Total Resurfacing
Solaria CO₂ Laser
One of the strongest resurfacing options I offer, with real downtime to plan around.
Series
Single session
Starting at
$800
Session time
120 to 150 min total (60 min numbing + 60 to 90 min treatment)
Downtime
3 days to 4+ weeks, by intensity
At a glance
- Best for
- Deep sun damage, texture, acne scarring, etched lines that lighter tools cannot reach.
- Not for
- Anyone who cannot accommodate the downtime, recent tanning or sunburn, active cold sores, some deeper skin tones without careful evaluation.
- Sessions
- Single session (Light, Standard, or Aggressive).
- Session time
- 2 to 2.5 hours total (1 hour numbing plus 30 to 90 minutes of treatment).
- Comfort
- Numbed first; heat and rubber-band-snap sensation. Aggressive can be genuinely uncomfortable and is often paired with oral pain medication.
- Downtime
- 3 days for Light, about 2 weeks for Standard, 4+ weeks for Aggressive.
- First changes
- Once the swelling settles and the pink 'baby skin' emerges.
- Full results
- 3 to 6 months, peaking around 6 to 9 months as collagen remodeling completes.
CO2 is for a surface reset.
Surface is what you feel: texture, pores, fine lines, the finish that light bounces off. Years of sun and slowing cell turnover build damage into that outer layer, and past a certain point, lighter treatments only polish it. CO2 resurfacing removes controlled microscopic columns of the damaged surface and triggers collagen remodeling as the skin heals, which is why it can reach texture, acne scarring, and etched lines that gentler tools cannot.
The trade-off is downtime. A light treatment can mean a few days of visible healing. An aggressive one can mean weeks. We choose the depth together, based on your skin, your goals, your risk factors, and your calendar.
The Mechanism
How it works
Solaria CO2 is a fractional ablative laser. "Ablative" means it actually vaporizes microscopic columns of damaged skin. "Fractional" means it leaves healthy skin between those columns, which dramatically reduces healing time and risk compared to traditional full-field CO2 lasers of decades past.
When the device passes over your skin, it delivers thousands of microscopic laser beams in a precise grid pattern. Each beam creates a tiny vertical injury, vaporizing the column of damaged tissue and heating the surrounding skin to therapeutic temperatures. The vaporized tissue is gone, eliminated entirely. The surrounding heated tissue triggers a powerful collagen remodeling response in the following months.
Healing happens in two stages. First, the surface heals quickly because the untouched skin between the columns provides a healing template, your skin grows new surface tissue over the treated areas within days. Second, the deeper collagen response continues for 6 to 9 months, gradually refining and improving the result over time. The Solaria platform offers three intensity levels by adjusting depth, density, and energy. Light CO2 (3-day downtime) makes superficial corrections. Standard CO2 (2-week downtime) reaches into the upper dermis. Aggressive CO2 (month+ downtime) addresses deep texture, scarring, and significant photodamage.
The Fit
Who it's for, who it's not
Who it's for
- Significant sun damage, photoaging, deep texture concerns
- Acne scarring (rolling or boxcar types respond best)
- Fine lines and moderate wrinkling
- Loss of "luminosity" that hasn't responded to other treatments
- Pre-cancerous actinic keratoses (case by case)
- Anyone preparing for a major event with 2 to 4 months of lead time
- Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who have time and budget for a real reset
- The Surgery Alternative plan candidate
Who it's not for
- Anyone who cannot accommodate the downtime (Light: 3 days, Standard: 2 weeks, Aggressive: 4+ weeks)
- Active sunburn or very recent tanning
- Fitzpatrick V, VI (case-by-case, may need to defer)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active cold sores or skin infection in the treatment area
- History of keloid scarring without prior discussion
- Currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) or recently completed (6 month wait)
- Anyone in summer who has been sunbathing (we'll discuss timing in consult)
The Philosophy
Why I sell this as a series of 1
Unlike Morpheus8 or Lumecca, CO2 is sold as a single session because the result of one well-executed CO2 treatment can stand alone. The depth and intensity of correction available in a single session is dramatic enough that repeat treatments aren't typically needed for years.
