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CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Richmond Hill

Laser handpiece treating the skin under a patient's eye
Overview

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

Looking for CO2 laser resurfacing in Richmond Hill? It is our most powerful resurfacing treatment for acne scars, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.

Fractional CO2 laser creates thousands of tiny treatment columns in the skin, removing damaged outer layers while leaving healthy skin in between to speed healing. The heat also tells deeper layers to build new collagen.

It is the strongest resurfacing option we offer, so it needs a careful skin assessment. Settings are tailored to your skin type, the area and how much downtime you can take.

CO2 is our strongest option within cosmetic dermatology. It anchors many acne scar plans and sun damage treatment. If you need less downtime or have darker skin, RF microneedling is often the better first step, and PRP can support healing.

Treatment time: 30–60 minutes plus numbing
Downtime: About 5–7 days
Sessions: Often 1–3
Results: Improve over 3–6 months

What CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treats

Acne Scars

Rolling and boxcar scars.

Wrinkles And Fine Lines

Including around the eyes and mouth.

Sun Damage And Age Spots

Rough texture and uneven tone.

Enlarged Pores And Texture

Overall smoother skin.

Dermatologist examining a patient's facial skin under a magnifying lamp
The Treatment

How CO2 Laser Resurfacing Works

Treatment takes 30 to 60 minutes after about an hour of numbing cream.

01

Prepare

We may start you on skincare and, if you get cold sores, an antiviral.

02

Treat

After numbing cream, the laser passes over the area in sections.

03

Heal

Skin is red and peels over about a week while new skin forms.

Why Choose Us

Why Choose York Dermatology For CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Your fractional CO2 laser treatment is planned and followed up by a dermatology clinic. Meet our team →

Skin-Type-Matched Settings

We adjust depth and density to your skin type and goals.

Prevention Built In

Antiviral and skincare prep reduce the risk of complications.

Dermatology Follow-Up

We review your healing and manage any reaction quickly.

Combination Planning

CO2 can be staged with RF microneedling and PRP.

What To Expect From CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Who CO2 resurfacing suits, how to prepare, what happens on the day and how your skin heals.

A good fit if:

  • You have acne scars, wrinkles or sun damage
  • You can plan around about a week of downtime
  • You can protect your skin from the sun after treatment

Talk to us first if:

  • You have used isotretinoin (Accutane) recently
  • You have active acne or infection in the area
  • You are prone to keloid scars or have a darker skin type (we may suggest a gentler option)
  • No sun tanning or self-tanners for 4 weeks before treatment, and use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day.
  • Avoid skin irritants such as tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic or salicylic acids and vitamin C for 5 days before.
  • Stop Accutane/Epuris 6 months before treatment.
  • Tell us if you get cold sores; an anti-viral may be prescribed before treatment.
  • Arrive without makeup, with the area clean-shaven, and tell us about any changes to your health or medications.

Numbing cream is applied for about an hour. The laser then passes over the area in sections, and most people describe the feeling as warm snapping.

  • Do not wash your face for 6–8 hours, then wash gently and pat dry twice a day.
  • Apply a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer twice a day for 2 weeks or until healed. Fine crusting appears 3–5 days after treatment; do not pick or scratch it.
  • Redness, dryness, swelling and some discomfort are expected for 2–3 days; pinkness can last a few weeks.
  • Apply sunblock every 3–4 hours for at least 2 weeks to a month. Avoid skin irritants for 7–10 days, and saunas and hard exercise for 1–2 weeks.
  • Contact us about blistering, excessive redness or swelling, or a grid pattern that does not fade.
  • Days 1–3: redness, swelling, warmth like sunburn.
  • Days 4–7: peeling and flaking; new skin appears.
  • Weeks 2–4: pinkness fades; makeup can be worn.
  • Months 3–6: collagen rebuilds; texture keeps improving.

You will see smoother skin once peeling ends, and results keep improving for 3 to 6 months as collagen rebuilds. Sun protection helps keep them.

