CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing in Chicago

Advanced fractional CO2 laser technology delivers precise skin rejuvenation through customizable treatment intensities. Fulcrum Aesthetics offers light, moderate, and surgical-grade settings tailored to your skin concerns and recovery preferences for optimal results.

Precision-Driven Skin Transformation

CO2 laser skin resurfacing represents the intersection of cutting-edge technology and personalized aesthetic care. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Hill, MD, and internationally recognized nurse practitioner Brittony Croasdell, MS, FNP-BC, APRN, CANS, our Chicago medspa utilizes advanced fractional CO2 laser systems with fully customizable parameters.

This technology allows us to precisely adjust pulse type, spacing, power, and duration to match your unique skin needs and aesthetic goals. Our expertise in laser physics and skin biology ensures each treatment is optimized for safety, efficacy, and beautiful, natural-looking results.

patient getting treated with a laser on her face

What Is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 laser skin resurfacing uses concentrated beams of light at a wavelength of 10,600 nanometers to remove damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen production in deeper layers. The CO2 laser targets water molecules within skin cells, creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger the body's natural healing response. This process removes sun-damaged, aged, or scarred tissue and replaces it with fresh, rejuvenated skin.

Modern fractional CO2 lasers deliver energy in a pixelated pattern, leaving surrounding tissue intact to accelerate healing. The laser's parameters, including pulse type, spacing in nanometers, power in joules, pulse width, duration, heat dissipation, and fluence, can be adjusted to create virtually infinite treatment combinations. At Fulcrum Aesthetics, we group these settings into three primary categories:

Light Settings (CO2-10600 Light): Minimal downtime treatments with surface-level rejuvenation, sometimes referred to as "cool peel" settings. These deliver quick recovery with subtle improvements in texture and tone.
Moderate Settings (CO2-10600 Moderate): Balanced treatments that penetrate deeper to address fine lines, moderate sun damage, and texture irregularities with moderate downtime.
Surgical Settings (CO2-10600 Surgical): The most intensive option for dramatic improvements in deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, scarring, and skin laxity, requiring longer recovery but delivering transformative results.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing at Fulcrum Aesthetics

Benefits of CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

CO2 laser treatments at Fulcrum Aesthetics offer comprehensive skin rejuvenation benefits, such as:

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead
Improves skin texture and tone by removing damaged surface layers
Diminishes acne scars and surgical scars through collagen remodeling
Minimizes sun damage and age spots for a clearer, more even complexion
Tightens mild to moderate skin laxity through collagen stimulation
Customizable intensity levels to match your goals and schedule
Long-lasting results that continue improving for months after treatment
Treats multiple concerns simultaneously in a single session

Are You a Candidate for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Ideal candidates for CO2 laser skin resurfacing include individuals who:

Have concerns about fine lines, wrinkles, or skin texture
Experience visible sun damage, age spots, or uneven pigmentation
Want to improve the appearance of acne scars or surgical scars
Have realistic expectations about treatment intensity and recovery
Are in overall good health without active skin infections
Can commit to proper post-treatment care and sun protection
Prefer long-lasting results over temporary solutions

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, CO2 laser resurfacing remains one of the most effective treatments for reversing visible signs of aging and sun damage, with results that can last several years with proper skincare maintenance.

Why Choose Fulcrum Aesthetics for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

World-Class Training and Experience: Dr. David Hill completed dual residencies in Plastic Surgery and General Surgery, bringing surgical precision to every laser treatment. Brittony Croasdell serves as an international trainer for both Allergan and Galderma, with extensive expertise in advanced aesthetic technologies and complications management. Her role on the board of the Complications in Medical Aesthetics Collaborative (CMAC) underscores her commitment to patient safety.
Advanced Technology with Infinite Customization: Our state-of-the-art fractional CO2 laser system allows us to adjust every parameter—pulse type, spacing, power, pulse width, duration, heat dissipation, and fluence—creating a truly personalized treatment. We don't limit you to preset programs; instead, we design settings specifically for your skin's needs.
Comprehensive, Multi-Modality Approach: As part of our holistic aesthetic philosophy, we can combine CO2 laser resurfacing with other treatments like injectables, microneedling, or surgical procedures to achieve optimal results. Our team collaborates seamlessly to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
Enhanced Recovery Protocols: Every CO2 laser treatment includes our advanced post-procedure care, featuring topical polynucleotides, platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), and tranexamic acid to optimize healing and results. This commitment to recovery science sets Fulcrum apart from other practices.
Patient Education Focus: We believe informed patients achieve the best outcomes. During your consultation, we'll thoroughly explain the science behind CO2 laser settings, show you what to expect at each intensity level, and help you choose the approach that fits your goals and lifestyle.

What to Expect Before, During, and After CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Consultation and Cost

Your CO2 laser journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Belmont Avenue location in Chicago. Dr. Hill or Brittony Croasdell will examine your skin, discuss your aesthetic concerns, and review your medical history. We'll explain the differences between light, moderate, and surgical CO2 laser settings, including expected results, downtime, and pricing for each option.

