Real Texture Change. Clearer Tone.
You’re looking for an effective treatment that improves how your facial skin looks up close—fewer etched lines, softer texture, less blotchiness from sun damage—without committing to cosmetic surgery. At Bonakdar Aesthetics in Newport Beach, our Co2 laser resurfacing programs use controlled laser energy to remodel the skin’s surface and stimulate new support underneath. On this page, you’ll learn how the procedure works, who makes a good candidate, what recovery actually looks like, and how we tailor a treatment plan to your skin, your calendar, and your goals.
What is Co2 Laser Resurfacing?
Co2 is a laser skin resurfacing treatment that precisely removes thin layers of damaged epidermis while heating the deeper layers of the dermis. Think of it as a very tidy edit to the upper skin’s texture with a gentle prompt to build more collagen below. The controlled heat activates the body’s natural healing response, kicking off skin regeneration and new collagen production that helps lines, acne scars, and roughness look softer over time. We perform both full-field and fractional laser resurfacing; fractional creates tiny micro-columns of treatment with healthy skin in between, so the skin heals faster.
Patients choose Co2 laser resurfacing in Newport Beach to address uneven skin tone, uneven pigmentation, age spots and sun spots, fine lines and deeper wrinkles (especially around the mouth and eyes), enlarged pores, and facial scarring from acne or surgery. For those with severe sun damage from years of excessive sun exposure, Co2 is one of the few modalities that can resurface the upper layers while prompting structural change underneath for firmer skin. It’s also an excellent option when earlier laser or peel treatments haven’t moved the needle enough.
Most patients seeking smoother texture, clearer tone, or scar improvement are candidates for Co2 laser skin resurfacing. During consultation, we physically examine your skin, review your medical history and any history of pigment change or keloids, and discuss recent sun exposure. Skin type matters; we adjust settings for different skin types and build in pretreatment plans when needed. If active breakouts, open wounds, or infections are present, we’ll stabilize first. You’ll leave with a treatment plan that reflects not only your skin concerns but also upcoming events, tolerance for downtime, and how aggressively you want to treat.
We tailor intensity to your goals. A light, fractional pass can brighten and smooth with minimal downtime, expect a sunburn-like flush and dryness for a few more days. A more intensive pass reaches an appropriate depth to address deeper wrinkles and stubborn scars, which means a week or so of visible healing while the new skin surfaces. Some patients prefer one thorough session; others stage results across a short series. Both routes can deliver long-lasting results when paired with thoughtful skincare and sun protection.
On the day of your laser resurfacing in Newport Beach, we photograph the treatment area, cleanse the skin, and apply a topical anesthetic, often referred to as a numbing cream. For targeted areas or stronger settings, we may add a local anesthetic to enhance comfort. There’s no general anesthesia; you remain awake and comfortable. As the laser device passes, you’ll feel a brief warmth and a prickle as the powerful laser delivers light energy in very short pulses. Depending on how many treated areas we cover—full face, around the mouth, under-eye, or a focused scar—the active procedure can take minutes to under an hour.
Plan for visible healing that matches the intensity chosen. With lighter fractional settings, many patients are lightly pink the first day, then dry or “windburned” for several days. Makeup generally looks normal after day one or two. With stronger resurfacing, expect redness and swelling for 48–72 hours, then bronzing and micro-flaking as the old surface lifts and the regeneration process reveals fresh skin. Most resume normal activities quickly, avoiding heat, heavy workouts, and direct sun exposure until the surface settles. We’ll outline exactly when to restart actives, and we’ll simplify aftercare so you know what to do morning and night.
Aftercare Essentials
Keep it gentle and keep it protected. Use the post-procedure cleanser and barrier moisturizers we provide, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily once we clear you to do so. Shield healing skin from direct sun exposure with hats and shade. If you’re prone to cold sores, preventive medication may be recommended. Follow these basics, and the treatment results continue to improve as the deeper layers keep building new collagen.
