CO2 Laser
The Art of a Fresh Start
When deep facial wrinkles, pronounced sun damage, or severe acne scarring no longer respond to light chemical peels or gentle superficial treatments, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing remains the undisputed gold standard in medical skin rejuvenation. Utilizing a 10,600nm wavelength, CO2 laser technology vaporizes compromised surface tissue while delivering thermal energy deep into the dermal layer to trigger maximum structural collagen remodeling.
At Schlessinger Eye and Face in Woodbury, NY, CO2 laser resurfacing is performed with surgeon-level precision. Board-certified oculoplastic surgeon Dr. David A. Schlessinger brings over 30 years of specialized expertise to patients across Long Island. Featuring advanced platforms such as the Deka Helix CO2 and the MiXto SX® Fractional CO2 system, Dr. Schlessinger customizes energy pulse shapes and treatment depth to safely tighten lax skin and restore smooth, vibrant contours.
High-precision fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser resurfacing that vaporizes damaged epidermal tissue and deeply heats the dermis to stimulate intense collagen synthesis
In-office outpatient procedure taking approximately 30 to 60 minutes depending on the targeted treatment zones.
Smooths deep wrinkles and vertical lip lines, tightens lax facial skin, repairs deep acne scars, erases dark sun spots, and dramatically improves skin texture.
Expect 5 to 7 days of peeling and sunburn-like redness for aggressive resurfacing; initial skin contraction is immediate, with ongoing collagen remodeling unfolding for up to 3 to 6 months.
Advanced Resurfacing Power
Carbon dioxide lasers operate at a 10,600nm wavelength, which is preferentially absorbed by the water content within skin cells. When the laser energy contacts the treatment area, it rapidly vaporizes microscopic columns of damaged tissue while warming surrounding dermal fibers. This process forces immediate skin contraction and triggers a robust wound-healing cascade that floods the area with fresh, healthy collagen.
The Next Generation of CO2
At Schlessinger Eye and Face, we utilize two of the industry's most sophisticated CO2 laser systems:
The Deka Helix system is widely recognized as the most powerful skin resurfacing treatment available. Operating with up to 70 watts of power and proprietary Pulse Shape Design (PSD®) technology, it allows Dr. Schlessinger to select specific pulse shapes—such as DEKA-pulse or H-pulse—to tailor treatment intensity. Whether performing aggressive deep resurfacing or combining CO2 ablation with non-ablative 1570nm energy (FUSION mode), the Deka Helix delivers dramatic skin tightening in a single session.
The MiXto SX® system combines traditional carbon dioxide ablation with a high-speed fractional scanner. Using a proprietary algorithm, the MiXto laser divides the treatment field into four quadrants and skips between them during energy delivery. This matrix delivery allows maximum tissue cooling between individual pulses, significantly reducing discomfort and accelerating recovery while achieving uniform dermal contraction.
Precision Rejuvenation
Your CO2 laser experience is carefully planned during a thorough consultation with Dr. Schlessinger. On the day of your outpatient appointment, your skin is thoroughly cleansed, and a high-grade topical numbing cream (and local anesthetic if needed) is applied to ensure you remain comfortable. Protective eye shields are placed to guard your eyes throughout energy delivery.
Dr. Schlessinger guides the laser handpiece across your face, neck, or chest with meticulous precision. The laser delivers controlled pulses that feel like a deep, warm sensation or a minor prickle.
Once energy delivery is complete, cooling compresses and soothing post-procedure ointments are applied to protect your skin barrier. The entire procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes, and you return home to rest shortly after.
Rebuild a Healthy Complexion
While most commonly selected as a full-face treatment, CO2 laser resurfacing can be performed on the neck, chest (décolletage), arms, and the backs of the hands to restore smooth, uniform skin tone and tightness.
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is engineered to correct moderate-to-severe skin concerns that lighter treatments can't:
Smooths set-in forehead lines, deep crow's feet, and stubborn vertical lip lines (smoker's lines).
Levels pitted ice-pick, boxcar, and rolling acne scars by breaking up restrictive dermal scar tissue.
Contracts loose, sagging skin along the lower cheeks, jawline, and lower eyelids.
Eliminates dark age spots, sun freckles, and blotchy hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure.
Vaporizes dull surface cells to reveal smooth, touchably soft tissue underneath.
Removes precancerous surface sun spots while tightening open pore structures.
