CO2 Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in West Hollywood and Burbank, CA
CO2 laser resurfacing is a specialized treatment that can be used to address and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, cysts, or nodules. When the skin heals from acne, indented or raised scars are often left behind.
Acne scars can impact your confidence and how you feel about your appearance. (1) Our CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can effectively address different types of acne scars, restoring your skin to a smoother, healthier-looking state. Laser skin resurfacing treatments have become more popular in recent years, with a 6% growth in procedures between 2023 and 2024, and over 3.7 million resurfacing treatments performed in 2024 alone. (2)
Zavant Aesthetics is one of West Hollywood’s most coveted aesthetic practices. Our team has over 20 years of experience helping patients enhance their appearances and achieve each of their aesthetic goals with a range of treatments, including CO2 laser resurfacing. We strive to provide tailored aesthetic solutions so that each individual regains not only clear and healthy skin, but also their confidence!
To schedule a personal consultation at either our West Hollywood or Burbank office, please fill out our online consultation form. If you have any questions, we encourage you to call our office directly at (213) 341-2909.
Contents
About CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing is a treatment that utilizes laser technology to reduce the appearance of acne scars and early signs of aging. This technology removes thin layers of skin and creates hundreds of microscopic wounds in the skin’s surface to stimulate the body’s natural regenerative healing response. This promotes the production of collagen in the skin, resulting in smoother, firmer, and clearer skin. (3)
About Ablative and Fractional Technology
Our CO2 laser is ablative. Ablative lasers are more aggressive than nonablative lasers, as they actually remove the top layer of skin, while nonablative lasers do not. While ablative lasers do typically require more downtime and recovery, they can also target skin concerns more effectively. Treatments can diminish the textural and pigmentation imperfections that are often associated with acne scars.
Our laser is also fractionated. A fractional laser creates microwounds in overlapping columns or micro-dots in the targeted treatment areas. (4) By combining ablative power with fractional precision, our laser delivers a highly effective treatment with improved safety, quicker recovery, and excellent outcomes for a wide range of skin concerns—including acne scars!
Benefits
CO2 laser resurfacing offers several benefits if you are looking to reduce the appearance of your acne scars. These often include:
- Significant Scar Reduction: After your treatment, you will be able to see noticeable improvements in the appearance of scars and uneven texturing.
- Stimulated Collagen Production: The use of laser energy helps stimulate collagen production in the skin, leading to continuous improvements in elasticity, appearance, and health.
- Improved Skin Texture: The CO2 laser can enhance the smoothness of the skin, resulting in a more even and radiant appearance.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Each laser resurfacing treatment is designed to address your unique skin type and concerns, ensuring the results align with your expectations.
Candidates
CO2 laser resurfacing is effective for a wide range of candidates. We invite anyone interested in addressing acne scars to consider this treatment. Patients with early signs of aging, dark spots, dull skin, sun damage, or large pores can also benefit from this treatment.
All candidates interested in our CO2 laser resurfacing treatment should be in good overall health without any underlying medical conditions that could affect their ability to undergo the procedure or heal from it.
It is also important that realistic expectations are held regarding the outcomes; many patients require a series of sessions to achieve optimal results. Please note that if you are experiencing active acne infections, certain autoimmune disorders, or have a history of certain skin conditions, you may not be eligible for this treatment. Our specialists will determine your candidacy for CO2 laser resurfacing during your personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Because each laser resurfacing treatment is tailored to address your unique skin concerns, attending a consultation at Zavant Aesthetics is an essential first step. During the consultation, our specialist will meet with you and ask you about your medical history, skincare routine, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals to determine the best treatment for your needs. They will evaluate the quality and condition of your skin and may recommend additional treatments based on your goals. Throughout the consultation, they will also answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
To schedule a personal consultation at either our West Hollywood or Burbank office, please fill out our online consultation form. If you have any questions, we encourage you to call our office directly at (213) 341-2909.
Preparation
You may be asked to temporarily modify your skincare routine to avoid harsh or heavy products, such as retinoids or chemical peels, before your appointment. You may also be advised to pause certain medications or supplements that have blood-thinning properties. If applicable, smoking and nicotine use should be ceased several weeks before the treatment. Excessive or direct sun exposure should be avoided whenever possible.
Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at our clinic with clean skin that is free from any skincare products or makeup residue. Our specialists will cleanse and sanitize your skin before applying a topical anesthetic for your comfort.
A device that emits laser energy will be passed over your skin. The laser energy will gently heat the underlying layers of skin and tissue to start inducing collagen production. The device may be passed over certain areas multiple times to ensure an even distribution of energy or to focus on areas of greater concern. The duration of the procedure will depend on the size of the treatment area, but each session lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Recovery
It can take one to two weeks for your skin to heal after your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment. During this time, your skin may appear red or pink after your treatment, but this is natural and will subside on its own. The skin may also start to flake or peel. You should not pick, scratch, or touch your skin or any scabs that may have formed. You will need to avoid wearing makeup until your skin has healed. You will also need to avoid excessive sun exposure and wear sun protection. Any further recovery instructions will be discussed and provided to you during your personal consultation.
Results
As your skin continues to heal, the effects of your laser surfacing treatment will become more apparent. Your skin will appear healthier and more evenly toned. The enhanced collagen levels in your skin will also help reduce the appearance of acne scars, leaving your skin looking clearer and more youthful!
When paired with a good skincare routine and effective sun protection, the results of our CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can be long-lasting. Many patients see the best results after undergoing a series of laser resurfacing treatments over the course of several weeks.
Cost of CO2 Laser Resurfacing in West Hollywood, Burbank, and Los Angeles
The cost of your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment will depend on the size of the treatment area, the condition of your skin, and the number of treatment sessions needed to achieve your results. Our specialist will discuss the cost of your treatment with you during your consultation, after your treatment plan has been established and agreed upon.
We have partnered with several reputable lending companies to offer flexible financing plans for those who qualify.
To unlock the cost of your personalized laser resurfacing treatment, please schedule a consultation online or by calling (213) 341-2909.
FAQ
What are the possible side effects of CO2 laser resurfacing?
Common side effects may include redness, swelling, dryness, and crusting. Serious complications are rare, but your specialist will discuss them with you during your consultation.
How long do the results of CO2 laser resurfacing last?
While many patients enjoy lasting changes, the longevity of results will depend on factors such as age, skin type, and skincare maintenance.
Is CO2 laser resurfacing suitable for all skin types?
Many skin types can benefit from CO2 laser resurfacing, but patients with darker skin tones may require a different approach. The specialist will evaluate your skin type, tone, and condition to determine whether CO2 laser resurfacing is right for you.
Can I use makeup after my resurfacing treatment?
It is advisable to avoid using makeup until your skin has fully healed to prevent any potential irritation.
References
- Sutaria AH, Schlessinger J. Acne vulgaris. National Library of Medicine. Published August 17, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Published June 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Omi T, Numano K. The Role of the CO2 Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser in Dermatology. Laser Therapy. 2014;23(1):49-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.14-RE-01
- Verma N, Yumeen S, Raggio BS. Ablative Laser Resurfacing. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557474/