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UltraClear vs. CO₂ Laser Resurfacing: How Do They Compare?
UltraClear and CO₂ lasers are both used to resurface the skin, improving texture, lines and scars. The main difference is how much heat each leaves behind, which affects downtime and who can be treated safely.
Two approaches to laser resurfacing
How each laser works
CO₂ laser resurfacing has been used for decades. It removes thin layers of damaged skin and heats the tissue underneath, which stimulates new collagen.
UltraClear is a 2910 nm cold ablative fibre laser. It also removes microscopic amounts of damaged skin, but it does so with very short pulses that leave little heat in the surrounding tissue. That is why it is described as a cold laser.
Why heat matters
Heat is part of how resurfacing lasers stimulate collagen, but it is also the main reason they can cause prolonged redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones. A laser that leaves less heat behind lowers that risk.
How they compare
- Skin tone: UltraClear carries a lower risk of pigmentation and redness, which makes it a strong option for skin of colour. CO₂ resurfacing requires more caution in darker skin tones.
- Downtime: with CO₂ resurfacing, the skin surface typically heals in about 4 to 7 days after lighter treatments and up to two weeks after deeper ones, and redness can take several weeks to fade. Recovery after UltraClear depends on the depth of treatment and is generally shorter at comparable settings.
- Adjustability: both can be adjusted from lighter to deeper treatment. UltraClear can range from a gentle, superficial resurfacing to deeper treatment for scars.
- What they treat: both are used for skin texture, fine lines, sun damage and acne scars.
Which is right for me?
The choice depends on your skin tone, the concern being treated, how much downtime you can manage and your treatment history. Some concerns are best treated with one laser, and some plans use different devices at different stages.
Read more about UltraClear and CO₂ resurfacing, or book a consultation with Dr. Guo to discuss which is suitable for your skin.
Related reading: Acne Scar Treatment Options: Lasers, Microneedling and More · Acne scar treatment in Calgary
Two approaches to laser resurfacing
How each laser works
CO₂ laser resurfacing has been used for decades. It removes thin layers of damaged skin and heats the tissue underneath, which stimulates new collagen.
UltraClear is a 2910 nm cold ablative fibre laser. It also removes microscopic amounts of damaged skin, but it does so with very short pulses that leave little heat in the surrounding tissue. That is why it is described as a cold laser.
Why heat matters
Heat is part of how resurfacing lasers stimulate collagen, but it is also the main reason they can cause prolonged redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones. A laser that leaves less heat behind lowers that risk.
How they compare
- Skin tone: UltraClear carries a lower risk of pigmentation and redness, which makes it a strong option for skin of colour. CO₂ resurfacing requires more caution in darker skin tones.
- Downtime: with CO₂ resurfacing, the skin surface typically heals in about 4 to 7 days after lighter treatments and up to two weeks after deeper ones, and redness can take several weeks to fade. Recovery after UltraClear depends on the depth of treatment and is generally shorter at comparable settings.
- Adjustability: both can be adjusted from lighter to deeper treatment. UltraClear can range from a gentle, superficial resurfacing to deeper treatment for scars.
- What they treat: both are used for skin texture, fine lines, sun damage and acne scars.
Which is right for me?
The choice depends on your skin tone, the concern being treated, how much downtime you can manage and your treatment history. Some concerns are best treated with one laser, and some plans use different devices at different stages.
Read more about UltraClear and CO₂ resurfacing, or book a consultation with Dr. Guo to discuss which is suitable for your skin.
Related reading: Acne Scar Treatment Options: Lasers, Microneedling and More · Acne scar treatment in Calgary