A Lasting Transformation
Unmatched Collagen Remodeling
By penetrating deep into the dermal layer, CO2 laser resurfacing stimulates significantly more long-term collagen growth and elastogenesis than superficial lasers or chemical peels.
Dramatic Transformation in a Single Visit
While mild non-ablative treatments require multiple sessions, aggressive Deka Helix or MiXto SX® CO2 resurfacing typically achieves your desired aesthetic goal in just one treatment session.
Customizable Treatment Depth and Intensity
With PSD® technology and fractional scanning, Dr. Schlessinger precisely adjusts energy output, pulse duration, and ablation depth to match your specific anatomical needs and available recovery window.
Long-Lasting Rejuvenation
Because CO2 lasers rebuild the foundational architecture of your dermal tissue, skin tightening and texture improvements last for years with proper sun protection.
For Those Seeking Total Renewal
You are an ideal candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing if you are seeking significant correction for deep wrinkles, sagging skin, severe sun damage, or acne scars and can accommodate 5 to 7 days of healing downtime. It is suitable for middle-aged and mature adults looking for non-surgical facial renewal, as well as younger patients with pronounced scarring.
During your consultation, Dr. Schlessinger examines your skin type and health background. Patients with active facial infections, open cold sores, or an inability to avoid direct solar exposure during recovery may be advised to postpone treatment.
Patients with active skin infections, cold sores, or those taking certain acne medications should consult with Dr. Schlessinger first. To lower possible risks of hyperpigmentation, patients should be prepared to avoid sun exposure beforehand and commit to daily sun protection aftercare.
See Your Skin in a New Light
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure a safe treatment and optimal outcome from your CO2 laser treatment. Here is what you can expect during the first week of healing:
Days 1–3: Your skin will appear red and swollen, feeling similar to a moderate or severe sunburn.
Days 3–5: Light crusting or peeling begins as old damaged tissue naturally sloughs away.
Days 5–7: Fresh, pink skin emerges underneath. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and applying mineral makeup at this stage.
Keep Skin Covered and Moisturized
Apply post-procedure healing ointments continuously to maintain a moist protective barrier.
Do Not Pick or Scratch
Allow peeling skin to shed naturally to prevent scarring.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Shield your healing skin from sunlight and apply broad-spectrum physical sunscreen daily once peeling is complete.
Pause Active Skincare
Avoid retinoids, glycolic acids, or exfoliants until cleared by Dr. Schlessinger.
As your skin heals, you'll notice an immediate tightening effect. This is because the laser's thermal energy causes instant collagen fiber contraction. As the initial peeling clears over the first week, your new surface skin appears noticeably brighter, clearer, and softer.
The true transformation continues beneath the surface. Deep dermal collagen remodeling and elastogenesis build over the following 3 to 6 months, continually improving skin tightness, smoothing remaining lines, scars, and rough spots, and firming facial contours. With proper sun care and a solid home skincare regimen, your results will last for years.
Safety, Comfort, and Clinical Precision
Delivering deep CO2 laser energy around the face and eye area requires a master-level understanding of tissue thickness, skin mechanics, and healing pathways. Dr. David A. Schlessinger, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon with over 30 years of specialized experience, combines surgical expertise with advanced laser calibration to achieve excellent aesthetic results safely.
At Schlessinger Eye and Face in Woodbury, NY, your treatment is completely physician-led. Dr. Schlessinger and our dedicated team offer concierge care through every phase of your treatment, ensuring you feel safe and supported from consultation to final result.
CO2 lasers are ablative, meaning they vaporize damaged outer skin cells while heating the dermis to deliver dramatic skin tightening and line smoothing in a single treatment. Non-ablative lasers leave the outer skin intact, offering gentler improvements over a series of appointments with minimal downtime.
We prioritize your comfort by applying strong topical numbing creams and local anesthesia prior to starting. During the procedure, most patients report feeling a warm sensation or mild prickling. Cool compresses and post-treatment balm help soothe your skin immediately afterward.
Because CO2 laser resurfacing delivers intensive energy, most patients achieve their desired skin tightening, texture renewal, and wrinkle reduction in just a single session.
Downtime typically lasts 5 to 7 days, during which skin experiences sunburn-like redness, mild swelling, and light peeling. Most patients return to normal social activities and work by day 7.
Yes. As an oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Schlessinger specializes in treating the delicate periorbital eyelid area. Special protective laser eye shields are used to safely smooth crow's feet, crepey lower lid skin, and heavy brow lines.
“I couldn't be happier with the outcome.”