Cost varies based on treatment intensity and the size of the area being treated. Light CO2-10600 treatments offer a lower price point with minimal downtime, while surgical-grade settings require a higher investment but deliver more dramatic, long-lasting transformation.

Procedure Steps

On the day of your treatment, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and a topical numbing cream will be applied to ensure comfort. In moderate-to-surgical settings, additional anesthesia options may be discussed.

Once you're comfortable, the fractional CO2 laser is passed over the treatment area in a precise pattern. The laser delivers thousands of microscopic energy columns that penetrate to the predetermined depth based on your customized settings. You may feel warmth or a prickling sensation during treatment, but discomfort is generally well-managed with numbing.

Treatment time ranges from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the areas being addressed and the intensity selected. Immediately after treatment, we apply our specialized post-procedure protocol, including topical growth factors and polynucleotides, to jumpstart the healing process and optimize your results.

Recovery and Results Timeline

Recovery varies significantly based on the CO2 laser intensity you choose.

Light Settings (CO2-10600 Light): Expect mild redness and flaking for 3-5 days. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days with mineral makeup. Results appear gradually over 2-4 weeks as skin texture and tone improve.
Moderate Settings (CO2-10600 Moderate): Redness, swelling, and peeling occur for 5-7 days. Social downtime is typically one week, with makeup application possible after 5-7 days. Visible improvements emerge within 2-3 weeks, with continued enhancement over 3-6 months as collagen remodeling continues.
Surgical Settings (CO2-10600 Surgical): Significant redness, swelling, and crusting occur for 7-14 days. Complete healing takes 2-3 weeks, with residual redness that may last for several weeks to months. However, results are dramatic, deep wrinkles soften, severe sun damage clears, and skin appears significantly younger.

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Experience Laser Skin Rejuvenation

We believe that beauty flourishes when precision meets personalization. Our advanced CO2 laser technology, combined with Dr. Hill and Brittony Croasdell's internationally recognized expertise, delivers stunning yet natural results.

Schedule your consultation with Fulcrum Aesthetics today.

Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ

Can CO2 laser resurfacing be performed on areas beyond the face?

Yes. The neck, chest, and hands all respond well to CO2 laser for sun damage, texture, and uneven tone. Settings are adjusted for areas where skin is thinner or more sensitive. Your provider will confirm whether your target area is appropriate during your consultation.

How many sessions will I need?

Surgical-grade treatments typically achieve the primary goal in a single session. Light and moderate settings can be repeated once results have fully developed, usually three to six months later. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your skin and how it responds to the initial treatment.

Is CO2 laser resurfacing safe for all skin tones?

Not without adjustment. CO2 laser carries a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in medium to deeper skin tones, so settings must be carefully calibrated. At Fulcrum, skin type and tone are evaluated before every treatment, and for some patients a different laser technology may be a safer or more effective option.

How should I prepare my skin before a CO2 laser treatment?

Plan to stop retinoids and active exfoliants in the weeks leading up to your appointment. If you have a history of cold sores, antiviral medication is typically prescribed in advance. Avoid significant sun exposure beforehand, and follow any additional prep instructions your provider gives at your consultation.

Can CO2 laser be performed at the same time as a surgical procedure?

In some cases, yes. Pairing CO2 resurfacing with a facelift or blepharoplasty can address structural and surface concerns in one setting. Dr. Hill's surgical background makes Fulcrum well-suited to coordinate these treatments when it is clinically appropriate. Your consultation will determine whether combined treatment makes sense for you.

What are the risks of CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

Potential risks include prolonged redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acneiform breakouts during healing, and, rarely, scarring or hypopigmentation at higher settings. Risk is significantly reduced with proper patient selection and thorough aftercare. Following Fulcrum's post-procedure protocol closely is one of the most important factors in your outcome.

What medications or health conditions should I disclose before treatment?

Share your full health history, current medications, and supplements at your consultation. Blood thinners, certain immunosuppressants, and recent oral isotretinoin (Accutane) can impair healing. Active inflammatory skin conditions, a history of keloid scarring, and recent heavy sun exposure are also important to flag.

How does CO2 laser resurfacing differ from the CO2 CoolPeel at Fulcrum?

Both use the same CO2 laser technology, but the CoolPeel uses superficial settings designed for minimal downtime and surface-level refreshing. Full resurfacing covers a wider intensity range, including moderate and surgical-grade settings for deeper wrinkles, significant sun damage, and scarring. If your concerns go beyond mild texture or tone, full resurfacing is likely the better fit.

At what age do patients typically start CO2 laser treatments?

There is no set age. Most patients are in their late thirties and beyond, when fine lines and sun damage become more pronounced, though younger patients sometimes seek treatment for acne scarring. Candidacy is based on skin condition, not age.