Is Periorbital CO2 Laser Painful?

Your comfort is our primary concern during your laser treatment in San Diego. Dr. Kolstad offers a series of anesthetics to control the amount of painful stimuli. Before your CO2 laser, we apply a strong topical numbing agent to all treated areas. For CO2 laser treatments of the eyes, mouth, and face, Dr. Kolstad uses injectable medications to block major nerve bundles. Many patients experience a warming sensation in the treated areas. Dr. Kolstad uses cryocooling to minimize the discomfort. Cryocooling technology jets frigid air (43-60°F) onto the skin to numb the pain receptors. Depending on the procedure length and treatment areas, many people prefer a light oral sedative to help them relax during the procedure.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most patients see significant improvement after a single CO2 laser treatment. However, depending on your skin condition and aesthetic goals, Dr. Kolstad may recommend a series of lighter treatments spaced several months apart for gradual rejuvenation with less downtime. For deep wrinkles or extensive sun damage, one comprehensive session may achieve long-lasting results, followed by maintenance treatments every 12–18 months to sustain collagen production.

How Long Until I See Results?

Some improvement in skin texture and tone is visible within 2 weeks after initial healing. However, the most dramatic transformation develops gradually as new collagen forms over the following three to six months. You’ll notice continued tightening, improved elasticity, and fading of fine lines and discoloration. Patients who protect their skin from the sun and maintain a consistent skincare routine often enjoy their results for several years. To extend your outcome, Dr. Kolstad may recommend periodic touch-ups or maintenance treatments using gentler resurfacing techniques.

Can I Combine Periorbital CO2 Laser with Other Procedures?

Absolutely. CO2 laser resurfacing can be safely combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for a more comprehensive result. Many patients choose to pair it with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facial fat transfer, or injectable treatments to address both surface texture and underlying volume loss. Combining procedures allows for a single recovery period while enhancing the overall effect. During your consultation, Dr. Kolstad will carefully assess your skin and anatomy to determine which treatments can be performed together for optimal, natural-looking results.

What Are the Risks Associated with Periorbital CO2 Laser?

Pain: Most people feel a mild to moderate discomfort during treatment. Dr. Kolstad will prescribe strong pain medicine if necessary, but most patients find Tylenol is enough to be comfortable. Redness: Many patients notice a rosy, pink color to the skin. The redness may last a couple of weeks to several months. In rare cases, redness may persist for 3 to 6 months. This is more common in patients who have a history of flushing and multiple capillaries on the skin. Wound Healing: The Phoenix Fractional CO2 laser evaporates the superficial layers of the skin. We recommend a minimum of seven days to heal, with up to 10-14 days for slow-healing patients. Superficial bleeding and peeling are common. The skin can be sensitive to the sun for 2-6 weeks. Pigment Changes: The treated area may heal with increased or decreased pigmentation. Without sunscreen and sun protection, there is an increased risk of hyperpigmentation. This is especially common in San Diego in the summer months. People with darker skin complexion have a higher risk of hypopigmentation after treatment. Excessive Swelling: There will be swelling of the skin immediately after San Diego laser surgery. This is not a complication and is expected after thermal injury to the treated areas. Swelling typically resolves over the next three to seven days. Scarring: There is a very small chance of scarring, including hypertrophic scarring and keloid scarring. If you have a history of poor scarring, make sure you inform Dr. Kolstad during your consultation. To minimize the chances of scarring, it is important to follow post-operative instructions carefully. Eye Exposure: There is also a risk of harmful exposure to the laser during surgery. Dr. Kolstad will provide all necessary protective eyewear. It is important to have protective eyewear at all times during the laser treatment. Infection: Occasional infections can occur. Patients with a history of cold sores are advised to use antivirals before and after treatments. Inform Dr. Kolstad of any signs of infection. If not treated promptly, infections can result in scarring.

Aren’t All CO2 Lasers The Same?

