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If you're starting to explore cosmetic procedures that offer real results, beyond what you can get from skincare products alone, there’s a good chance you’ve come across CO2 laser skin resurfacing and RF microneedling.
These two treatments are among the most effective ways to improve the look and feel of your skin. But even though they’re both used for facial rejuvenation, they work in very different ways. One involves fractional lasers, the other uses radiofrequency energy delivered through tiny needles. So how do you decide which one is right for your skin concerns?
Let’s go into what each cosmetic treatment does, how much downtime to expect, and which one might be the better fit based on your goals and skin type. Whether you're looking to fade acne scars, tighten loose skin, or reduce facial wrinkles, we’ll help you make a more informed decision.
People who are looking into skin resurfacing are likely frustrated with something they’re seeing in the mirror. You might feel like your skin looks tired, uneven, or older than you’d like. These treatments can help address a wide range of issues, including:
At Quinn Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center, we often see patients who are dealing with visible signs of aging, skin discoloration, or lingering acne scars from years past. In some cases, people simply want brighter, smoother facial skin that feels more refreshed.
Both CO2 laser resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling can deliver great results, but the approach and intensity are very different.
CO2 laser skin resurfacing uses carbon dioxide laser light to precisely remove layers of damaged skin in a controlled manner. The treatment creates microscopic injuries to the treated area, which triggers the wound healing process and stimulates your body to produce new collagen fibers. It’s one of the most effective ways to smooth out rough skin, soften scars, and refresh the surface.
This ablative laser treatment is often considered the gold standard for deep facial rejuvenation, especially for:
A laser wand is passed over the treated skin, targeting specific areas while leaving surrounding tissue intact to speed up healing. Most patients will have a topical anesthetic applied before the procedure.
The healing time for CO2 laser resurfacing is longer than with non-ablative treatments. You’ll likely have redness, peeling, and swelling for about 7 to 14 days, depending on your skin condition, skin thickness, and other factors like your health and age. You’ll need to keep the area clean, apply an antibacterial ointment, and avoid sun exposure while your skin heals.
An ice pack can help soothe the skin, especially in the first 24 hours. Most patients return to their normal routine within two weeks, but some redness can linger longer as the new skin develops.
In many cases, just one laser treatment delivers impressive results. That’s part of why traditional resurfacing with CO2 lasers is so popular. You’ll likely see smoother texture, improved tone, and a more even skin tone after a single session.
Radiofrequency microneedling is a non-ablative procedure that uses microneedling devices to create tiny channels in the skin while delivering radiofrequency waves deep into the treated area. Unlike laser treatments that work from the outside in, RF microneedling works from the inside out, heating the lower layers of skin to tighten and stimulate collagen production.
It’s a great option for anyone who wants a subtle, natural-looking improvement with minimal downtime.
This treatment is commonly used for:
It’s especially helpful for people with darker skin tones, since it carries less risk of pigmentation changes compared to ablative lasers or more aggressive laser resurfacing procedures.
You might have some redness and light flaking for one to three days after treatment. Most people can go back to work or resume their normal routine the next day. Because it doesn't remove the outer layers of skin, the risk of sun sensitivity, infection, or long-term side effects is very low.
RF microneedling works gradually, so you’ll likely need three to four sessions spaced about a month apart to see full results. The collagen fibers that form after each treatment continue to build over time, giving your skin a firmer, more even look.
Here’s how these two popular cosmetic procedures stack up:
| CO2 Laser Resurfacing | RF Microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For: | Deep facial wrinkles, uneven skin texture, scarring, sun damage |
Mild skin laxity, acne scars, fine lines, darker skin |
| Sessions Needed: | Usually one to three | Three to four |
| Downtime: | 7 to 14 days | One to three days |
| Pain Level: | Moderate (numbing or sedation) | Mild to moderate (numbing) |
| Treatment Time: | 60 to 90 minutes | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Results: | After one session | Build over two to three months |
| Longevity: | Long-term with proper skin care | Several months with maintenance |
| Targets: | Damaged skin, texture, scarring, tone | Skin laxity, texture, early wrinkles |
| Works with Darker Skin Tones? | Not always recommended | Generally safe |
| New Collagen Stimulation? | Yes | Yes |
It’s not always about picking the “better” treatment; it’s about choosing what’s right for your skin.
Choose CO2 laser resurfacing if you want more dramatic results in one session and don’t mind some downtime. It’s especially helpful for wrinkles, rough skin texture, deeper acne scars, or areas of damaged skin.
Choose RF microneedling if you’re looking for less downtime, a gentler option for darker skin tones, or want to gradually improve skin laxity and overall smoothness. It’s also safer if you’re dealing with active acne breakouts, since lasers can sometimes make inflammation worse.
If you’re unsure, we’ll walk you through the options during your consultation, and even discuss whether combining laser resurfacing with other procedures might give you the best results.
At Quinn Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center, we take the guesswork out of your treatment plan.
During your visit, we’ll examine your facial skin, go over your skin concerns, and ask about your goals, lifestyle, and comfort level with downtime. We’ll also look at things like skin type, skin thickness, and whether you’ve had other treatments before.
Whether we recommend CO2 laser, radio frequency microneedling, or something else entirely, your treatment will be tailored just for you. No pressure. No upselling. Just honest advice and expert care.
Dr. Quinn and the entire aesthetic team focus on treatments that are safe, effective, and personalized, so you walk out feeling like the best version of yourself.
If you're ready to refresh your skin and get personalized guidance from an experienced team, schedule a consultation at Quinn Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center. Whether you're interested in CO2 laser resurfacing, radiofrequency microneedling, or want help navigating the best cosmetic treatments for your goals, we’re here to help you make a confident, informed choice.
Your skin deserves expert care, and so do you.
Schedule your Kansas City plastic surgery consultation today
When you commit to your beauty journey, you are choosing to take how the world sees you into your own hands. That’s an empowering feeling. Dr. Quinn and his team at Quinn Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center are here to honor that commitment and help you achieve the best results for you and your body. These are your decisions. Our role is to help you make the most of them. Schedule a consultation today to get started on your beauty journey.
6920 W 121st St #102, Leawood, KS 66209
