At Sensational Skin in Scottsdale, the depth of a CO2 laser treatment is chosen at a consultation, based on the patient's skin, concerns, goals and the amount of healing time they can plan for. The practice does not believe every patient needs the same laser treatment. S. Kent Brown, M.D., who leads every CO2 treatment, reviews these factors in person and recommends a depth and approach for that individual patient.
How is CO2 laser treatment depth chosen in Scottsdale?
CO2 laser treatment depth is chosen by matching the treatment to the person rather than starting from a fixed package. At Sensational Skin, laser settings, energy levels and recovery plans are tailored to each patient's skin type, concerns and goals. The consultation is where that matching happens.
CO2 resurfacing is the treatment the practice performs most often. The basic process stays the same at every depth: precise laser energy removes damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen renewal. What changes from one plan to the next is how deep the treatment goes, how much of the skin is treated, and how the care before and after is planned.
The range of depths on one CO2 platform
Dr. Brown uses the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore CO2 laser. One platform offers several levels of resurfacing, which is why the depth can be adjusted to the patient instead of the patient being fitted to the device. The depths the practice offers are:
- ActiveFX, a lighter, fractional CO2 treatment done in a single treatment session and used for fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage and texture. More detail is on the ActiveFX page.
- TotalFX, DeepFX and SCAAR FX, further depths on the same platform, selected according to the concern being addressed.
- MaxFX, deep corrective resurfacing. The practice notes that MaxFX allows controlled depth even in delicate areas such as the eyelids.
Fractional treatments leave small bridges of untreated skin between the treated areas, which is why fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing. If you would like a closer look at that difference, the practice's article on fractional vs full CO2 laser walks through it.
The factors that shape the recommendation
Several things are weighed together when a depth is recommended. None of them decides the plan on its own.
The concern being treated
The practice's CO2 laser resurfacing page lists the concerns it uses CO2 resurfacing for: deep lines and wrinkles, eyelid laxity and under-eye wrinkles, acne scars and enlarged pores, sun damage and uneven pigmentation, and aging skin on the neck and chest. A concern such as fine lines and texture may point toward a lighter fractional treatment, while deep lines may call for a deeper approach. Many people in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Phoenix have spent years in the strong Arizona sun, so sun damage and uneven tone are common reasons to ask about resurfacing.
Your skin
Skin type is part of every CO2 plan at the practice. Settings and energy levels are adjusted to the individual's skin, and medical-grade skin preparation before treatment is part of the process.
Your goals
Two people with similar skin can want different things. One person may prefer a lighter treatment, and another may want a deeper corrective approach. The consultation is a conversation about what matters most to you, and multiple treatment options and levels of resurfacing are discussed.
The healing time you can plan for
Downtime depends on depth. Lighter fractional treatments involve less downtime, and deeper MaxFX and full CO2 resurfacing need more healing time. Plans at Sensational Skin are customized around the patient's skin, concerns and downtime, and Dr. Brown reviews expected recovery for your specific plan at the consultation.
Is CO2 always the right laser?
Not always. 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. For some people, a different approach may fit their skin and goals better, and that is discussed openly at the consultation.
Some skin changes are not cosmetic concerns. A spot that is changing, a sore that does not heal, or persistent redness should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider before any cosmetic treatment is considered.
Who leads CO2 laser treatment at Sensational Skin?
CO2 laser resurfacing at the practice is physician-led by S. Kent Brown, M.D., Medical Director of Sensational Skin 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. Because he is an anesthesiologist, CO2 treatment at the practice includes comfort options that he directs.
Care around the procedure includes medical-grade skin preparation, a guided recovery protocol, stabilization treatments to support healing, and weekend follow-up care, along with comprehensive pre- and post-treatment guidance.
Questions to bring to your consultation
- Which depth do you recommend for my concern, and why?
- Would a fractional treatment or a deeper resurfacing approach suit my skin better?
- How much healing time should I plan for at that depth?
- How should I prepare my skin beforehand?
- Is Erbium YAG or another option worth considering for me?
You can also browse the practice's CO2 laser before and after gallery. Results vary, and the photos show individual patients rather than a promise of any outcome.
Book a CO2 laser consultation in Scottsdale
The right depth of CO2 laser treatment starts with an in-person evaluation, 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
How is CO2 laser treatment depth chosen at Sensational Skin?
Depth is chosen at a consultation with Dr. Brown, who tailors laser settings, energy levels and recovery plans to each patient's skin type, concerns and goals.
What CO2 laser depths does Sensational Skin offer?
On the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore platform the practice offers ActiveFX, TotalFX, DeepFX, SCAAR FX and MaxFX, from light fractional treatment to deep corrective resurfacing.
Does a deeper CO2 laser treatment need more healing time?
Yes. Lighter fractional treatments involve less downtime, while deeper MaxFX and full CO2 resurfacing need more healing time, and Dr. Brown reviews expected recovery at the consultation.
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.