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
FAQ
Is UltraClear safe for darker skin tones?
UltraClear leaves less heat in the skin than traditional resurfacing lasers, which lowers the risk of pigmentation changes. Suitability is still assessed individually at a consultation.
Which has less downtime, UltraClear or CO2?
Downtime depends on how deep the treatment is. At comparable settings, recovery after UltraClear is generally shorter because less heat is left in the skin.
Do both lasers treat acne scars?
Yes. Both are used to resurface acne scars. The better choice depends on your scar type and skin tone.
How many laser resurfacing treatments will I need?
This varies with the concern and the depth of treatment. Some people have a single deeper treatment, and others have a series of lighter ones.