There are so many lasers in San Diego that it is very confusing to keep them all straight. CO2 lasers are the gold standard for skin resurfacing and have a long track record of safety, reliability, and amazing results. We are proud to introduce the new Phoenix CO2 laser system. The Phoenix laser is a powerful skin-smoothing technology. This CO2 laser is fully customizable, allowing Dr. Kolstad to create unique levels of treatment depths, surface areas, and skin penetration. Dr. Kolstad utilizes his background as a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to achieve the best results. Dr. Kolstad creates natural-looking facial rejuvenation with a variety of injectables, surgeries, and lasers.

Do I Need Anesthesia?

San Diego CO2 laser treatments are typically performed in the office using a combination of local and injectable anesthetics. Patients looking to combine laser resurfacing with surgical procedures can have the procedures performed under sedation. Most commonly, Dr. Kolstad uses a laser on the eyelids and mouth, in combination with blepharoplasty and facelift procedures.

San Diego & La Jolla, CA

Periorbital CO2 Laser

Name: Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery
Brand: Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (95 reviews)

Looking for the best CO2 laser treatment in San Diego? At Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer a full range of fractional CO2 laser options. Are you bothered by crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes? Looking to treat lipstick lines and smile lines without looking overfilled? Dr. Kolstad uses the Phoenix CO2 laser in San Diego to rejuvenate the skin, creating a youthful glow and appearance.

One of the best anti-aging treatments in the world, the fractional CO2 laser has a place in everyone’s skincare regimen. Brown spots and hyperpigmentation can be softened and, many times, completely removed using powerful CO2 laser technology.

There are many offices and med spas in San Diego advertising laser treatments. How do you know which CO2 laser specialist in San Diego is best for you? Do you know whether a nurse or a doctor is performing the laser treatment? At our Facial Plastic Surgery office in San Diego, Dr. Kolstad performs every CO2 laser treatment himself. To achieve the absolute best results, Dr. Kolstad needs to be personally involved, and he does not rely on nurses or staff to get the job done. Dr. Kolstad uses his training as a Facial Plastic Surgeon to deliver superior results, keeping your skin rejuvenated in a safe and natural way.

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What is Periorbital CO2 Laser & How Do They Work?

The Phoenix CO2 laser delivers powerful skin smoothing and regenerative benefits. Laser treatments in San Diego can restore your youthful, beautiful facial appearance. We are confident that Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery is the best choice for your CO2 laser treatment needs.

San Diego CO2 laser treatments remove the damaged outer layer of your skin, revealing a softer, smoother, younger layer beneath.

CO2 laser treatment is also called fractionated CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Fractional CO2 lasers in San Diego punch holes in the skin, stimulating wound healing and collagen production. Removing damaged surface skin cells allows the skin to regenerate into a glowing, refreshed appearance.

CO2 lasers deliver energy to discrete areas, allowing precise vaporization of damaged skin cells. Concentrated beams of heat energy stimulate collagen production, improving fine lines and wrinkles. Our most common areas treated are the face, neck, crow’s feet, smoker’s lines, décolletage, and hands.

This is not a one-size-fits-all office.

We are thrilled to offer the Phoenix Laser System, the latest innovation of fractional CO2 laser technology. This fully customizable laser offers unique levels of treatment depth, surface area, and skin penetration. Dr. Kolstad will analyze your skin damage, epidermal health, and other factors to create an individualized treatment plan.

What Are the Benefits of the Periorbital CO2 Laser?

The fractional CO2 laser is one of the most effective non-surgical technologies for rejuvenating the skin and reversing visible signs of aging. By stimulating the body’s natural healing process, it triggers the formation of new collagen and elastin, which helps tighten, smooth, and brighten the skin over time. The treatment not only reduces fine lines and wrinkles but also improves skin tone, minimizes pore size, and softens the appearance of scars and pigmentation.

A major advantage of the Phoenix CO2 laser is its precision, because Dr. Kolstad can customize each treatment’s depth, density, and energy levels, allowing him to safely treat delicate areas such as the eyes, lips, and neck while maintaining natural results. Because it promotes long-term collagen remodeling, improvements continue for months after treatment, creating healthier, firmer, and more luminous skin that lasts.

Why Choose Dr. Kolstad?