  • Redness, swelling and peeling for about a week
  • Pinkness that fades over several weeks
  • Less common: darkening or lightening of the skin, infection or cold-sore flare, which we plan to prevent

We go through the risks for your skin type at your consultation.

How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost In Richmond Hill?

CO2 laser resurfacing cost in Richmond Hill depends on the area treated (full face, around the eyes or mouth, neck or chest) and the depth of treatment. Deeper scar treatment may need more than one session.

What affects the price:

  • Treatment area
  • Depth and intensity
  • Number of sessions
  • Pre- and post-care products

Cosmetic treatments are not covered by OHIP. Pricing is discussed at your consultation and is not given over the phone; you receive a written plan and quote before any treatment is booked.

CO2 Laser vs RF Microneedling

Typical ranges; your plan sets yours.

FeatureCO2 fractional laserRF microneedling
StrengthStrongest resurfacingModerate, builds over sessions
DowntimeAbout 5–7 days1–3 days
Skin tonesBest on lighter skinSuits many skin tones
SessionsOften 1–3Usually 3

CO2 Laser Resurfacing Near Richmond Hill

Patients come to York Dermatology for CO2 laser resurfacing from Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Aurora, Newmarket and across York Region. Our clinic at 245 West Beaver Creek Rd., Unit 2, Richmond Hill, is a short drive from Highway 404 and Highway 7. Contact us or book online to arrange your consultation.

Pairs Well With

Related Treatments

Cosmetic
Skin Renewal

RF Microneedling

Microneedling plus radiofrequency heat to rebuild collagen for acne scars, pores and firmness.

Cosmetic
Injectables

PRP & PRF

Growth factors from your own blood to support thinning hair, skin quality and tired under-eyes.

Cosmetic
Injectables

Botox & Dysport

Neuromodulator injections that soften expression lines while keeping your face natural and expressive.

FAQ

CO2 Laser Resurfacing FAQs

Still have a question? Call us at (905) 883-7997, Monday to Friday, or see all cosmetic treatments.

Most patients need about 5 to 7 days for redness and peeling to settle, with pinkness that fades over a few weeks.

Numbing cream is applied for about an hour first, and most people describe the treatment as warm snapping. Afterward the skin feels like a sunburn for a few days.

Many patients need 1 to 3 treatments, depending on the concern and how deep it is. Deeper acne scars may need more than one session, which we plan at your consultation.

Darker skin types have a higher risk of pigment change after CO2 laser. We assess your skin type carefully and may suggest a gentler option, such as RF microneedling, instead.

You need to avoid sun exposure before and after treatment, so many patients choose the fall or winter months. Whatever the season, daily sunscreen is needed while your skin heals.

The cost depends on the area treated, the depth of treatment and how many sessions you need. We confirm pricing at your consultation and give you a written plan and quote before treatment. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by OHIP.

CO2 laser can soften fine lines and wrinkles, including around the eyes and mouth, and results keep improving for 3 to 6 months. It does not stop new expression lines forming, so some patients also add Botox or Dysport.

Most patients can wear makeup once the skin has healed and pinkness is fading, usually in weeks 2 to 4. We confirm when it is safe at your follow-up.

Yes. CO2 laser is one of our main options for rolling and boxcar acne scars and anchors many acne scar plans. It is sometimes staged with RF microneedling for the best result.

Avoid sun exposure, picking or scratching the crusting, and skin irritants such as retinol for 7 to 10 days. Skip saunas and hard exercise for 1 to 2 weeks, and ask us before restarting your usual skincare.

Book Your CO2 Laser Resurfacing Consultation In Richmond Hill

We’ll assess your skin and give you a written plan and quote. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by OHIP.

Doctor examining a patient's face during a dermatology skin assessment
Location

Visit Our Richmond Hill Clinic

York Dermatology Clinic & RC
245 West Beaver Creek Rd., Unit 2
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1L1

Phone: (905) 883-7997
Fax: (905) 883-7994

Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed