CO2 fractional laser resurfacing has become a skin rejuvenation standard. It safely deals with many skin irregularities like fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation, large pores, and loose skin.

Still, if you are a med spa owner, you would hardly build your business solely around a CO2 laser machine, as a single tree does not make a forest. To attract and maintain a stable customer flow, you should be able to offer your visitors an extensive range of top in-demand treatments. Knowing the most efficient combinations to treat the most common skin problems benefits both your customer satisfaction and bottom line.

Combo facials may fuel your sales,  ensure back-to-back bookings, and bring extra profit. Cross-selling and upselling are easier with customers who already know and trust you. Loyal clients are more open to trying additional treatments, especially if they bring already excellent results to the next level.  

So what are the most advantageous co-treatments for CO2 fractional resurfacing?

1. Microneedling

It is a fine combination as both these facials work similarly and boost each other’s efficiency. The sweet couple’s most dramatic effect is enhanced collagen and elastin production. It means plumpy and firm skin and less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles. Skin tone differences, whether due to sun damage or scarring, also considerably improve. Scars are made less visible.

Microneedling is equally good before or after fractional resurfacing or even in alternating order, depending on the customer’s intentions and skin concerns.

2. PRP

Another add-on therapy is platelet-rich plasma, better known as PRP. It is an innovative 100%-natural non-invasive treatment for healing scars and wounds and fighting age-related changes. PRP is applied immediately after laser resurfacing on the treated area to speed healing and improve esthetic results.

3. IPL

Various studies showed considerable improvement in acne, inflammatory, and scarring lesions when intense pulsed light and fractional CO2 sessions are coupled.

The sequence is up to the physician and the expected results. When treating scars, opt for several IPL sessions first and a fractional treatment after. When dealing with pigmentation lesions, IPL is great for use after fractional laser to address redness, a common side effect of fractional CO2 treatments.

4. Carboxytherapy 

If CDT (carbon dioxide therapy) accompanies CO2 fractional, you may achieve a more significant increase in the thickness of the epidermis when compared to a sole CDT. Due to apparent neocollagen formation, the texture and pigmentation likewise show remarkable improvements. 

5. HIFU

Powerful rejuvenation set. When used in a single treatment session, with CO2 fractional immediately after HIFU, the dual modality better smoothes out wrinkles and tightens sagging skin.

6. Botox

Botulotoxin Type A topical immediately after CO2 facial may be an effective adjuvant therapy enhancing the rejuvenation effect of CO2 laser. Botox can penetrate the dermis through the micropores created by a carbon-dioxide laser and enhance collagen production, resulting in better skin elasticity and texture. Botox also improves skin barrier function, which is crucial during the recovery period of laser-treated skin.

Though much advanced recently, fractional CO2 facial is still associated with a variety of side effects like reddening, hyperpigmentation, skin swelling, and scarring. The co-therapies not only bring added benefits to the laser treatment but allow reducing adverse reactions.

Moreover, when skin concerns require multiple CO2 fractional sessions, a fusion of several techniques might give a comparable result with a more affordable price tag so that you can target a wider audience.