CO2 Laser Treatment in NYC
Expert Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Manhattan
The Gold Standard in Skin Resurfacing
Why NYC’s Most Discerning Patients Choose Our Practice for CO2 Laser
CO2 laser resurfacing is the single most powerful treatment available for dramatically improving skin texture, tone, and firmness — and no procedure demands greater precision or expertise from your provider. At The Dermatology and Laser Group in Manhattan, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan has performed CO2 laser treatments on thousands of patients seeking transformative results for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven skin texture.
As a nationally recognized expert in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Akhavan combines deep clinical knowledge with an artist’s eye, customizing every fractional CO2 laser treatment to each patient’s unique skin type, concerns, and aesthetic goals. Our Midtown Manhattan practice serves patients throughout New York City, the Upper East Side, and the greater New York area who are looking for a premium, expert-led CO2 laser experience with results that speak for themselves.
As Featured In:
Over 300 media appearances as a national expert in cosmetic dermatology and body contouring.
What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing and How Does It Work?
CO2 laser resurfacing is the most powerful laser treatment available for turning back the clock on damaged skin. Using fractional technology, the laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones that trigger your body’s natural collagen production — delivering dramatically smoother, tighter, more youthful skin, often in a single session.
At our Manhattan practice, Dr. Arash Akhavan performs every CO2 laser treatment himself using the AcuPulse by Lumenis DeepFX and ActiveFX — the most advanced fractional resurfacing platforms in the country. He customizes the depth, density, and energy for each patient, because a 35-year-old treating early sun damage needs a fundamentally different approach than a 55-year-old addressing deep wrinkles and acne scarring.
Skin Concerns Treated with CO2 Laser in New York City
CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most versatile treatments in cosmetic dermatology. At our Manhattan practice, Dr. Arash Akhavan uses fractional CO2 laser to treat a wide range of concerns across the face, neck, chest, and hands:
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles — CO2 laser is exceptionally effective for perioral lines (around the mouth), periorbital wrinkles (around the eyes), forehead creases, and face and neck lines. It stimulates deep collagen remodeling that continues improving skin for 6-12 months after treatment.
- Acne Scars — For patients with moderate to severe acne scarring — including boxcar scars, rolling scars, and ice pick scars — ablative CO2 laser resurfacing can dramatically improve skin texture. Many patients see 50-70% improvement in scar appearance.
- Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation — Years of UV exposure cause irregular pigmentation, rough texture, and precancerous actinic keratoses. CO2 laser removes damaged surface layers to reveal fresh, evenly pigmented skin beneath.
- Skin Laxity and Loss of Firmness — The thermal energy delivered by CO2 laser tightens existing collagen fibers while stimulating new collagen production, resulting in visibly firmer skin — particularly along the jawline, neck, and under-eye area.
- Uneven Skin Texture and Enlarged Pores — CO2 resurfacing refines overall skin texture, minimizes pore size, and creates a smoother, more luminous complexion.
- Surgical and Traumatic Scars — CO2 laser can soften and flatten raised scars and improve the appearance of surgical scars on the face and body.
What to Expect During Your CO2 Laser Treatment in Manhattan
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, your CO2 laser experience is designed to feel as comfortable, informed, and personalized as possible from the moment you arrive at our Midtown Manhattan office.
- Your Consultation: Every CO2 laser treatment begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Arash Akhavan. He will examine your skin under magnification, discuss your concerns and goals, review your medical history, and determine the optimal laser settings for your skin type and needs.
- Pre-Treatment Preparation: Dr. Akhavan may prescribe a preparatory skincare regimen that could include tretinoin, antiviral medication, and specific medical-grade products to optimize your skin for treatment.
- During Treatment: CO2 laser resurfacing typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand. We also have Pro-NOX and Zimmer Cooling available for comfort. Dr. Arash Akhavan personally performs every CO2 laser treatment — your care is never delegated to a technician or physician assistant.
- Immediately After: Your skin will appear red and feel warm, similar to a sunburn. Our team will apply a healing ointment and provide you with a comprehensive post-treatment care kit.
CO2 Laser Before and After Images
How Much Does CO2 Laser Cost in NYC?
Manufacturer-Authorized Lowest Price
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we believe you deserve to know exactly what your treatment will cost before you commit — no hidden fees, no surprises. Below is our transparent CO2 laser pricing for treatments performed by Dr. Arash Akhavan at our Manhattan practice:
| Treatment Area | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Face | $3,500 |
| Neck | $3,000 |
| Décolletage (Chest) | $4,000 |
| Small Area (e.g., individual scar) |
$1,800 |
Combination Discount
Treating two areas in the same session? The smaller area is discounted 50%. For example, a Face + Neck treatment is $5,000 — saving you $1,500.
For other treatment areas — including hands, arms, or other body areas — we are happy to provide a personalized quote during your consultation.
While many patients achieve dramatic results from a single CO2 laser session, some concerns — particularly deep acne scars — may benefit from a series of two or three treatments spaced several months apart. Dr. Arash Akhavan will discuss the ideal treatment plan for your goals during your consultation.
CO2 laser is one of the most technique-dependent procedures in cosmetic dermatology. When comparing costs across providers, keep in mind that the skill and experience of your dermatologist directly impacts both your results and your safety. Every treatment at our practice is performed personally by Dr. Akhavan — never delegated to a technician, nurse, or PA.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Why Patients Choose Dr. Arash Akhavan for CO2 Laser in New York City
Choosing the right provider for CO2 laser resurfacing is arguably the most important decision you will make in this process. The difference between an exceptional result and a disappointing one comes down to the skill, experience, and aesthetic judgment of your dermatologist.
