LaseMD Ultra and CO2 lasers sit at opposite ends of the laser range. CO2 laser resurfacing removes the outer layers of skin to treat deep wrinkles, acne scars and rough texture, and needs 5 to 7 days of recovery. LaseMD Ultra leaves the skin surface intact, treats sun spots, uneven tone and dull skin, and lets you go back to your day the same day.
So the choice comes down to two questions: what you want to fix, and how much time you can take off.
What does CO2 laser resurfacing do?
CO2 is the deepest laser treatment we offer in Benicia. It removes the damaged outer layers of skin and heats the layer just beneath. Your body answers by growing a fresh surface and laying down new collagen underneath it.
That is why CO2 changes texture in a way a lighter laser can't. It replaces the top of the skin instead of nudging it.
CO2 resurfacing is used for:
- Fine lines and wrinkles, including the etched lines around the mouth and eyes
- Acne scars and other textured scarring
- Sun damage, rough patches and uneven tone
- Enlarged pores
- Skin that has lost some firmness
What does LaseMD Ultra do?
LaseMD Ultra is a 1927 nm thulium laser. It makes thousands of tiny treatment points in the top layer of your skin, where sun damage and brown pigment sit, and leaves the skin between those points untouched. That untouched skin is why healing is quick. The pigment works its way up and flakes off over the following days, and tone looks more even as it goes.
LaseMD Ultra is used for:
- Sun spots, age spots and freckles
- Uneven tone and blotchy sun damage
- Dull skin that has lost its glow
- Mild texture and fine lines near the surface
How much recovery does each laser need?
CO2. The laser itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area. Afterward, redness, swelling and peeling are normal for 5 to 7 days while the treated skin sheds and a new surface grows in. Plan that week at home if you would rather not be seen peeling, and keep the new skin out of the sun while it settles.
LaseMD Ultra. The laser takes 10 to 20 minutes. Most patients go straight back to work. Your skin is pink that day, then you can expect a few days of redness, dryness or light flaking as the treated pigment lifts. The manufacturer puts full healing at 5 to 7 days.
When will I see results?
CO2 results arrive in two stages. Once the peeling finishes, usually 5 to 7 days in, your skin looks smoother and more even. Then collagen keeps building for the next few months, so lines and scars keep softening long after the redness has gone.
With LaseMD Ultra, some people see a change after one session. Most get the result they came for over a short series. It won't hold if you skip sunscreen, because new sun brings new spots, so daily SPF is part of the plan.
Which laser suits my skin tone?
CO2 isn't the first choice for every skin tone. Ablative lasers carry a higher risk of dark patches in deeper skin tones, and for many of those patients I start with a gentler laser instead.
The manufacturer says LaseMD Ultra can treat all skin types, all year. I still adjust the plan for deeper skin tones, which can hold on to pigment after any heat-based treatment.
So which one should I book?
CO2 suits you if:
- You have acne scars or deep texture that peels and facials haven't changed
- Lines around your mouth or eyes stay put even when your face is relaxed
- You can plan 5 to 7 days of recovery at home
LaseMD Ultra suits you if:
- Sun spots, freckles or blotchy tone are your main concern
- Your skin looks tired and you want it brighter before an event, with time to heal first
- You can't take a week off for a deeper laser
Deep acne scars and deep wrinkles sit deeper than LaseMD Ultra reaches. CO2 is built for them. If a lighter laser will get you most of the way there, I'll say so.
What won't these lasers fix?
Neither one lifts sagging skin. CO2 firms the surface, but it can't raise heavy jowls or a loose neck. For milder laxity, XERF skin tightening is the better fit.
CO2 also won't stop movement lines from coming back. Frown lines and crow's feet form because a muscle keeps folding the skin. CO2 smooths the crease, and Botox quiets the fold.
Who plans my laser treatment?
I plan every laser treatment at Benicia Medical Aesthetics. Daniella Antalek, BSN, RN, a registered nurse on our team, specializes in laser treatments. Every protocol runs under the oversight of Sundar Natajaran, M.D., who has practiced internal medicine for more than 20 years. He does not perform treatments.
How do I find out which one I need?
Book a consultation. I will look at your skin, tell you honestly whether CO2 is worth the week of recovery, and give you the total before you commit. Request a consultation or call (707) 361-9421. The studio is at 701 Southampton Rd, Suite 104, Benicia, CA 94510. You can also compare memberships and payment plans.