CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland.
Revitalize your skin with confidence! Experience the transformative effects of CO2 laser resurfacing at The Naderi Center in Virginia. Our specialists provide precise treatments to reduce wrinkles, scars, and blemishes. From consultation to results, enjoy exceptional care and achieve a smoother, more youthful complexion. Reveal your best self with our expert CO2 laser resurfacing services.
20+ Years of Facial Plastic Surgery
100,000+ Procedures Performed
4.9★ from 1,100+ Google Reviews
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Benefits for Rejuvenation
The benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing are nothing short of remarkable. This advanced skin treatment not only addresses a range of dermatological issues but also stimulates collagen production for lasting results. Trust this effective, minimally invasive method to reveal your most radiant and youthful skin ever.
Dr. Shervin Naderi, named to Newsweek America’s Best Plastic Surgeons
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
CO2 Laser Resurfacing for Skin Rejuvenation
CO2 laser resurfacing, sometimes called a laser peel, uses a carbon dioxide laser to treat sun-damaged, wrinkled or scarred skin. At The Naderi Center, Dr. Naderi uses the Lumenis UltraPulse in its fractional mode. The laser treats thousands of tiny, deep columns of skin and leaves healthy skin between them, which speeds healing while still reaching deep enough to soften deep wrinkles, tighten the skin and improve scarring. It treats fine lines and wrinkles, acne and other scars, uneven color, age spots, sun spots, loose skin, rough texture and dull tone.
CO2 laser resurfacing is most often done on the face, neck and chest, and most patients need just one treatment. Healing takes about 7 to 14 days. During that time you stay out of the sun and follow a simple routine of skincare products to help your skin recover.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Expected Results
- Improve appearance of scars (including acne scars)
- Diminish appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Treat age spots
- Even coloration and improve hyperpigmentation
- Remove freckles
- Improve skin laxity
- Smoothen texture irregularities
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Summary
Mild to moderate
General anesthesia in the operating room
1 hour
No scarring, but redness and swelling are to be anticipated
4-6 weeks with full results at 6 months
2 weeks
$5,000 to $10,000
Ideal Candidate for CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Good candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing
- Are of a lighter skin tone, Fitzpatrick Skin types 1-3
- Desire to reduce fine lines around eyes, lips, or forehead
- Desire to tighten any loose skin on both lower and upper eyelids
- Have unwanted marks, hyperpigmentation, age spots, or freckles
- Have unwanted facial scars (including acne scars)
- Are in overall good health and hold realistic treatment expectations
- Are non-smokers
Who is NOT a candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing?
CO2 Laser resurfacing is also not an option for patients of skin type 4 or above, as it can result in hyperpigmentation during the healing process. Even skin types less than 4 are ideally placed on a combination of tretinoins and hydroquinone as a pre-treatment 6-8 weeks prior to performing their procedure. This pre-treatment regiment of tretinoin and 4% hydroquinone prepares the skin for the induced injury from the laser and optimizes healing and outcomes.
If CO2 resurfacing isn’t the right fit for your skin, other laser options—such as the UltraClear Laser—may offer similar benefits with less risk, especially for darker skin tones.
It’s a gentler alternative that still targets issues like fine lines, uneven tone, and texture, while providing faster recovery and better safety for a wider range of skin types.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Before & After photos
Deep CO2 with eyelid surgery
The concernShe wanted to improve loose, textured skin across her face and refresh the area around her eyes.
What we didFull-face CO2 laser resurfacing together with lower eyelid surgery, performed by a physician provider at The Naderi Center.
The resultHer skin and eye area look refreshed and rejuvenated, and she still looks natural.
See all views of this patient →Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Technique
Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers remove damaged skin and heat the deeper layer underneath, the dermis, which tightens the skin and starts new collagen. The two main types are the 10,600 nm CO2 laser and the 2,940 nm erbium laser. Both target the water in your skin. The water turns to vapor in a fraction of a second, and the skin cells it reaches are removed. Your skin then heals with smoother texture and more even color. Ablative lasers give the most dramatic results of any resurfacing treatment, and the depth can be set from a light peel to deep resurfacing.
