What is CO2 laser resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing is a method of reducing facial blemishes, wrinkles or acne scars using carbon dioxide in concentrated bursts of laser light to remove skin layers by vaporizing damaged surface-level cells, according to WebMD. The treatment is also known as laser peel or laser vaporization.

Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing uses ultrapulse that releases brief light energy bursts in a scanning motion, minimizing heat damage while removing thin skin layers, states WebMD. Patients recover from the treatment within two weeks. The procedure is used to remove fine forehead lines and other irregularities on the skin, but it does not heal stretch marks.