Cynosure's Affirm CO2™ is a fractional laser system designed to resurface the skin and stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and firmness.
It delivers fractionated laser energy using 1,440 and 1,320 nanometers for precision and control, which allows the provider to create microchannels in the skin while leaving surrounding areas unaffected.
Many people experience visible improvements in their skin’s appearance after just one Affirm CO2 treatment session.
Unlike fully ablative lasers that may damage dark skin tones, Affirm CO2 can be an option for darker skin. However, fractional CO2 laser treatments still carry some risks and side effects. People with medium to deep skin tones are at significant risk of experiencing burning and scarring, as the laser beams specifically target pigment.
Who is a good candidate for CO2?
Generally, suitable candidates include people who want to:
This style of laser provides a comprehensive treatment option that can target a variety of depths and requires minimal downtime compared to traditional CO2 laser treatments.
CO2 laser resurfacing is typically an outpatient procedure lasting 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the treatment area size and desired intensity.
Before the procedure, your provider administers local anesthesia to numb the area and may provide an oral sedative for relaxation. General anesthesia may be used for fully ablative treatments, requiring transportation arrangements afterward.
During the procedure, the handheld laser device is moved across the treatment area, emitting a powerful beam of light in a grid-like pattern. Under general anesthesia, there’s no sensation. With local anesthesia, you may feel a snapping sensation.
Afterward, your skin is coated with ointment and dressings.
Downtime varies from several days for fractional treatments to over two weeks for fully ablative ones. During this period, expect swelling, scabbing, and discomfort. You can manage pain with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
To reduce swelling, use a combination of prescription steroids and ice packs, and elevate your head while sleeping. Follow your doctor’s cleansing and moisturizing instructions, possibly using medical-grade products they recommend.
Moisturize regularly to promote healthy skin turnover and prevent scabbing. After initial healing, expect pink skin for weeks. You can resume using makeup once the area fully heals.
When outdoors, protect your skin from the sun with SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent damage to the delicate regenerated skin.
Visible outcomes depend on treatment intensity and healing duration. Noticeable results typically appear after skin restoration and redness resolution, taking weeks for fractional treatments and months for fully ablative ones.
Clients see immediate improvements post-healing, but collagen-enhancing effects take a few months to develop as new cells and proteins form fully.
With proper skin care and sun protection, results can last several years. Regular hydration and antioxidant-rich products, along with high-SPF sunscreen, are recommended to prevent recurring damage.
However, skin aging is inevitable, necessitating ongoing maintenance. Continuous laser treatments or other rejuvenation therapies can help sustain results over time.
Fully ablative CO2 treatments pose significant risks, including burning and scarring due to the complete removal of surface of skin layers. This treatment is not indicated in darker skin types. Healing can be intense, with weeks of swelling, scabbing, and redness. Adhering strictly to post-treatment instructions, including cleansing and moisturizing, is crucial to minimize infection risk. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics post-treatment.
Fractional CO2 treatments carry lesser risks but can still cause burning and scarring, particularly for those with medium to deep skin tones. Following a doctor’s guidance is essential for healthy healing and infection prevention.
Avoid CO2 lasers for active acne as they can exacerbate inflammation and bacterial spread. Those on Accutane therapy or completed within the last 6 months should also refrain from CO2 treatment due to impaired healing capabilities.
This treatment is not indicated in darker skin types. Fully ablative CO2 treatments pose significant risks, including burning and scarring due to the complete removal of surface of skin layers. This treatment is not indicated in darker skin types. Healing can be intense.
Inform your doctor of any history of cold sores so that you can receive antiviral medication before treatment to prevent flare-ups.
$1,000 – $4,500 per session. Prices vary depending on the area treated and geography.
