Ablative CO2 laser skin treatment has remained the gold standard in skin laser treatment resurfacing since the 1990s. It is still used to today for more severe wrinkles, sun damage and scars.
Laser resurfacing with the Ablative CO2 laser allows the operator precise and predictable removal of fine layers of sun-damaged skin.
Unlike the Fraxel Repair, the fully ablative CO2 laser results in complete removal of the upper layer of skin resulting in longer healing times and increased side effects. Today, this technology is generally only used in areas of the most severe damage—like around the mouth area—rather than full face.