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Years of sun exposure accumulate quietly, surfacing later as sun spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and acne scarring. Damage is traced back to childhood or teenage sun habits, but lasts far longer.
Laser technology has been attempting to address that damage for decades. In the 1960s, dermatologists began experimenting with lasers to cut tissue with precision. By the 1980s and 1990s, those tools evolved into resurfacing devices capable of removing layers of damaged skin.
Today, fractional CO2 lasers are widely considered the gold standard in skin resurfacing for stimulating collagen production for long-term skin longevity.
At Done by Dorfman, Dr. Robert Dorfman’s clinic, which operates in Los Angeles, New York and Miami, that positioning is increasingly intentional, with treatments framed less as one-off cosmetic fixes and more as part of a long-term skin health strategy. Dr. Dorfman’s clients include Denise Richards, Lamar Odom and Lil Jon, and the brand has also leaned into partnerships with fitness and lifestyle operators like Equinox, reflecting the growing overlap between dermatology, wellness and performance-driven self-care.
“All of our treatments are performance-based; we focus on anti-aging and longevity,” Dr. Dorfman told Athletech News. “CO2 is really the pinnacle of that. This is about improving the health of your skin itself.”
At practices across the U.S., CO2 laser resurfacing is increasingly framed through a longevity lens, targeting not just visible concerns but also the underlying skin quality that drives long-term aging. Using fractional CO2 technology, the treatment creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen and elastin production while preserving surrounding tissue for more efficient healing. Most patients require one to three sessions depending on skin condition and goals, with more aggressive treatments delivering more significant results in fewer visits. Pricing varies by provider, geography and intensity, but typically ranges from around $500 to $3,000 per session, positioning CO2 as a higher-impact, longer-term investment compared to lighter, maintenance-based treatments.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment Review: The Prep & Process
Unlike more intensive dermatological procedures, the lead-up to CO2 laser treatment was relatively minimal. I was instructed to pause retinoids and avoid harsh exfoliants for several days beforehand to reduce the risk of irritation and uneven results.
On the day of the procedure, I arrived with clean, makeup-free skin. Dr. Dorfman’s nurse practitioner, Brianna Gugliotta, applied a topical numbing cream, which took about 30 minutes to fully activate. Within minutes, I could feel the area begin to numb.
The treatment itself was surprisingly quick, lasting about 10 minutes. While I had been warned about a burning sensation, the numbing cream made the experience far more tolerable than expected. What I felt was closer to a mild tingling heat than pain. Dr. Dorfman methodically passed the laser across my face before the procedure was complete.
Underneath that relatively simple experience is a more complex process. The laser creates thousands of microscopic columns of controlled injury in the skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact. That pattern allows for faster healing while still triggering a deeper regenerative response, including collagen production and the removal of damaged skin cells.
“People often think of CO2 as aggressive with a lot of downtime, but the way I approach it is different. I use lighter treatments with little to no downtime, done more consistently every few months,” Dr. Dorfman said. “I always give the analogy: take an onion and peel away the outer layers to get to the fresh core. It’s the same with skin: we need to shed that outer, dull layer to reveal the healthy skin underneath. Overall, it brings out the best possible version of your skin.”
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment Review: The Results
The most noticeable reaction came after the first treatment. For the first one to two days, my skin was red, followed by several days of mild swelling and a subtle, sandpaper-like texture. Unlike the dramatic peeling often associated with many resurfacing lasers, the recovery was controlled and relatively manageable. There was only light flaking and gradual smoothing, and my skin looked more even and healthier a week after the treatment.
That pattern continued across the next two treatments, spaced roughly two to three months apart. Each session built on the last, with incremental improvements rather than a single dramatic transformation. The peeling after the next two treatments was noticeably less, and after the third, my skin had shifted meaningfully. I also used Visia 3D imaging, a facial scanning tool, to receive a more objective assessment of my skin. The results showed significant improvement in my skin texture and health post-treatment.
In terms of skin longevity, the deeper remodeling process plays out over several weeks. Collagen production increases, skin structure reorganizes and damaged tissue is gradually replaced.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment Review: The Final Verdict
CO2 lasers are increasingly being positioned as part of a broader preventative health strategy. Sun damage, enlarged pores, and skin issues are not just cosmetic concerns; they are linked to long-term skin health risks. By removing damaged cells and stimulating regeneration, these treatments are being reframed as a way to maintain healthier skin over time, not just improve short-term aesthetics.
Just as strength training has shifted from aesthetics to longevity and metabolic health, skin treatments are beginning to follow a similar trajectory.
“I always compare it to working out,” Dr. Dorfman concluded. “You could tell someone to work out for 20 hours straight, or you could have them work out one hour a day for 30 days. Everyone knows the second option works better. So why would we treat our skin any differently? That’s the modern approach.”
Intrigued? Learn more and schedule a consultation at Dr. Dorfman’s Beverly Hills or NYC practice online here, and check out the best skin care products to use after a laser resurfacing treatment below.
Best Aftercare Products for CO2 Laser Treatments