Surface clarity appears first. Blotchiness softens, skin tone looks more even, and makeup sits better as skin heals. Over the next several weeks, new collagen and elastin remodel the dermis; fine lines and etched lines look softer, texture feels smoother, and self-confidence tends to rise with it. Some concerns respond well to one treatment; others benefit from a series or a staged approach that pairs Co2 with other treatments.
Add-Ons That Make Sense
In select cases, we can apply platelet-rich plasma immediately after fractional treatment. PRP contains growth factors from your own blood that may support the regeneration process and comfort. For deep dynamic wrinkles or descent from volume loss, Co2 pairs well (on a different day) with neuromodulators or fillers. We sequence carefully so one modality doesn’t compete with another.
Microneedling (whether plain or with RF) creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production. It’s excellent for mild skin damage and early scars with near-zero downtime, but it can’t refine the very top surface the way laser resurfacing does. Chemical peels brighten and smooth shallow irregularities; they leave deeper etched lines and surgical-type scars largely unchanged. Laser skin resurfacing with Co2 can address the upper surface and signal true remodeling below. For significant laxity, cosmetic surgery such as a lift or eyelid procedure tackles sagging; it doesn’t polish the skin’s texture. Many patients choose a refined, staged plan that addresses each layer at the right time.
Redness, swelling, dryness, and flaking are expected and part of the normal arc of healing. Temporary darkening or lightening can occur as pigment settles; diligent sun protection helps. Infection is uncommon with proper care. We minimize risk by choosing the right settings for your skin, prepping when needed, and guiding you through straightforward aftercare. If you’ve had recent isotretinoin use, uncontrolled inflammatory conditions, or a history of abnormal scars, we’ll discuss timing and alternatives.
Your outcome depends on judgment as much as equipment. Here in Orange County, our team performs Co2 resurfacing in Newport Beach with a clear emphasis on proportionate settings, tidy technique, and follow-through. We prefer honest timelines over over-promising, and we build plans that respect real life: work, school pickup, and the possibility of a last-minute outdoor event. Expect a process that’s efficient on treatment day and attentive during healing.
That depends on the goal. A light fractional pass can brighten tone and smooth fine texture in a single treatment. Etched lines or long-standing acne scars may need a stronger session or a short series. We’ll recommend the simplest path to meaningful change.
With a topical anesthetic and local anesthetic for select areas, patients describe warmth and a prickly sensation rather than pain. Cooling and pacing keep the experience manageable.
Lighter resurfacing brings a pink glow and dryness for a few more days. Stronger passes bring several days of redness, then bronzing and peeling as new skin appears. We’ll time your session so the visible phase fits your calendar.
We adjust parameters and pretreatment for different skin types. Your consultation covers risk factors, recent sun, and other factors in your medical history, so we can choose the appropriate settings..
Surface clarity shows quickly. Structural changes progress for months as more collagen forms. With smart skincare and shade habits, improvements can hold for years, then we maintain with light refreshers.
Contact Bonakdar Aesthetics for Cosmetic Dermatology and Skin Care in Newport Beach, Orange County, Palm Desert CA.
Our luxury concierge practice is committed to providing solutions for the aesthetic needs of the Newport Beach, Orange County and Palm Desert community seeking ageless beauty and confidence. Your experience at Bonakdar Aesthetics will be one that nurtures, restores, and revives your self-image.
We are proud to inform you of Bonakdar Aesthetics’ Exclusive Appointment Scheduling Policy. This policy ensures that your appointments are exclusively booked for you alone, thus you will not experience long waits, nor be rushed during your appointment. A booking fee is required at the time you make your consultation or treatment appointment. This fee is fully applied to your appointment or is refundable with cancellations 72 hours prior to your appointment.
20321 Irvine Avenue, Suite #F3, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
36943 Cook St. #104, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
This information from Palm Desert & Newport Beach's skin care specialist, Dr. Monica Bonakdar is not a substitute for health care or advice. You must consult with a physician regarding any health questions you may have. *Individual results may vary. Photos and reviews do not guarantee outcomes and no prediction of outcome is implied.