That said, and this is important, CO2 works most powerfully when it's part of a larger plan. In The Glow Up, CO2 Light follows a Lumecca series to brighten and refine after the pigment work. In Glow Up Plus, CO2 Standard polishes what Morpheus8 has rebuilt structurally. In The Surgery Alternative, CO2 layers with both Morpheus8 and Lumecca for the most comprehensive face transformation on the menu. As a standalone, CO2 is excellent. As part of a plan, it is transformative.
Light CO2 can be repeated more frequently if desired. Standard CO2 can be repeated annually. Aggressive CO2 results last 5 to 10 years on average, with maintenance through complementary treatments like Morpheus8 or Lumecca.
The Session
What to expect
- 01
Pre-treatment (60 minutes)
I apply a generous layer of topical numbing cream to the entire treatment area and let it work for a full hour. We use the time to walk through any final questions, take your pre-treatment photos, and get you fully settled before we begin. For Aggressive intensity, oral pain medication may be prescribed in advance, and we review the post-treatment plan carefully, your aftercare matters enormously here.
- 02
The treatment itself (30 to 90 minutes)
The Solaria handpiece moves across the treatment area in passes. You'll feel heat and a sensation often compared to hot rubber band snaps. The numbing makes most of it tolerable; some areas (around bony landmarks, near the eyes) are more sensitive. The treatment room may smell faintly like singed hair, this is normal and expected for ablative treatments.
- 03
Immediately after
Your skin will be red, swollen, and feel intensely warm. I apply healing ointment and provide written and verbal aftercare instructions. You'll go home with a care kit.
- 04
That day
This is not a return-to-work day for Standard or Aggressive treatments. Plan to rest, sleep with your head slightly elevated, and follow the aftercare plan strictly.
The Honest Part
Downtime, by intensity
Three intensities, three very different recoveries. Plan your week against the column that matches your treatment.
| Stage | Light 3-day downtime | Standard 2-week downtime | Aggressive 4+ week downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day of treatment | Red, swollen, "sunburn" sensation. | Significant heat, redness, swelling, and an intense sunburn-like sensation. | Heavy swelling, redness, intense healing sensation. |
| Day 1 to 3 | Mild peeling beginning, pink baby skin emerging. | Peak swelling, oozing in places, no makeup. | Significant healing, peeling, oozing, swelling. Plan to be home. |
| Day 4 to 7 | Recovered, presentable with light makeup. | Peeling and shedding, pink skin emerging underneath. | Continued surface healing, peeling and shedding. Still home-bound. |
| Week 2 | Visible healing and redness settling; continue SPF protection. | Persistent pink "baby skin" tone; makeup applied carefully. | Pink baby skin fully exposed. Looks like a moderate sunburn. |
| Week 3 to 4 | , | Pink fades to normal tone. | Pink fading. Makeup can cover. |
| Week 4+ | , | , | Continued color normalization through week 4 to 8. SPF essential. |
Light
3-day downtime
Day of treatment
Red, swollen, "sunburn" sensation.
Day 1 to 3
Mild peeling beginning, pink baby skin emerging.
Day 4 to 7
Recovered, presentable with light makeup.
Week 2
Visible healing and redness settling; continue SPF protection.
Week 3 to 4
,
Week 4+
,
Standard
2-week downtime
Day of treatment
Significant heat, redness, swelling, and an intense sunburn-like sensation.
Day 1 to 3
Peak swelling, oozing in places, no makeup.
Day 4 to 7
Peeling and shedding, pink skin emerging underneath.
Week 2
Persistent pink "baby skin" tone; makeup applied carefully.
Week 3 to 4
Pink fades to normal tone.
Week 4+
,
Aggressive
4+ week downtime
Day of treatment
Heavy swelling, redness, intense healing sensation.
Day 1 to 3
Significant healing, peeling, oozing, swelling. Plan to be home.
Day 4 to 7
Continued surface healing, peeling and shedding. Still home-bound.