Full-Surface vs. Fractional Resurfacing
Full-surface resurfacing treats the whole top layer of the treated area evenly, like a very precise peel. It works well for rough texture and uneven pigment, but healing takes longer, and deep full-surface treatments carry a higher risk of lasting light patches (hypopigmentation). Many lasers can work either way. Our Sciton Contour TRL erbium laser treats the full surface, with a depth that can be set from a light laser peel to deeper resurfacing.
Fractional Resurfacing With the UltraPulse
Fractional resurfacing sends the laser into the skin as thousands of tiny, deep columns and leaves healthy skin between them. That untouched skin helps the treated areas heal faster, with less swelling and redness and a much lower risk of lasting light patches. Dr. Naderi uses the Lumenis UltraPulse in its fractional mode for deep CO2 resurfacing. The narrow columns reach deep wrinkles and scars without removing the whole surface of your skin, and still give dramatic smoothing and tightening.
Non-ablative lasers
Non-ablative lasers heat the deeper skin without removing any skin from the surface. The heat starts new collagen, which tightens and refreshes the skin. Because the surface is not wounded, recovery is much quicker, but the results are milder and several treatments are usually needed.
The Naderi Center’s Trusted Resurfacing Lasers
Lumenis® UltraPulse™
The Lumenis® UltraPulse™ is one of the leading CO2 lasers for skin resurfacing. Dr. Naderi uses it in its fractional mode, which treats deep, narrow columns of skin and leaves healthy skin in between to speed healing. It treats deep and fine wrinkles, acne scars and unwanted pigment. Read how we decide between CO2 and gentler options for acne scars. Deep CO2 resurfacing is done in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center under general anesthesia, so you are comfortable throughout.
Sciton® Contour TRL™
The Sciton® Contour TRL™ (Tunable Resurfacing Laser) is the erbium laser on our Sciton Joule. Its depth can be set precisely, from a light laser peel with little downtime to deeper resurfacing. It treats fine lines around the eyes and mouth, deeper wrinkles, acne scars, pigment changes and rough texture. Contour TRL treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass at our Reston office, without general anesthesia.
Will I need more than one CO2 laser resurfacing treatment?
For the majority of patients, one CO2 laser resurfacing treatment is sufficient to address most skin concerns. Full and final results are seen typically six months after resurfacing is performed. Depending on the skin condition you are trying to treat, for example with acne scarring and deep wrinkles you may need more than one treatment. Follow-up resurfacing treatments may sometimes be performed with other less invasive modalities such as with chemical peels, micro-needling, or at home medical grade skincare.
Cost of CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Deep CO2 laser resurfacing at The Naderi Center is $5,000 to $10,000. Several factors determine your overall cost:
- Surgeons Fee
- Anesthesia Fee: depends on length of procedure
- Hospital and Surgical Facility Fees: depends on length of procedure
- Post-Laser Balms and Recovery Kit: included with surgeon’s fee at The Naderi Center
- Pre-Surgical Medical Clearance and Lab Tests: usually covered by medical insurance
- Medication Costs: usually covered by medical insurance
- Follow-Up Visits: included with surgeon’s fee at The Naderi Center
Patient Financing
Pay Over Time with Cherry
Monthly payment plans for surgery and treatments, including 0% APR options for qualifying patients. Checking whether you qualify won’t affect your credit score.
Preparation for CO2 Laser Resurfacing
At The Naderi Center, we believe the success of any cosmetic procedure can be improved with proper patient preparation. We go above and beyond to make sure that our patients are medically, emotionally, and physically ready for surgery. Please review our detailed instructions on skin CO2 laser resurfacing in the link below.
We will bring the experience.
