Laser resurfacing treatments are designed to improve overall skin quality by stimulating collagen production and supporting natural skin renewal. Two commonly discussed options are ProFractional laser and CO? laser resurfacing. While both treatments can improve texture and tone, ProFractional has become the preferred choice for many patients because it offers precise customization, effective correction, and significantly less downtime. Understanding the differences between these two treatments can help you choose an approach that delivers strong results without unnecessary disruption to your daily life.
What Is a Profractional Laser Treatment?
ProFractional laser treatment is an advanced skin resurfacing procedure that targets specific areas of concern while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. Instead of treating the entire skin surface, the laser creates controlled, evenly spaced micro-channels that activate your skin’s natural healing response. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to smoother texture, improved tone, and firmer skin over time.
ProFractional is especially valued because it is highly customizable. Treatment depth and density can be precisely adjusted to match your skin type and goals. It is commonly used to soften fine lines, improve acne scarring, refine uneven texture, and reduce sun damage on the face, neck, and chest.
Because only a fraction of the skin is treated at a time, recovery is typically faster and more comfortable than with more aggressive fully ablative options — making it a practical choice for patients who want meaningful improvement without extended downtime.
What Is a CO2 Laser Treatment?
Traditional fractional CO? laser resurfacing is a more aggressive treatment that removes columns of skin tissue using higher heat energy. While it can be effective for severe wrinkles or advanced damage, it is generally less flexible in how treatment is delivered and often involves broader, more uniform tissue removal.
This intensity typically results in longer recovery periods, more discomfort during healing, and a greater need for extended aftercare. Redness, peeling, and sensitivity may last several weeks. Because of this, CO? resurfacing is often reserved for more advanced cases rather than routine skin rejuvenation.
For many patients, ProFractional provides comparable visible improvement for common concerns, with far more control and a more manageable recovery experience.
For patients who need more extensive correction, we also offer complete resurfacing using a customizable erbium laser platform. This allows for full-field resurfacing when appropriate, with adjustable settings that let us tailor depth and intensity to your skin type and treatment goals.
Comparing the Treatment Processes
ProFractional treatments are efficient and patient-friendly. Most sessions last about 60 minutes and include topical numbing for comfort. Patients often describe the sensation as warm or mildly prickly. Post-treatment effects such as redness and light peeling usually resolve within a few days to a week. Most people return to normal activities quickly with proper skincare and sun protection.
A key advantage of ProFractional is precision control. Providers can adjust both the depth and spacing of treatment zones, allowing targeted correction exactly where it is needed rather than applying the same intensity across the entire area.
CO? treatments, by contrast, are more intense, less selectively adjustable, and require longer healing windows and stricter aftercare. This can make scheduling and recovery more disruptive for many patients.
Results & Ideal Candidates
ProFractional laser delivers gradual, natural-looking improvement that continues as collagen rebuilds. Many patients choose a treatment series to compound results while still maintaining minimal downtime between sessions.
It is an excellent option for patients who want to:
- Soften fine lines
- Improve mild to moderate scarring
- Smooth uneven texture
- Refresh sun-damaged skin
- Achieve visible rejuvenation without extended recovery
While CO? lasers may still have a role in severe cases, most patients seeking resurfacing today prefer ProFractional because it balances effectiveness with safety, comfort, and lifestyle flexibility.
Choosing the Right Approach for You
When comparing ProFractional and CO? resurfacing, the decision often comes down to how much downtime, risk, and recovery you are willing to accept. ProFractional offers a controlled, customizable approach that produces strong results with far less interruption to your routine. For the majority of resurfacing goals, it represents the more practical and patient-preferred solution.
A professional evaluation is always essential to determine the best treatment plan for your skin type and goals. Many patients are surprised to learn how often ProFractional can achieve their desired outcome without the extended recovery associated with CO?.
Expert Laser Treatments at Renovation Medical Spa
We provide advanced ProFractional laser treatments using a precision-based approach tailored to your skin, goals, and lifestyle. Each treatment plan is carefully designed to maximize results while minimizing downtime. Our team takes the time to educate you on your options and guide you toward the most effective and practical resurfacing strategy for long-term skin health and visible improvement.
