CO2 laser resurfacing is a medical laser treatment that uses precise laser energy to remove damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen renewal. At Sensational Skin in Scottsdale, it is the treatment the practice performs most often, and it is physician-led by S. Kent Brown, M.D., who has more than 25 years of CO2 laser experience. This guide explains how the treatment works, the concerns it is commonly used for, and what to bring up at a consultation.
How does CO2 laser resurfacing work?
A CO2 laser delivers controlled pulses of laser energy to the skin. The energy removes a thin, controlled amount of the damaged outer skin, and the skin responds by renewing itself and producing new collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its structure, so the goal of resurfacing is to improve skin quality and texture rather than simply cover a concern.
At Sensational Skin, Dr. Brown uses the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore CO2 laser. The same platform can be set to treat at different depths, which is why one device can be used for a light treatment on one patient and a deep corrective treatment on another. Laser settings, energy levels and recovery plans are tailored to each patient's skin type, concerns and goals.
Fractional and full resurfacing: what is the difference?
Laser resurfacing is not a single fixed treatment. On the UltraPulse platform the practice offers a range of depths:
- ActiveFX is a lighter, fractional CO2 treatment used for fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage and texture.
- TotalFX, DeepFX and SCAAR FX are further fractional options on the same platform, chosen according to the concern being addressed.
- MaxFX is deep corrective resurfacing for more advanced concerns.
"Fractional" means the laser treats the skin in a pattern and leaves small bridges of untreated skin between the treated areas. Those bridges are the reason fractional healing is faster than full resurfacing. Deeper treatments address more, and they also need more healing time. You can read how the practice compares these options on the laser resurfacing overview and the ActiveFX page.
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 than CO2 resurfacing.
What concerns is CO2 laser resurfacing used for?
The practice's CO2 laser resurfacing page lists these concerns:
- 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
Living in the Arizona desert means years of sun exposure for many people in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Phoenix, so sun damage and uneven pigmentation come up often in consultations. For the delicate skin around the eyes, MaxFX allows controlled depth of treatment, and the practice also offers a non-surgical laser eyelid lift.
Not every skin concern is cosmetic. A changing spot, a sore that does not heal, persistent redness or any other symptom should be checked by a qualified medical provider before any cosmetic treatment is considered.
What happens before and after treatment?
At Sensational Skin, care around a CO2 treatment goes beyond the laser session itself. The practice describes a physician-directed approach that includes:
- Medical-grade skin preparation before treatment
- A guided recovery protocol
- Stabilization treatments to support healing
- Weekend follow-up care
Recovery depends on how deep the treatment goes. 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 what to expect for your own treatment at the consultation rather than giving a one-size answer.
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 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 trained in advanced skin health with Dr. Zein Obagi in 1999. He customizes each treatment to the patient in front of him.
How much does CO2 laser resurfacing cost?
Cost depends on the area being treated and the depth of resurfacing, so an exact price is given at the consultation. Financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit and PatientFi, with approval up to each lender. Details are on the financing page.
Questions to bring to your consultation
A consultation is the place to talk through your goals and whether CO2 resurfacing fits them. Useful questions include:
- Which depth of treatment fits my concern: a lighter fractional option or deeper resurfacing?
- How should I prepare my skin beforehand?
- What does recovery look like for the depth you are recommending?
- Are there other treatments that could be combined with resurfacing in my plan?
You can also browse the practice's CO2 laser before and after gallery. Individual results vary, and photos show individual patients, not a promise of any outcome.
Book a CO2 laser consultation in Scottsdale
Sensational Skin is at 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, convenient to North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Arcadia and Biltmore. Results vary from person to person, and the right plan starts with an in-person evaluation. Call or text (480) 596-9111, or request a consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performs CO2 laser resurfacing at Sensational Skin?
CO2 laser resurfacing is physician-led by S. Kent Brown, M.D., Medical Director since 1998, who has more than 25 years of CO2 laser experience and uses the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore laser.
What is the difference between ActiveFX and MaxFX?
Both are treatment depths on the same UltraPulse CO2 platform. ActiveFX is a lighter fractional treatment, and MaxFX is deep corrective resurfacing that needs more healing time.
How much does CO2 laser resurfacing cost in Scottsdale?
Cost depends on the treatment area and depth, so an exact price is given at the consultation. Financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit and PatientFi.
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.