At Sensational Skin in Scottsdale, CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the options the practice uses for acne scars. Precise laser energy removes damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen renewal, and the depth of treatment is chosen at a consultation based on the type of scarring, the patient's skin and the downtime they can plan for. Microneedling and chemical peels are also part of the practice's approach to scarring.
Can CO2 laser be used for acne scars?
Yes. The practice's CO2 laser resurfacing page lists acne scars and enlarged pores among the concerns it uses CO2 resurfacing for, alongside deep lines and wrinkles, sun damage and uneven pigmentation, eyelid laxity and under-eye wrinkles, and aging skin on the neck and chest. CO2 laser resurfacing is the treatment the practice performs most often.
Acne scars form when breakouts disturb the deeper layers of the skin as they heal. Some scars sit below the surface of the surrounding skin, which changes how light falls across the face. Others show up more as uneven texture or as marks left behind after a breakout. Because scarring varies so much from person to person, the practice treats it as a planning question first and a laser question second.
How CO2 resurfacing approaches scarring
The principle behind resurfacing is straightforward. The laser removes damaged outer layers of skin, and the skin's own renewal process follows, including new collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives skin much of its structure and firmness, so encouraging the skin to rebuild it is central to how resurfacing approaches textured or scarred skin.
Dr. Brown uses the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore CO2 laser. It offers several depths on the same platform:
- ActiveFX, a lighter fractional treatment
- TotalFX and DeepFX
- SCAAR FX
- MaxFX, deep corrective resurfacing
Having this range on one platform means the treatment can be matched to the scarring rather than every patient being fitted to a single setting.
What fractional treatment means
Fractional treatments leave small bridges of untreated skin between the treated areas. Those bridges are why fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing. Lighter fractional treatments involve less downtime, while deeper MaxFX and full CO2 resurfacing need more healing time. The practice's article on fractional vs full CO2 laser explains the difference in more detail.
How treatment depth is chosen for acne scars
The practice does not believe every patient needs the same laser treatment. At the consultation, laser settings, energy levels and recovery plans are tailored to the patient's skin type, concerns and goals. Multiple treatment options and levels of resurfacing are discussed, so a patient can weigh a lighter approach against a deeper one with full information.
Downtime is part of that conversation. Many people in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and across the Phoenix area plan resurfacing around work, travel and time outdoors, and the Arizona sun is strong for most of the year. Dr. Brown reviews expected recovery for each specific plan at the consultation, rather than giving a single answer that would not fit everyone.
Care around a CO2 treatment at the practice includes medical-grade skin preparation, a guided recovery protocol, stabilization treatments to support healing, and weekend follow-up care, with comprehensive pre- and post-treatment guidance. CO2 treatment also includes anesthesiologist-directed comfort options.
Other acne scar options the practice may discuss
Laser is not the only approach. The practice's acne scars page describes a plan that may use CO2 resurfacing, microneedling and peels, alone or together:
- Microneedling with MicroPen EVO, an FDA-cleared device. Tiny sterile needles create controlled micro-injuries at adjustable depths, which stimulates collagen remodeling. The practice uses it for skin texture and tone, the appearance of acne scars and other scars, and fine lines, and has offered microneedling for over 15 years.
- Chemical peels, including the ZO Controlled Depth Peel, the ZO 3-Step Peel and the Obagi Blue Peel.
- Medical-grade skin care from ZO Skin Health, Obagi and Alastin, personalized at a consultation and often part of preparing the skin before laser treatment.
For some patients, the practice also describes Erbium YAG as a gentler option suited to mild to moderate concerns, with faster healing, though it is less effective for deep wrinkles. Which of these fits depends on the scarring and the person, which is why the consultation comes first.
Active acne comes before scar treatment
Acne scars and active acne are different concerns. Acne types include comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammatory acne (papules and pustules), and nodular and cystic acne. Untreated acne can lead to scarring and dark spots, and nodular and cystic acne need professional medical care. If you still have active breakouts, see a qualified medical provider about the acne itself. Separately, any spot that is changing or a sore that does not heal should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider before cosmetic treatment.
The practice also offers customized acne plans that may combine medical-grade topicals, peels, light-based treatment and microneedling.
Who performs CO2 laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin?
CO2 laser resurfacing at the practice is physician-led by S. Kent Brown, M.D., Medical Director since 1998. Dr. Brown is an anesthesiologist with more than 40 years of surgical experience and more than 25 years of CO2 laser experience, and he customizes every treatment. Susan Brown, his clinical assistant and the practice's Laser Safety Officer, conducts consultations and builds treatment plans together with Dr. Brown.
You can browse the practice's acne scar before and after gallery. Results vary, and the photos show individual patients rather than a promise of any outcome.
Book an acne scar consultation in Scottsdale
An acne scar plan starts with an in-person look at your skin, and results may vary from person to person. Sensational Skin is at 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, convenient to North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Arcadia and Biltmore. The practice offers a complimentary consultation. Call or text (480) 596-9111, or request a consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sensational Skin use CO2 laser for acne scars?
Yes. The practice lists acne scars and enlarged pores among the concerns it uses CO2 laser resurfacing for, with the depth chosen at a consultation.
What other acne scar treatments does Sensational Skin offer?
For scarring, the practice's options include CO2 resurfacing, microneedling with the FDA-cleared MicroPen EVO device, and chemical peels, alone or combined in a personalized plan.
Who performs CO2 laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin?
CO2 laser resurfacing is physician-led by S. Kent Brown, M.D., an anesthesiologist with more than 25 years of CO2 laser experience who customizes every treatment.
Book a consultation. Every plan starts with a consultation at our Scottsdale office, 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115. Call or text (480) 596-9111, or request a consultation online.
Individual results vary. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a medical condition, please see a qualified medical provider.