Dr. Christopher Kolstad in San Diego is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in the face and neck and affiliated with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). His advanced training in both surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation allows him to deliver CO2 laser results that are not only effective but also natural and balanced. Unlike many med spas or offices where nurses or technicians perform laser treatments, Dr. Kolstad personally performs every CO2 laser treatment to ensure precision and safety.

Who Are the Best Candidates For the Periorbital CO2 Laser?

Do any of the following bother you?

Crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eyes.
Lipstick lines and smoker’s lines around the mouth.
Hyperpigmentation, brown spots, age spots, and melasma.
Hands that look older than they did 5 years ago.
Chest wrinkling and décolletage creasing.
Neck sagging and turkey gobblers under the chin.
Moles, nevi, warts, and skin lesions.
Skin that looks older than you remember.

You may be a good candidate for this treatment.

Good candidates are also in overall good health, have realistic expectations, and are willing to follow post-treatment skincare protocols for optimal healing. Patients with active acne, recent tanning, or certain medical conditions may need to delay treatment until the skin is stable. During your consultation, Dr. Kolstad will assess your skin’s condition and create a tailored laser plan based on your unique needs and tolerance for downtime.

What’s the First Step?

Your Periorbital CO2 Laser Journey with Dr. Kolstad

Customize your Periorbital CO2 Laser!

You’ll start with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Kolstad in his San Diego office. During this visit, he will evaluate your skin quality, discuss your areas of concern, and determine whether CO2 laser resurfacing is the best option to achieve your goals.

You’ll also learn about pre-treatment skincare preparation and any combination procedures that can be safely performed in conjunction with the laser to maximize your results. Once a treatment plan is designed, our team will guide you through scheduling, skincare instructions, and what to expect on the day of your procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Periorbital CO2 Laser Treatment

On the day of your CO2 laser procedure in San Diego, you’ll arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. A topical numbing agent will be applied to ensure comfort, and for deeper treatments, Dr. Kolstad may use local anesthetic blocks or light oral sedation.

Once the area is fully numb, the Phoenix CO2 laser handpiece is passed carefully across the treatment zones, delivering precise microbeams of energy to the skin. These microscopic columns of controlled heat remove damaged tissue while leaving the surrounding skin intact, accelerating healing. Depending on the size of the area, treatment typically takes 20-45 minutes.

Treatments can be deeper, with more healing and longer downtime, or shallower, with less healing and shorter downtime. The deeper the treatment, the better the results generally. But some patients prefer two treatments that aren’t as deep to avoid a lot of downtime. You will see some immediate results, but the full results won’t be seen for 3-6 months. After your skin heals, which may take 3-14 days, there will be a period of 3 to 6 weeks when your skin might be slightly pink. During this period, your skin will feel smoother and look less blotchy. As the color returns to normal, you will see fewer lines, less blotchiness, and more glow.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Periorbital CO2 Laser Treatment?

You should plan for at least two weeks to recover from your laser treatment. Dr. Kolstad will guide you on how to best care for your skin during the recovery period.

General expectations:

Avoid direct sunlight and keep skin moist and cool to aid healing.
Avoid environmental irritants during the healing process (e.g., dust, dirt, aerosols, cleaning agents).
Avoid dryness and excessive heat (no high heat on the blow dryer, medium heat is fine during the healing process).
Avoid any vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.
Redness and a sunburn-type sensation will normally last several hours.
Neck redness is more persistent and will usually last several days longer than face redness.
Face will normally bronze and peel within 3-5 days (Note: skin below neck normally requires up to 2 weeks to bronze and peel).
Mild skin bleeding is not unusual. Mild pressure will control any bleeding that occurs.

How Much Does Periorbital CO2 Laser Cost in San Diego, CA?

The cost of periorbital CO2 laser in San Diego varies depending on the treatment area, depth, and the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Kolstad will provide a personalized quote based on your treatment goals and skin condition. Because this procedure offers long-term results and reduces the need for ongoing fillers or resurfacing treatments, many patients find it to be an excellent investment in lasting skin rejuvenation.