Dr. Arash Akhavan is a board-certified dermatologist and nationally recognized expert in cosmetic dermatology. He has been cited as a leading authority on skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures by publications including Allure, Vogue, The New York Times, and Harper’s Bazaar.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
Not a general practitioner or aesthetician. Board-certified training in skin disease and cosmetic procedures.
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Personally Performs Every Treatment
Your CO2 laser treatment will never be delegated.
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Customized Treatment Parameters
No two treatments are identical. Dr. Arash Akhavan adjusts depth, density, pattern, and energy level for each patient.
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Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Care
Detailed protocols and care kits, with direct access to our team throughout recovery.
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Luxury Patient Experience
Our Manhattan practice is designed for patients who expect the highest standard of care, privacy, and comfort.
CO2 Laser vs. Fraxel vs. Other Skin Resurfacing Treatments
Patients often ask how CO2 laser compares to other resurfacing options like Fraxel, chemical peels, and microneedling. While each treatment has its place, CO2 laser resurfacing delivers the most dramatic results in the fewest sessions.
| Fractional CO2 | Fraxel Dual | Chemical Peel | Microneedling + PRP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Deep wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, laxity | Mild pigmentation, fine lines, early sun damage | Superficial pigmentation, mild texture | Mild scarring, fine lines, pore refinement |
| Results | Most dramatic | Moderate | Mild | Mild to moderate |
| Sessions | 1–2 | 3–6 | 5–10 | 3–6 |
| Downtime | 7–10 days | 3–5 days | 6–8 days | 2–5 days |
| Collagen | Strongest | Moderate | Mild to moderate | Moderate |
| NYC Cost | $1,800–$4,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | $500–$2,000 | $850–$3,000 |
Ablative vs. Non-Ablative: How CO2 Laser Technology Works
CO2 laser resurfacing — also known as fractional CO2 laser treatment or ablative laser resurfacing — uses concentrated beams of carbon dioxide light energy to precisely remove thin layers of damaged skin. The term “fractional” refers to the laser’s ability to treat a fraction of the skin’s surface at a time, creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, stimulating robust new collagen and elastin production from deep within the dermis.
Unlike non-ablative lasers that work beneath the skin’s surface without removing tissue, ablative CO2 laser resurfacing physically vaporizes damaged cells and resurfaces the skin. This is what makes it the most effective laser treatment available for significant skin concerns — and why it requires an experienced, board-certified dermatologist to perform safely.
The AcuPulse CO2 Laser by Lumenis that Dr. Arash Akhavan uses allows him to precisely control the depth of treatment, the density of the laser pattern, and the energy level delivered to each zone. This level of customization is critical because every patient’s skin responds differently to laser energy based on their skin type, the severity of their concerns, and the specific area being treated.
CO2 Laser for Different Skin Types and Tones
One of the most important considerations in CO2 laser resurfacing is the patient’s skin type, classified using the Fitzpatrick Scale (types I through VI). Lighter skin types (I-III) have traditionally been considered the best candidates for aggressive CO2 laser treatment, and you may see other practices claim that CO2 laser “can only be performed on lighter skin tones.” This is an oversimplification. Advances in fractional CO2 technology — particularly with the AcuPulse by Lumenis platform we use — combined with expert technique, have expanded the range of patients who can safely benefit from this procedure.
At our NYC practice, Dr. Arash Akhavan has extensive experience treating patients across a range of skin types and ethnic backgrounds. For patients with darker skin tones (up to Fitzpatrick types IV), he may modify the treatment protocol — adjusting energy settings, reducing density, or incorporating pre- and post-treatment skin preparation to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
During your consultation, Dr. Arash Akhavan will evaluate your skin type and tone, discuss any specific concerns related to pigmentation, and create a treatment plan that maximizes your results while prioritizing the safety and health of your skin.
CO2 Laser FAQ — Your Questions Answered
For patients seeking the most dramatic improvement in wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, or overall skin texture, CO2 laser resurfacing is widely considered the gold standard. No other single treatment can achieve the same level of collagen remodeling and skin renewal. Most patients describe their results as transformative, with improvements that continue developing for 3 to 12 months after treatment as new collagen matures. The key is choosing an experienced, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Arash Akhavan who can customize treatment parameters to maximize your results while minimizing risk.
At Dermatology and Laser Group, we offer transparent, upfront pricing: $3,500 for full face, $3,000 for neck, $4,000 for décolletage, and $1,800 for a small area such as an individual scar. When combining two areas in the same session, the smaller area is discounted 50% — for example, a face and neck treatment is $5,000. For other areas, we provide a personalized quote during your consultation.
The primary consideration is the recovery period. Most patients experience 7 to 10 days of redness, swelling, and peeling. There is also a small risk of temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, particularly in patients with darker skin tones, which is why choosing an experienced provider is essential. There can also be too much of a good thing when it comes to collagen generation, and high settings on a CO2 laser are not appropriate for every patient. Dr. Arash Akhavan carefully evaluates every patient’s skin type and medical history before recommending CO2 laser.
Most patients can expect 7 to 10 days of active healing. By day 10, most feel comfortable returning to work with mineral makeup to cover residual pinkness. The pink tone typically fades completely within 2 to 4 weeks. Dr. Arash Akhavan provides every patient with a detailed post-care kit and recovery protocol.
Most adults in good general health who want to address wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, or skin laxity are good candidates. During your consultation, Dr. Akhavan will assess your skin type, current medications, medical history, and aesthetic goals. Patients with active skin infections, a history of keloid scarring, or those who are pregnant or nursing may not be ideal candidates. In some cases, a modified CO2 laser protocol can safely achieve excellent results.
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