Recovery after CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Immediately after CO2 laser resurfacing, the skin will feel raw and stinging for the first few days and you will be provided with pain medication as well as a post-recovery kit with products that will aid with healing. Some patients do not have to take any strong pain medication and do well with over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol. The first few days you will be instructed to cover any raw surfaces of the skin with a thick layer of our post-recovery ointment. We advise that you keep the skin moist at all times in order to minimize crusting and drying out of the skin. It is extremely important that you stay out of the sun during the recovery period. Moderate to severe amounts of swelling is expected in the areas treated, especially around the eyes and lips. The swelling will get greater by the 2nd and 3rd day and should begin to subside by the 4th and 5th day.
Keeping your head elevated when laying down, as well as walking around will help with swelling. Within 24-36 hours you will notice that the treated areas begin to look like a deep, raw sunburn. During the first 7 days, the delicate skin is undergoing a “toughening up” process. By the 7th and 10th day, most of the crusting will begin to disappear and the new skin will appear intensely pink or red. Within 10-14 days, most patients can begin to wear the best makeup after CO2 laser resurfacing to ensure optimal results.
The following are expected and normal to experience in the first few days of your procedure:
- Burning sensation, like having an intense sunburn
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Tightness sensation
- Pinpoint bleeding, which should stop after the first 24 hours
- Oozing which is yellowish
- Swelling of the face, especially around the eyes
Please reference our in-depth and detailed post-CO2 laser resurfacing instructions.
How long can I expect to maintain my results after my CO2 laser resurfacing procedure?
CO2 Laser resurfacing treatment is fairly intense, but if you want dramatic improvement, the results will be worth it. You will have a fresh, rejuvenated complexion with results that can last for years. Combined with a good medical grade skincare regiment, you can preserve your new beautiful skin for a longer period of time. Touch up treatments with other resurfacing lasers that are not as aggressive can be done to also help maintain the rejuvenated skin. Additionally, avoiding sun exposure is the single most important factor in preserving your more youthful skin.
Risks, Safety, and Potential Complications after CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Deep laser skin resurfacing is one of the most commonly performed procedures at The Naderi Center by our specialists. During the consultation appointment, your physician will further discuss the risks and potential complications during the CO2 laser resurfacing process in great detail.
Possible Complications after CO2 Laser Resurfacing
- Risks of general anesthesia
- Skin changes or discoloration
- Risk of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation
- Cold sore reactivation
- Bacterial infection
- Prolonged redness and or swelling
- Milia formation (small white bumps formed during recovery)
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Specialist at The Naderi Center, Dr. Shervin Naderi
Achieving dramatic CO2 laser resurfacing results depends on both the laser and the expert hands that perform the procedure. At The Naderi Center, deep CO2 laser resurfacing is performed by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Shervin Naderi, using the Lumenis CO2 laser in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center under general anesthesia. He often combines it with a facelift or eyelid surgery, so the skin is renewed along with the structures beneath it.
Dr. Naderi is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with more than 20 years of experience focused on the face. He is a former assistant professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and has served as an oral board examiner for the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Newsweek has named him one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons for rhinoplasty every year since 2023 and for facelift in 2026.
The Naderi Center has been performing laser resurfacing for more than 20 years. For lighter resurfacing with less downtime, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass performs UltraClear, which is safe for all skin types. Compare all of our laser resurfacing options.
Contact one of The Naderi Center’s two offices for more information or to schedule your CO2 laser resurfacing consultation. A patient coordinator can be reached at our Reston, Virginia office at 703-481-0002 and at our Chevy Chase, Maryland office at 301-222-2020.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing FAQs
When is it advised to go back into the sun after CO2 laser resurfacing?
Strict sun avoidance for the first eight weeks after treatment is crucial. YOU WILL BURN AND HYPERPIGMENT IF YOU HAVE DIRECT SUN EXPOSURE. Sun exposure will significantly hinder the healing process after CO2 laser resurfacing. If you must go outside, wear a wide brim hat, sunglasses (if you had resurfacing around eyes only), a SPF 50 sunscreen, and stay in the shade. Even after you have healed from your resurfacing procedure, we advise avoiding the sun in order to obtain maximum longevity of your results.
Who performs CO2 laser resurfacing procedures?
