun damage and acne scars, when you can plan for downtime |
| Morpheus8 | Radiofrequency microneedling that heats deeper layers below the surface | Firmness, deeper texture and scars |
| Microneedling | Fine needles create tiny channels that prompt the skin’s healing response | Texture, acne scars and pores, usually with a shorter recovery |
| Chemical peels | A medical-grade solution exfoliates the outer layers of skin | Uneven tone, dark spots and dullness |
| HydraFacial | Cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and hydration | Glow and regular skin maintenance |
| IPL skin rejuvenation | Pulses of light target pigment and redness | Sun spots, redness and uneven tone |
Some plans combine treatments, such as IPL with CO2 laser, or laser resurfacing alongside surgery such as blepharoplasty or a facelift. Timing is decided case by case. Our guides explain the other options in more depth: Morpheus8, chemical peels, HydraFacial and the deep plane facelift.
How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost in Newport Beach?
The cost of CO2 laser resurfacing depends on the areas treated, how deep your treatment is and whether you add PRP or a topical exosome serum. Because every plan is different, we don’t list one price. We’ll go over your options and the cost at your free consultation, before you decide anything.
Financing through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry is available for all services, including CO2 laser resurfacing.
CO2 Laser Questions, Answered
What is the DEKA DOT CO2 laser?
The DEKA DOT is a fractional CO2 laser. It treats tiny, evenly spaced points of skin and leaves the skin around each point untouched, which helps the treated area heal. It is used to resurface the skin and to help with fine lines, texture, sun damage and acne scars.
What can CO2 laser resurfacing treat?
It is often used for fine lines and wrinkles, rough or uneven texture, sun damage, uneven tone, acne scars and some other types of scars, and enlarged-looking pores. We treat the face, neck, chest, the skin around the eyes and the hands.
Who performs CO2 laser resurfacing?
Every DOT CO2 laser treatment at Beyond Restore is performed by a physician. Our physician also handles your consultation and decides your settings and preparation.
How much downtime should I expect?
It depends on the treatment depth, but downtime is usually about 4 to 7 days. Right after treatment, skin is usually red and swollen and may feel like a sunburn. It then flakes or peels as fresh skin comes through, and pinkness can last longer.
Does CO2 laser resurfacing hurt?
Many people describe heat or a prickling feeling during treatment, and the skin can feel like a sunburn afterward. Comfort options include a topical numbing cream, Pro-Nox (nitrous oxide) and lidocaine injections, and you’ll choose together at your consultation.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually 1 treatment is recommended, and then our physician evaluates from there.
Can CO2 laser resurfacing be used on darker skin tones?
Yes. We treat medium and deeper skin tones. CO2 lasers carry a higher risk of pigment changes on darker skin tones, including darker or lighter patches. Your consultation and our physician decide the settings and preparation for your skin.
Who should not have CO2 laser resurfacing?
It may not be right for you, or may need to wait, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have taken isotretinoin recently, have an active infection, cold sore or open wound in the area, have a history of keloids or abnormal scarring, have a recent tan or sunburn, or have a condition or medication that slows healing.
What are the possible side effects?
Redness, swelling, a sunburn-like feeling, itching, oozing or crusting, and flaking or peeling are common while your skin heals. Less common risks include darker or lighter patches of skin, acne breakouts or milia, a cold sore flare, infection and, rarely, scarring. If you get cold sores, our physician can prescribe a preventive medication when appropriate.
When will I see results?
Many people see a fresher, smoother look once the peeling settles. Because new collagen builds gradually, skin can keep changing for months after treatment. Individual results vary.
Can I add PRP or a topical exosome serum to CO2 laser resurfacing?
Yes. You can ask about adding PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or a topical exosome serum to your treatment. Our physician will tell you whether either add-on fits your plan. CO2 laser can also be part of a wider plan, such as with IPL or alongside surgery like blepharoplasty or a facelift.
How much does CO2 laser resurfacing cost in Newport Beach?
Cost depends on the areas treated, how deep your treatment is and whether you add PRP or a topical exosome serum. We’ll go over your options and the cost at your free consultation. Financing through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry is available for all services, including CO2 laser resurfacing.
Start With a Free CO2 Laser Consultation
Curious whether CO2 laser resurfacing fits your skin? Book a free consultation at Beyond Restore, 1501 Westcliff Dr #303, Newport Beach. We’ll look at your skin, talk honestly about downtime and alternatives, and build a plan with no pressure to decide on the spot. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling is recommended.