Week 2
Pink baby skin fully exposed. Looks like a moderate sunburn.
Week 3 to 4
Pink fading. Makeup can cover.
Week 4+
Continued color normalization through week 4 to 8. SPF essential.
Across all three intensities, collagen remodeling continues for 6 to 9 months after the treatment. Results improve over time.
The Payoff
Results timeline
Immediate
A visible texture improvement once swelling subsides. Pink "baby skin" is fresh, smooth, and youthful, but flushed. This is your new surface beginning to show.
2 to 4 weeks
Tone normalizing. Texture improvement clearly visible. Pigment lifted dramatically. Visible healing and redness settling, and the deeper collagen work is beginning.
3 months
Full collagen response taking hold. Lines softened. Skin firmer. Tone unified. The deeper remodeling from the thermal injury is now producing visible structural change.
6 to 9 months
Peak result. The most dramatic improvement window. This is when before-and-after photos are typically taken and clients see the full scope of what one session accomplished.
1 to 2 years
Results stable. The resurfacing component lasts 5 to 10 years on average. The collagen building benefits from annual maintenance with Morpheus8 or Lumecca to extend and enhance.
Beyond
CO2 results last 5 to 10 years on average for the resurfacing component. The collagen building lasts 1 to 2 years and benefits from annual maintenance with Morpheus8 or Lumecca. Your daily SPF habit is the single biggest factor in preserving these results.
The Investment
Pricing
| Intensity Level | Face | + Neck |
|---|---|---|
| Light CO2 (3-day downtime) | $800 | $1,000 |
| Standard CO2 (2-week downtime) | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| Aggressive CO2 (4+ week downtime) | $2,000 | $2,400 |
Light CO2 (3-day downtime)
Standard CO2 (2-week downtime)
Aggressive CO2 (4+ week downtime)
Most clients combine this with other treatments in a Signature Plan, where pricing is consolidated and discounted compared to individual purchases. See the plans for details.
Your Plan
Prep & aftercare
Before your treatment
- No sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks before treatment (strictest requirement on my menu)
- No self-tanner for 2 weeks
- Discontinue all retinoids and acid-based products 2 weeks before
- Disclose all medications and supplements
- Antiviral medication may be prescribed in advance if you have a history of cold sores
- For Aggressive: oral pain medication may be prescribed
- Arrange transportation home, driving immediately after Aggressive CO2 is not recommended
- Block your calendar for the appropriate downtime
- Detailed in-person or virtual pre-treatment consultation required
After your treatment
First 48 hours
- Ointment application as instructed, every 2 to 3 hours
- Sleep with head elevated. Cool (not cold) compresses for swelling
- No bending, lifting, or intense activity
Days 3 to 7
- Gentle cleansing with provided cleanser. Continue ointment
- Do NOT pick, peel, or rub the healing skin, allow it to shed naturally
- No makeup
Week 2
- Switch to gentle moisturizer
- Mineral makeup permitted with care
- SPF 50+ mandatory
Beyond
- Continue strict SPF. Avoid heat (saunas, intense exercise that flushes the face)
- Retinoids can be reintroduced after 4 to 6 weeks if tolerated
- Annual maintenance treatments (Morpheus8 or Lumecca) help extend results
The Details
Frequently asked
Most clients combine this with other treatments for full results
A single treatment moves one lever. The Signature Plans pair complementary treatments into a sequenced plan, with better results and consolidated pricing.
Have a safety or candidacy question first? Bring it to the consultation.
Sometimes the answer is "not this," and you'll leave knowing why.
Not ready to book? Text me a quick question at 970-214-8362. I reply personally between appointments and during business hours.
Ready to map out your plan?
Every plan starts with a complimentary consult, we'll talk through your goals, history, and budget, then build the plan that fits.
Not ready to book? Text me a quick question at 970-214-8362. I reply personally between appointments and during business hours.
Not sure where to start?
You do not have to know what to book, or even what to call it. If your skin or body has started looking different and you are not sure why, start with what you are noticing, and I will help you understand what may be behind it.