CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

CO₂ laser resurfacing is physician-performed at Exactly Dermatology. It delivers controlled precision energy to renew skin from the inside out — reducing fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven texture with results that were once only achievable through more invasive procedures. At Exactly Dermatology, Dr. Aylward performs CO₂ laser resurfacing with the Solaria CO₂ platform from InMode. 

If you’re ready to see real, lasting skin transformation, this is where it starts.

Physician-Led. Patient-Focused.

What is CO₂ Laser Resurfacing?

CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing uses precisely controlled light energy to remove the outer layers of damaged skin while stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers beneath. The result: smoother, tighter, more even skin — and a complexion that continues to improve for months after a single treatment.

The InMode Solaria platform gives Dr. Aylward the ability to customize every treatment — adjusting depth, density, and energy delivery to match your skin’s specific needs. This level of precision is what separates a physician-performed laser treatment from anything else

Before and after facial results from InMode Solaria CO₂ laser resurfacing

What Can CO₂ Laser Resurfacing Treat?

Solaria CO₂ resurfacing is one of the most versatile skin resurfacing technologies available. It can be performed on multiple areas of the body, including full face, neck, décolletage (chest) and hands. Treating the neck and décolletage together with the face delivers a cohesive, natural-looking result — because true skin rejuvenation doesn’t stop at the jawline. Dr. Aylward uses Solaria CO₂ resurfacing to address:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles, including delicate areas around the eyes and mouth
  • Deep-set wrinkles and skin laxity
  • Acne scars and textural irregularities
  • Sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and age spots
  • Uneven skin tone and dullness
  • Enlarged pores
  • Surgical scars and prior scar revision outcomes
  • Rough or crepey skin texture on the face, neck, and décolletage
  • Skin laxity on the hands

Real Results: Before & After

Before and after Solaria CO₂ laser full face resurfacing

CO₂ Full Face Resurfacing

Results may vary.

Before and after Solaria CO₂ laser acne scarring treatment

CO₂ Acne Scarring

Results may vary.

Before and after Solaria CO₂ laser treatment for sun damage and skin texture

CO₂ Sun Damage / Texture

Results may vary.

Your CO₂ Laser Resurfacing Treatment Experience

Before Your Treatment

Your experience begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Aylward. She will evaluate your skin, review your goals, and determine whether fractional or full resurfacing is right for you — along with the appropriate depth and treatment area. A pre-treatment skin prep protocol may be recommended in the weeks before your appointment.

During Your Treatment

A topical numbing cream is applied prior to your session for comfort. Dr. Aylward uses the Solaria device to deliver precise CO₂ energy across the treatment area. Depending on the zone being treated and the level of resurfacing selected, most sessions take between 30 and 90 minutes.

After Your Treatment

Immediately following treatment, skin will appear pink or red, similar to a sunburn. Some swelling and a sensation of warmth are normal in the first 24–48 hours. Peeling and shedding typically begin within a few days as the skin begins its renewal process.

Most patients take 5–10 days for full social downtime, depending on treatment intensity. Dr. Aylward and her team will provide complete aftercare instructions to guide you through each stage of healing.

Results & Downtime

Skin improvements are visible once initial healing is complete — typically within 1–2 weeks. Collagen remodeling continues for 3–6 months post-treatment, meaning your results will continue to improve over time. Many patients achieve their goal in a single treatment session; additional sessions can be planned for more advanced concerns.

Fractional vs. Full Resurfacing — What's Right for You?

Dr. Aylward performs both fractional and full-ablative CO₂ resurfacing using Solaria, depending on each patient’s goals, skin type, and recovery preferences.

Fractional CO₂

Fractional resurfacing treats thousands of micro-channels in the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This approach promotes faster healing and is ideal for patients with moderate skin concerns who want meaningful improvement with less downtime.

Full Ablative CO₂

Full resurfacing removes the entire surface of the treated area and is reserved for patients with more advanced concerns — deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, or complex scarring — who are willing to invest in a longer recovery for more dramatic, comprehensive results.

The right approach for you is determined during your consultation. Dr. Aylward does not take a one-size-fits-all approach — every treatment plan at Exactly Dermatology is built around your specific skin and goals.

Ready to see what your skin Is capable of?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aylward.

FAQ: CO₂ Laser Resurfacing with Solaria

How many treatments will I need?

Many patients achieve their desired results in a single session. Patients with more advanced scarring or significant skin laxity may benefit from a series. Dr. Aylward will outline a clear recommendation during your consultation.

Is CO₂ laser resurfacing painful?

Topical numbing is applied prior to your treatment, and most patients describe a warming or prickling sensation rather than pain. Post-treatment discomfort is mild and typically resolves within 24–48 hours.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients plan for 5–10 days of social downtime depending on the intensity of the treatment. Your skin will be healing and peeling during this time — Dr. Aylward will walk you through exactly what to expect at each stage.

Who is a good candidate?

Ideal candidates are adults with concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, or uneven skin texture who are seeking a lasting, physician-supervised result. During your consultation, Dr. Aylward will confirm candidacy and tailor the treatment plan to your skin.

Can I combine Solaria with other treatments?

Combination approaches are discussed on a case-by-case basis during your consultation. Dr. Aylward may recommend a complementary treatment plan based on your full aesthetic goals.

We’ve partnered with Skin Type Solutions to provide personalized skincare routines based on scientifically researched products. Their patented system, developed by dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD, identifies your skin as one of 16 types through a quick online quiz, allowing us to better target your specific needs. You’ll receive tailored product recommendations that have undergone rigorous testing and approval, along with access to vetted brands and perks like discounts, rewards, and free shipping on qualifying orders.