Scars can change the way skin looks and feels long after the original injury has healed. Many of our Tampa patients consider laser skin resurfacing when they want to improve texture, reduce visibility or restore smoother-looking skin. One of the most common questions we get about laser treatments for scars is, “How many treatments will it take to get rid of my scar?”
The answer depends on the type of scar, how long it’s been there and how your skin responds to treatment. With advanced technology like the CO2RE® laser, significant improvement is often possible, though scars usually improve gradually rather than all at once.
How the CO2RE Laser Improves Scars
The CO2RE laser is a fractional CO2 resurfacing treatment designed to improve skin texture by stimulating collagen production deep within the skin. Instead of treating the entire surface evenly, the laser creates tiny controlled treatment zones in the skin. This process removes damaged tissue while encouraging new collagen to form as the skin heals. Over time, this helps to soften the appearance of scars and improve overall skin smoothness.
Because collagen rebuilding takes time, improvement continues gradually after each session.
Why Most Scars Require More Than One Treatment
While some patients notice visible improvement after a single CO2RE treatment, most scars respond best to a series of sessions. The number of treatments depends on several factors, including the type and depth of the scar, how long the scar has been there and your skin’s unique healing response.
For many people, a series of 2 to 4 treatments produces noticeable improvement. Deeper scars may require additional sessions to achieve the desired result. Rather than removing scars completely, the goal of treatment is typically to make them significantly less noticeable and better blended with the surrounding skin.
What Types of Scars Respond Best to CO2RE Treatment?
CO2RE laser resurfacing is commonly used to improve:
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Injury-related scars
- Uneven skin texture from previous skin damage
Because the treatment works by rebuilding collagen, it is especially effective for scars that create surface irregularities or depressions in the skin. During your consultation, a knowledgeable member of our team can determine whether your scar type is likely to respond well to this approach.
What to Expect After Treatment
CO2RE laser resurfacing is more intensive than lighter laser treatments, but it also produces more significant results.
After treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, a sunburn-like sensation and temporary peeling as the skin renews itself. Downtime typically ranges from several days to about a week, depending on treatment depth. As the skin heals, new collagen continues forming beneath the surface.
When You’ll Start to See Results
Many patients begin to notice smoother skin as the initial healing phase finishes. However, the most dramatic improvement often develops gradually over several weeks as collagen remodeling continues.
With each additional treatment, the skin becomes more even in texture and scars typically appear softer and less defined.
A personalized treatment plan helps to determine how many sessions are likely to provide the best outcome based on your skin and your goals. To get started planning your customized CO2RE laser treatment session, call our Tampa office at 813-877-8067 or contact us online and schedule your consultation today.
Author: Caroll Delo, CCE, CME
Lead aesthetician and co-owner of Simply Smooth, Caroll Delo has over a decade of experience in cosmetic surgery, laser treatments, and medical grade skincare services. Her vast knowledge in cosmetic medicine helps make sure that every man and woman who enters our doors receives top-quality care and expertise.