Acne scars can be a lasting reminder of past breakouts, often leaving behind uneven texture, discoloration, or deep indentations in the skin. Fortunately, laser technology makes it possible to dramatically smooth and resurface the skin for a clearer, more radiant complexion.

At The Skin Chic in Virginia Beach, we use the Tetra PRO CO2 laser—an advanced resurfacing tool ideal for treating acne scars that haven’t responded to microneedling, peels, or facials alone.

If you're tired of covering up textured skin or struggling with low self-confidence due to acne scarring, this treatment offers real, long-lasting results. Here's everything you need to know about how the Tetra PRO CO2 laser works and why it may be the best option for you.

What Is Tetra PRO CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

The Tetra PRO CO2 laser is a fractional ablative laser that uses precise bursts of energy to remove damaged outer skin layers while stimulating new collagen production deep within the dermis. This process initiates a healing response that leads to smoother skin, improved tone, and a significant reduction in the appearance of acne scars.

Unlike older CO2 systems, Tetra PRO gives us more control over intensity, depth, and coverage. We can customize the treatment for each individual client—whether you need a light refresh or deep scar remodeling.

One of the major benefits of the Tetra PRO system is that it includes CoolPeel® technology. CoolPeel delivers CO2 energy in a way that maximizes results while minimizing heat and thermal damage. This means less downtime and faster healing, even for more intensive resurfacing treatments.

How CO2 Laser Resurfacing Helps With Acne Scars

Tetra PRO CO2 is especially effective at targeting three key issues caused by acne:

• Textural irregularities such as rolling, boxcar, and icepick scars
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and red marks
• Enlarged pores and rough surface texture

By resurfacing the outer layers of the skin and promoting new collagen growth, this treatment gradually lifts pitted scars and fades discoloration. Over time, your skin becomes noticeably smoother, firmer, and more even in tone.

What to Expect During Treatment

Tetra PRO CO2 laser treatments begin with a detailed consultation where we assess your skin, determine your scar type, and customize your treatment plan. On the day of the procedure, your skin will be cleansed and numbed with a topical anesthetic for comfort. The treatment itself takes about 15 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area.

You may experience a warm sensation during the treatment, and your skin will feel like a sunburn afterward. This is completely normal and expected as part of the healing process.

Downtime and Healing Process

Downtime with Tetra PRO varies depending on how aggressive the treatment is. If you're having a CoolPeel session, you'll likely have some redness and light flaking for 1–3 days. For moderate to deep resurfacing, you can expect 5–10 days of healing with redness, swelling, and peeling as new skin cells regenerate.

Results often begin to appear within 10–14 days, with continued improvement over the following 3–6 months as collagen rebuilds beneath the surface.

How It Compares to Other Acne Scar Treatments

Tetra PRO CO2 is one of the most advanced and aggressive acne scar treatments we offer at The Skin Chic. Compared to microneedling, which improves mild to moderate scarring over a series of treatments with minimal downtime, Tetra PRO delivers faster, more dramatic improvements in fewer sessions—especially for clients with deeper scars or more complex texture concerns.

While chemical peels and facials can help even skin tone and promote gentle resurfacing, they do not target the dermis or remodel scar tissue the way a CO2 laser does. Tetra PRO is also far more customizable than traditional CO2 lasers, allowing us to treat just the surface (with CoolPeel), go deeper into the skin for intensive correction, or combine both approaches in a series.

Ultimately, if you’ve tried other modalities and haven’t seen the results you want, or if your scars are more severe, CO2 laser resurfacing offers the best chance at a noticeable transformation.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The Tetra PRO CO2 laser is best suited for those with:

• Visible acne scars including boxcar, rolling, or icepick scars
• Rough or uneven skin texture
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation from past breakouts

If you have deeper skin tones or active acne, we may recommend a different protocol or preparatory treatment plan to reduce the risk of pigmentation issues and ensure safe, optimal results.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Most clients see a major difference after just one Tetra PRO CO2 session, particularly if the treatment is aggressive. However, depending on the depth and age of your scars, a series of 2–3 sessions spaced 8–12 weeks apart may be ideal for full correction. Maintenance treatments once a year can help preserve results and continue collagen remodeling over time.

Supporting Treatments for Best Results

For the best results, we often pair CO2 laser resurfacing with complementary treatments such as:

• Medical-grade skincare to prep and maintain skin
• Microneedling or Potenza RF microneedling between sessions
• DMK Enzyme Therapy to support healing and reduce inflammation
• LED light therapy to boost collagen and reduce redness

Our team will help you build a post-laser skincare plan to protect your investment and keep your skin looking its best.

Book Your Acne Scar Consultation in Virginia Beach

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to acne scars and want the most advanced technology available, Tetra PRO CO2 laser resurfacing is the gold standard. At The Skin Chic, we bring together deep expertise, advanced technology, and personalized treatment plans to help you finally feel great in your skin again.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward smoother, healthier skin.