Does a CO2 laser facial treatment tighten and lift the face a bit like fillers?

Question

My 56 year old friend swears her Co2 facial peel lifted her face a bit. She had it at 50 and attributes that to her great skin condition. I have yet to interview a facial surgeon i have confidence with regarding a surgical FL. If I have a CO2 peel will it lift my face at all?

Jeffrey Joseph, MD, FACS · Answer

While not a substitute for facelift, the fractionated CO2 laser will remove the top layer of skin, improving tone and texture, while a second pass will help remodel the collagen to tighten.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

In our practice, we perform a non-surgical face lift / skin resurfacing treatment using Renuvion Helium Plasma Radiofrequency. To get the most improvement with skin tightening, we combine Renuvion (formerly J-Plasma) with lasers (Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, CO2), microneedling/PRP, Ultherapy and InMode FaceTite. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Jonathan S. Jacobs, MD, DMD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The CO2 laser tightens and resurfaces the skin, which can reduce fine lines. Fillers work from within to help with deeper lines. It is important to schedule an in-person consultation with an experienced board-certified surgeon to determine which treatment (or combination of treatments) is best suited to your desired result. Best of luck!

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Fractionated CO2 laser treatment will definitely improve the quality of the skin. It will stimulate collagen production that will tighten the skin. It will also help with sun damage, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and redness. I prefer to work with the CO2RE by Candela since it allows me to tailor my treatments to each patient and their specific cosmetic concerns. For example, I can use the lighter setting in younger patient while I can used a combination of different more aggressive setting in a patient that is older with more skin laxity and wrinkles.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I could not agree with Dr. Patel more. CO2RE is the perfect treatment as it treats the skin itself and on higher settings works to create collagen underneath which leads to lifting and tightening, smoothing and wrinkle reduction. So yes, your friend is correct! "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Does a CO2 laser facial treatment tighten and lift the face a bit like fillers?

Answers (5)