Reveal Smoother, Firmer, More Refreshed Skin

CO₂ laser resurfacing is one of our more advanced skin treatments for patients who want noticeable improvement in wrinkles, uneven texture, acne scars, sun damage, and overall skin quality.

Recharge Clinic uses the Emvera CLARO₂ fractional CO₂ laser, a powerful and customizable system that allows our providers to adjust treatment depth and intensity based on your skin, concerns, goals, and desired amount of downtime. The CLARO₂ uses fractionated CO₂ energy to precisely treat small sections of the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact, supporting a controlled healing response and collagen remodeling.

What Can CO₂ Laser Resurfacing Help Improve?

Treatment may help reduce the appearance of:

• Fine lines and deeper wrinkles
• Acne scars and other selected scars
• Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
• Rough or uneven skin texture
• Enlarged pores
• Crepey or lax-looking skin
• Age-related changes in skin quality
• Certain benign skin lesions when medically appropriate

CO₂ resurfacing can be performed on the full face or on selected areas such as around the mouth, eyes, cheeks, neck, or décolletage.

How Does the CLARO₂ CO₂ Laser Work?

The CLARO₂ delivers controlled columns of laser energy into the skin. These microscopic treatment areas stimulate the body’s natural repair response while supporting the production and remodeling of collagen.

As the skin heals, patients may notice:

• Smoother texture
• Firmer-looking skin
• Softer lines and wrinkles
• More even tone
• Improvement in the appearance of scars and sun damage

The CLARO₂ system allows the provider to customize the energy level, treatment depth, and pulse settings for the individual patient.

Light Treatment or More Aggressive Resurfacing?

Not every patient needs the same intensity.

Lighter Fractional Treatment

A lighter treatment may be appropriate for patients who want:

• General skin refreshing
• Improved tone and texture
• Mild fine lines
• Less downtime
• A gradual series of treatments

Deeper CO₂ Resurfacing

A more aggressive treatment may be selected for:

• Deeper wrinkles
• More significant sun damage
• Acne scarring
• Advanced texture concerns
• Patients seeking a more noticeable result from fewer treatments

Deeper treatment generally creates more swelling, redness, peeling, and downtime. Your provider will help balance the result you want with the recovery time you can manage.

What Is the Treatment Like?

Before treatment, topical numbing medication is applied to improve comfort. Additional comfort measures may be used depending on the treatment area and intensity. For additional comfort, patients may choose to add Pro-Nox, a patient-controlled nitrous oxide and oxygen system that can help reduce anxiety and discomfort during the treatment.

During the procedure, the laser is passed across the selected areas using settings chosen specifically for your skin. Patients commonly describe warmth, prickling, or a hot sensation during treatment.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery depends heavily on the depth of treatment.

After a more aggressive full-face treatment, you may experience:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth or tenderness
• Peeling, flaking, or crusting
• Skin that looks and feels similar to a strong sunburn

More intensive resurfacing may require approximately 7 to 14 days of visible healing, while lighter treatments may involve considerably less downtime.

Redness can last longer than the initial peeling phase. Improvement continues as collagen remodels over the following weeks and months.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Some patients choose one deeper resurfacing treatment, while others prefer a series of lighter sessions.

The number of treatments depends on:

• The condition of your skin
• The depth of wrinkles or scars
• Your skin type
• Your desired result
• The amount of downtime you are comfortable with
• Your provider’s recommendation

CO₂ laser resurfacing can create meaningful improvement, but it does not stop the natural aging process or guarantee complete removal of scars, wrinkles, or pigmentation.

Who May Not Be a Candidate?

CO₂ laser treatment may not be appropriate for every patient. Your provider will review factors such as:

• Skin tone and risk of pigmentation changes
• Recent sun exposure or tanning
• Active acne, infection, or open skin
• History of abnormal scarring
• Current medications
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Certain medical conditions
• Recent use of other aggressive skin treatments

Patients with a history of cold sores may need preventive medication before treatment.

Preparing for CO₂ Laser Treatment

Your provider may ask you to:

• Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
• Use daily sunscreen
• Pause certain retinoids or exfoliating products
• Avoid waxing or irritating treatments near the area
• Follow a pre-treatment skincare plan
• Arrange several days away from work or social events for deeper resurfacing

Exact instructions will be provided based on the treatment being performed.

Why Patients Choose CO₂ Resurfacing at Recharge Clinic

At Recharge Clinic, the treatment is not simply turned on at the same setting for everyone. We evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and choose an appropriate treatment depth using the customizable Emvera CLARO₂ system.

Patients appreciate:

• Personalized treatment settings
• Options ranging from lighter to deeper resurfacing
• Careful attention to comfort
• Detailed preparation and aftercare instructions
• The ability to combine laser treatment with medical-grade skincare and other aesthetic services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CO₂ laser resurfacing painful?

Topical numbing is used, and additional comfort measures such as Pro-nox are available. Most patients feel heat or prickling during treatment rather than sharp pain.

When will I see results?

Initial improvement may become visible once the skin heals, but collagen remodeling continues over several months.

Can it remove acne scars completely?

It may significantly improve the appearance of certain acne scars, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Some patients benefit from a series or from combining CO₂ treatment with other procedures.

Can it treat moles or warts?

The CLARO₂ system has multiple applications, including selected lesion removal, but any mole, changing growth, or suspicious area should be medically evaluated before treatment.

How long do results last?

Results can be long-lasting, but the skin continues to age and accumulate sun exposure. Daily sunscreen, medical-grade skincare, and periodic maintenance treatments can help protect your results.

CO₂ laser services are currently available at our Ocala 17th Street location only.

Schedule an free aesthetic consultation below to determine whether a lighter fractional treatment or deeper CLARO₂ CO₂ resurfacing is right for your skin.