Looking to smooth out texture + lines. Is C02 the best option? (Photos)

Hello! I’m Lauren, the aesthetic injector here at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center. Now that you’re focusing on scarring, large pores, and texture, it makes total sense to start looking at treatments that target deeper skin remodeling. CO2 laser is one of the most powerful treatments for acne scars, enlarged pores, and overall texture. It works by removing damaged layers of skin and stimulating new collagen. You’ll likely need some downtime, but the long-term improvement in skin quality can be dramatic, especially with a skilled provider. Microneedling is another great option for large pores and scarring. It uses tiny needles plus radiofrequency energy to heat deeper layers and build collagen. It’s less aggressive than CO2 but still very effective over a few sessions and often with less downtime.

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello. My name is Ranen and I am an aesthetic nurse at Aesthetic skin. Co2 would be a great option for you to help reduce and even erase some of your pores. I have treated a lot of patients with large pores and found that Co2 laser has been very effective in smoothing texture, fine lines and wrinkles and also pigmentation. If you have additional questions please feel free to call me at 312-944-0117 and I would love to help answer any other questions you may have.

CO2 laser (ablative resurfacing) is one of the most aggressive treatments available and can deliver dramatic improvement, particularly for:
- Acne scarring
- Texture
- Fine lines and wrinkles However, it also entails:
- Downtime (1–2 weeks recovery, along with lingering redness for weeks afterwards)
- Risk of hyperpigmentation (especially for skin tones higher on the Fitzpatrick scale)
- Higher costs - A need for serious sun avoidance during the healing process CO2 can effectively address your concerns, but it isn't your only option.

Other Great Options to Consider:
Microneedling (with or without RF)
- Helps with scarring, large pores, and texture
- Minimal downtime (2–3 days)
- Can promote collagen production over a series of sessions
- RF microneedling aids in treating deeper scars and tightening

Non-ablative lasers
- IPL
- Nd: YAG - Erbium

Chemical peels
- Can refine skin texture and even tone
- Medium-depth peels like Jessner or TCA may help with both pores and scars
We recommend scheduling a consultation before any treatment to determine the best option for your skin type and goals.

Hello! It’s great to hear that you’ve gained 90% control over your acne, and now you’re focusing on scars, large pores, and skin texture. These concerns are very common as we approach our 30s, but the good news is that there are effective treatments to help improve them!CO₂ laser resurfacing is an excellent option for improving skin texture, reducing acne scars, minimizing pores, and addressing fine lines. Since it works by stimulating collagen production and resurfacing the skin, it can lead to smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin over time.However, there are other complementary treatments that might also help, depending on your skin type and goals:✔ Microneedling with PRP – Boosts collagen, refines pores, and improves scars✔ TCA Cross or Chemical Peels – Target deeper acne scars and improve overall tone✔ RF Microneedling (Morpheus8, Secret RF) – Tightens skin and enhances texture✔ Hyaluronic Acid Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Paris Glow, etc.) – Improves hydration and fine linesThe best approach often involves a combination of treatments tailored to your skin's needs. A consultation will help determine the most effective plan based on your scar depth, pore size, and overall skin condition.

CO2 laser treatments are expensive and carry risks for post-treatment scarring and dyspigmentation, as well as engendering a typically prolonged period of post-treatment downtime.
Consider TCA CROSS for treating very dilated pores and for general texture issues and very fine lines, consider a series of superficial peels, such as high concentration salicylic or glycolic acids, Jessner's Solution or low concentrations of TCA.
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Hope this helps and best of luck.