it’s a rejuvenation….not a restoration
There’s been a refreshing trend lately: more people are openly sharing the cosmetic procedures and treatments that they’ve had.
For those new to the world of aesthetics and positive aging, this honesty can be eye-opening. Once upon a time, what “work” someone had done was a tightly held secret. Now, transparency is helping to normalise the conversation — but it can also be confusing.
After all, everyone’s skin quality, bone structure, and treatment goals are different. What works brilliantly for one person may not be the right option for you.
CO₂ Laser vs Facelift — Why the Comparison?
A question I am often asked is: “Should I get CO₂ laser or a facelift?”
This question highlgihts the confusion, because these two procedures, whilst both considered powerful, are tnentirely different in their aims. They are not rivals. In fact, they complement each other.
CO₂ laser: improves the quality, texture, and appearance of your skin.
Facelift: surgically repositions sagging structures for lift and contour.
One isn’t “better” than the other — they simply achieve different goals.
Why CO₂ is Called the “Gold Standard” of Resurfacing
Let me talk you throught what CO2 can achieve and why it’s considered the gold standard of laser resurfacing procedures
The CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser uses focused beams of light that target water in the skin. With skin being about 70% water, you can see how this can produce profound results
Here’s how it works:
The laser heats and vaporises (ablates) damaged skin cells.
This controlled injury stimulates the production of fresh collagen and skin cell production by recruiting stem cells from the nearby undamaged cells
The process is a bit like pruning a tree: removing the old branches to encourage new, healthy growth.
The power and depth of the laser beam can be adjusted depending on what you aim to treat.
CO2 laser has been around for a long time, but previously the devices were fully ablative - imagine you cut the tree off at the base of the trunk. Now fractional laser exists, where the light beam is split into microscopic columns, so that only a ‘fraction’ of the skin surface is treated. - you’re just trimming a few branches. This means great results can still be achieved, but side effects are minimized
What CO₂ Laser Can (and Can’t) Do
CO₂ Laser Can:
Laser works to improve the quality and appearance of your skin.
Smooth fine lines and soften wrinkles
Improve skin tone and texture
Fade age spots, sun damage, and pigmentation
Stimulate collagen for subtle tightening
CO₂ Laser Can’t:
Lift sagging jowls
Eliminate “turkey neck” or neck banding
Reposition deeper facial structures
That’s where a facelift comes in.
Many plastic surgeons will recommend patients have CO2 laser in the months preceding a face lift to improve skin quality, allowing for enhance surgical results
Who Is CO₂ Laser Best Suited For?
Corrective: If you have sun damage, pigmentation, or lines you’d like to treat.
Preventative: If you want to maintain collagen and slow visible aging changes.
It’s also important to understand that CO₂ isn’t a “one-and-done” cure. Skin is living tissue — constantly exposed to the sun, environment, and internal changes. Results need to be maintained with:
A tailored treatment plan (sometimes a series of sessions)
Combination approaches (other modalities for volume, laxity, or redness)
Ongoing skin care and healthy lifestyle strategies
The Bottom Line
CO₂ laser is about rejuvenation, not restoration. It refreshes the skin, but it doesn’t replace the structural lift of surgery.
The first step is clarity: what do you actually want to achieve? Once your goals are defined, we can match the right treatments — or combination of treatments — to help you get there.
Your initial consultation is the best place to start.