Carbon dioxide fractional resurfacing for deeper skin renewal — age spots, skin laxity, texture, dull color, and scarring. Results can last years.
Fractional CO2 Laser at Natural Results Plastic Surgery is performed personally by Dr. Carlos Mata — board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS/FACS), Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2018, and Newsweek America's Best Plastic Surgeon — at the practice's AAAASF-accredited surgical suite in Scottsdale, Arizona. 25,000+ procedures performed.
The carbon dioxide fractional resurfacing laser allows multiple layers of the skin to be removed safely by leaving areas of damaged skin next to areas treated by the laser — that's why it's called a fractionated method. Fractional CO2 treats age spots, skin laxity, texture changes, dull color, a thin collagen layer in areas of the body including the chest, neck, and even scar tissue.
The carbon dioxide fractional resurfacing laser is a device that allows multiple layers of the skin to be removed safely by leaving areas of damaged skin next to areas that have been treated by the laser. This is the fractionated method.
The conditions that the fractional CO2 laser treats include age spots, skin laxity, texture changes, dull color to the skin, and a thin collagen layer in areas of the body — including the chest, neck, and even scar tissue.
Fractional CO2 is a treatment that can be done in the office. It requires pre- and post-treatment medications to keep you comfortable before and after the procedure. There can be some discomfort — it depends on your skin type and how aggressive we are at treating your skin to achieve the results you want.
Treatment is usually begun by applying numbing cream to your entire face and neck. When the skin of the face is numb, Dr. Mata does dental blocks with lidocaine and epinephrine. Sometimes we give patients a sedative to help them relax and remove some of the anxiety — kind of like having one to five glasses of wine.
The typical procedure takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how large the area being treated is. The affected areas will turn pink and may weep between 6 and 10 days after the treatment. We use the latest in post-laser treatments — including medical-grade silicone to prevent scarring and allow faster healing times.
After about 10 days the skin will be healed, but will likely remain pink for several weeks to months afterward. You may apply makeup at roughly 2 to 3 weeks after treatment. The redness can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 3-6 months, depending on how aggressive the treatment is.
Final results can be visible once the redness goes away. The results ultimately depend on how long you take care of your skin after the procedure — but can easily last several years to half or even a full decade. Taking care of your skin means applying sunscreen daily, moisturizing, and continuously maintaining the skin renewal process with exfoliation. Results will vary depending on your skin type.
Candidacy is ultimately a conversation. Dr. Mata will determine the right path at consultation.
Schedule ConsultationWe're curating a dedicated set of fractional co2 laser cases for the gallery. In the meantime, the full Before & After archive includes related work.
Browse the full galleryThe typical procedure takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how large the area being treated is.
Treatment is usually begun by applying numbing cream to your entire face and neck. When the skin is numb, Dr. Mata does dental blocks with lidocaine and epinephrine. Sometimes we give patients a sedative to help them relax.
Recover Time is 6-10 days. The affected areas will turn pink and may weep between 6 and 10 days after the treatment. After about 10 days the skin will be healed but will likely remain pink for several weeks to months. You may apply makeup at roughly 2-3 weeks after treatment.
Results can easily last several years — up to half or even a full decade — depending on how well you care for your skin afterward.
Yes. Fractional CO2 can be combined with any facial rejuvenation procedures, but cannot be done over areas of the face that have had direct surgery. Some patients combine with Botox/Dysport/Xeomin and dermal fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma). Dr. Mata recommends Botox 2 weeks prior to treatment.
Age spots, skin laxity, texture changes, dull skin color, thin collagen layer in areas like the chest and neck, and scar tissue.
Consultations with Dr. Mata are private, unhurried, and typically last 45 to 60 minutes. Your first conversation sets the foundation for everything that follows.
