5 Skin Issues the MIXto CO2 Laser Treats
When it comes to skin resurfacing, CO2 lasers have long been considered the gold standard. CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser energy penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production and encouraging the body to replace damaged tissue with healthier, smoother skin. But traditional CO2 lasers came with drawbacks, including extended downtime and a higher risk of complications for patients with darker skin tones.
That’s where the MIXto CO2 laser comes in. Unlike older systems that treat the entire skin surface, the MIXto uses advanced ‘fractional’ technology to deliver laser energy in a precise, scattered pattern – treating a fraction of the skin at a time while leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing. At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, board-certified dermatologists Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg offer CO2 laser treatment with the MIXto to address a wide range of skin concerns with less downtime and more predictable results.
How the MIXto CO2 Laser Treatment Works
The MIXto CO2 laser uses patented scanning technology that divides the treatment area into four quadrants, delivering tiny columns of laser energy in a non-sequential pattern. This ensures each section of skin has the longest possible cooling interval before being treated again – significantly reducing discomfort and speeding up recovery compared to older CO2 laser systems.
When the CO2 laser energy contacts the skin, it vaporizes the outermost layers, removing damaged cells and triggering the body’s natural wound-healing response. This stimulates new collagen and elastin – the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth, and youthful. Clinical data shows patients may see new collagen production for up to one year following CO2 laser treatment. At Goldenberg Dermatology in upper east side Manhattan, Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg customize every CO2 laser treatment to each patient’s unique skin type and goals.
MIXto CO2 Laser Treatment for Deep Wrinkles
Fine lines and deep wrinkles develop as the skin loses collagen and elastin over time – a process accelerated by sun exposure and natural aging. While topical creams may offer modest improvement, CO2 laser treatment reaches far deeper to address wrinkles at their source. The MIXto vaporizes damaged surface layers while delivering controlled heat to the underlying dermis, causing immediate tissue contraction and tightening.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) recognizes CO2 laser resurfacing as one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for moderate to deep facial wrinkles, with each session producing a 30% to 50% improvement in lines and wrinkles. Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan have helped countless patients reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead lines, and wrinkles around the mouth using the MIXto CO2 laser treatment.
CO2 Laser Treatment for Scars
Scars from acne, surgery, or injury can leave the skin with an uneven, pitted, or raised texture that is difficult to improve with topical products alone. CO2 laser treatment works by removing the scarred outer layers and stimulating collagen remodeling in the deeper dermis. The MIXto’s fractional approach is particularly well-suited to scar treatment because it triggers elastin regeneration and collagen remodeling at a deeper level than non-ablative lasers.
Research published in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences confirms that fractional CO2 lasers are highly effective for treating both atrophic scars – such as those from acne – and hypertrophic scars from surgery or trauma. Board-certified dermatologists Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan develop a personalized CO2 laser treatment plan based on each patient’s scar type, depth, and skin tone.
CO2 Laser Treatment for Uneven Texture
Rough, bumpy, or uneven skin texture can result from sun damage, enlarged pores, residual acne scarring, and the natural slowing of cell turnover that comes with age. CO2 laser treatment addresses texture concerns by removing the outermost layer of uneven skin cells and stimulating the growth of fresh, smooth skin underneath.
The MIXto’s fractional delivery system allows Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg to precisely control the depth and intensity of CO2 laser treatment, making it possible to treat rough texture on the face, neck, chest, and hands. Patients at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan typically notice visible improvement in skin smoothness within just a few weeks of CO2 laser treatment, with continued refinement over the following months as new collagen forms.
CO2 Laser Treatment for Age Spots and Melasma
Age spots, sun spots, and melasma are forms of hyperpigmentation caused by excess melanin production. While topical lightening agents can fade surface-level discoloration, deeper pigment irregularities require a more targeted approach. CO2 laser treatment vaporizes melanocytes loaded with excess pigment while stimulating the production of new, more evenly toned skin cells.
A study published in the Journal of the Egyptian Women’s Dermatologic Society found that fractional CO2 laser treatment produced a 48% reduction in melasma severity scores after just two sessions, with up to an 80% improvement in age spots and pigmentary irregularities. At Goldenberg Dermatology in upper east side Manhattan, Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg carefully evaluate each patient’s skin type and pigmentation concerns to determine the optimal CO2 laser treatment settings for safe, effective results.
CO2 Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks – or striae distensae – develop when the skin stretches rapidly due to pregnancy, growth spurts, weight fluctuations, or hormonal changes. These linear scars form in the dermis when connective tissue fibers break down, and they can be very difficult to improve with topical products alone. CO2 laser treatment stimulates collagen remodeling and elastin regeneration deep within the dermis, helping to smooth the appearance of stretch marks over time.
A randomized clinical trial published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology found that fractional CO2 laser treatment was significantly more effective than topical glycolic acid and tretinoin for improving stretch marks, particularly in patients with darker skin tones. Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan offer CO2 laser treatment to reduce the visibility of stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, and other common areas.
Benefits of the MIXto Over Other CO2 Lasers
Not all CO2 lasers are created equal. Traditional, fully ablative CO2 systems treat 100% of the skin’s surface, which can deliver dramatic results but often comes with two to three weeks of recovery, significant discomfort, and a higher risk of complications. The MIXto’s fractional technology treats only a portion of the skin in each session, leaving “bridges” of healthy tissue intact to accelerate healing – meaning most patients experience just five to seven days of downtime.
The MIXto also uses a unique “CW Chopped” energy delivery system that creates a thin coagulated layer during CO2 laser treatment, resulting in less bleeding, less swelling, and reduced risk of infection. The MIXto’s precise energy control also makes CO2 laser treatment safer for patients with a wider range of skin tones – an important consideration for Manhattan’s diverse population. At Goldenberg Dermatology, Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg chose the MIXto specifically for its ability to deliver powerful CO2 laser treatment results with a gentler, more customizable approach.
CO2 Laser Treatment | Manhattan
If you are considering CO2 laser treatment to address wrinkles, scars, uneven texture, pigmentation, or stretch marks, schedule an appointment with board-certified dermatologists Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan. With the advanced MIXto CO2 laser system, you can achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin with less downtime than traditional CO2 laser treatments. Contact Goldenberg Dermatology today to learn how CO2 laser treatment can help you put your best face forward.
Manhattan Laser Treatments: 212-405-8202
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