The main difference between fractional and full CO2 laser resurfacing is how much of the skin's surface is treated. A fractional treatment works in a pattern and leaves small bridges of untreated skin between the treated areas, which is why fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing. Full and deeper resurfacing treats more of the skin and needs more healing time. At Sensational Skin in Scottsdale, the depth of each CO2 treatment is chosen for the individual patient by S. Kent Brown, M.D.
What is the difference between fractional and full CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 laser treats the skin in a grid of tiny treated zones, with untouched skin left in between. Full resurfacing treats the area more completely rather than in a pattern. Both use the same basic process: precise laser energy removes damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen renewal.
Collagen is the protein that gives skin much of its structure and firmness. As the skin heals after resurfacing, it produces new collagen, which is why the goal of resurfacing is to improve the quality and texture of the skin itself. Dr. Brown's view, as described on the practice's laser resurfacing overview, is that a facelift removes excess skin but does not address the texture or quality of the skin, while resurfacing addresses skin quality.
Why do the untreated bridges matter?
The small bridges of untreated skin left by a fractional laser are the key to how fractional treatment heals. Each treated zone sits next to skin that was left untouched, and the practice explains that these bridges are the reason fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing.
The tradeoff is that a lighter, fractional treatment addresses less in one pass, while a deeper treatment addresses more and asks more of the healing process. Neither approach is right for everyone. The choice depends on the concern, the skin, and how much healing time a person is able to plan for.
The treatment depths offered on one laser platform
At Sensational Skin, Dr. Brown uses the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore CO2 laser. The platform can be set to treat at a range of depths, so the treatment can be matched to the patient. The depths the practice offers include:
- ActiveFX, a lighter fractional CO2 treatment, done in a single treatment session, used for fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage and texture. You can read more on the ActiveFX page.
- TotalFX, DeepFX and SCAAR FX, additional depths on the same platform, selected according to the concern being treated.
- MaxFX, deep corrective resurfacing for more advanced concerns. The practice notes that MaxFX allows controlled depth even in delicate areas such as the eyelids.
The practice also describes Erbium YAG as a gentler laser option suited to mild to moderate concerns, with faster healing, though it is less effective for deep wrinkles.
What concerns are matched to each depth?
The practice's CO2 laser resurfacing page lists the concerns CO2 resurfacing is used for:
- Deep lines and wrinkles
- Eyelid laxity and under-eye wrinkles
- Acne scars and enlarged pores
- Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
- Aging skin on the neck and chest
The practice describes ActiveFX for fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage and texture, and MaxFX as deep corrective resurfacing. Many people in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley have spent years in the strong Arizona sun, so sun damage and uneven tone come up often. The right depth for a given person is decided at a consultation, after Dr. Brown looks at the skin in person.
Some skin changes are not cosmetic. 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.
How does treatment depth affect recovery?
Recovery depends on depth. Lighter fractional treatments involve less downtime, while deeper MaxFX and full CO2 resurfacing need more healing time. Because every plan is customized, Dr. Brown reviews expected recovery for your own treatment at the consultation instead of giving a general answer.
Care around the procedure at Sensational Skin includes:
- Medical-grade skin preparation before treatment
- A guided recovery protocol
- Stabilization treatments to support healing
- Weekend follow-up care
Laser settings, energy levels and recovery plans are tailored to each patient's skin type, concerns and goals.
Who decides how deep the treatment goes?
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. CO2 resurfacing is the treatment the practice performs most often.
Helpful questions to bring to a consultation include:
- Is a fractional treatment or a deeper resurfacing approach a better fit for my concern?
- How much healing time should I plan for at the depth you are recommending?
- How should I prepare my skin beforehand?
- Would another option, such as Erbium YAG, suit my skin?
You can browse the practice's CO2 laser before and after gallery. Results vary, and the photos show individual patients, not a promise of any outcome.
Book a CO2 laser consultation in Scottsdale
Choosing between fractional and deeper resurfacing 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
What is the difference between fractional and full CO2 laser resurfacing?
Fractional CO2 laser leaves small bridges of untreated skin between treated areas, which is why fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing. Deeper MaxFX and full CO2 resurfacing need more healing time.
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.
How long is recovery after fractional CO2 laser?
Recovery depends on depth: lighter fractional treatments involve less downtime, and deeper treatments need more healing time. 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.