Deep CO2 laser resurfacing at The Naderi Center is performed by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Shervin Naderi in the operating room under general anesthesia, often together with a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Can I bathe and wash my face after CO2 laser resurfacing?
You may bathe normally, but be cautious of getting soap on your healing face. Always apply the post-recovery ointment immediately after showering. Your skin should be washed frequently the first few days with only cool tap water and soft cotton balls. DO NOT USE ANY CLEANSERS; SOAPS OR TONERS while the skin is still raw. Once the skin starts to heal, you will start to use a prescribed skincare regiment that will optimize healing which includes a face wash, recovery cream, and sunscreen with SPF 50.
When is the best time to do CO2 laser resurfacing?
Most physicians would agree that fall and winter are the best seasons to perform CO2 laser resurfacing. A big part of that has to do with sun avoidance, both before and after the CO2 laser resurfacing procedure. During the colder months, most people are indoors and the daylight hours are less, minimizing sun exposure. If you show up for your procedure with sunburn, the procedure will be cancelled. Sunburned skin does not heal well. However, if you live in parts of the country like Miami, FL where avoiding the sun any time of the year is nearly impossible, then there is not perfect time of the year to have CO2 laser resurfacing done. No matter what time of the year you have CO2 laser resurfacing performed, it is important that you continue to take care of your skin by always wearing sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 and avoiding direct sun exposure.
I am prone to getting cold sores, is there anything that I need to do to prevent a break out after my laser treatment?
Prior to CO2 laser resurfacing your doctor will want to know if you have a history of cold sores. Any type of injury or insult to the skin can reactivate the herpes virus, which is responsible for cold sores. CO2 Laser resurfacing can definitely prompt a cold sore break out, and that is why we place patients with a history of cold sores on anti-viral medication prior to their procedure and a few days after. The medication will significantly minimize the risk of a cold sore break out.
Does the actual CO2 laser resurfacing procedure hurt?
Yes, CO2 laser resurfacing with an ablative laser is uncomfortable, which is why at The Naderi Center it is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. You are asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.
I was told that I am not a candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing because of my Fitzpatrick skin type. What options for resurfacing do I have?
Not being a CO2 candidate does not mean you cannot have laser resurfacing. UltraClear is a cold fiber laser that is safe for all skin types, including darker skin. Microneedling, chemical peels such as the VI Peel, and medical-grade skincare are other options for every skin type.
Do my medical conditions and medications I take on a regular basis affect whether I can have CO2 laser resurfacing done?
Absolutely! Certain medications and medical conditions may make CO2 laser resurfacing unsafe to perform. That is why it is crucial that you inform your doctor of all medical conditions, medications, and supplements that you are taking. A few of these medications and conditions include the following:
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) taken for treatment of acne impairs wound healing
- Blood thinners and medications which increase risk of bleeding (motrin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Smoking can impact healing
- Certain antibiotics and other medications can induce hyperpigmentation post-laser treatment
- Diabetes can slow down healing and recovery
- Active acne
- Autoimmune disease or weak immune system
Is it important what kind of laser device my doctor uses?
In the last decade, the laser technology has advanced tremendously, and there are lots of options when it comes to purchasing lasers. At The Naderi Center, we do the research and scrutinize the competition before deciding what is the best device to use for our patients. Additionally, it is not just the laser that is important, it is also the physicians experience with the laser that ensures a patient gets optimal results.
What CO2 laser resurfacing office is near me?
Deep CO2 laser resurfacing is performed by Dr. Naderi in the operating room at Prince William Surgery Center. You can have your consultation at our Reston, Virginia office or our Chevy Chase, Maryland office. See all of our laser resurfacing options.
ZO Products for CO2 Laser
Once your skin has healed and we clear you to restart skincare, these ZO products help protect and maintain your results.
Not sure what fits your skin? Take our 30-second skin quiz or shop all ZO products.
Alastin Products for Before and After CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Alastin makes skincare designed to prepare skin before a treatment and support it while it heals. Ask us when to start and stop each product around your appointment.
Shop all Alastin products or see skincare for before and after procedures.