Choosing between CO2 laser treatments and PicoSure Pro laser treatments is one of the most common decisions patients face when exploring advanced laser treatments in Virginia Beach. Both are highly effective, but they serve very different purposes.

CO2 resurfacing is known for deeper correction and more intensive skin resurfacing, while PicoSure Pro focuses on pigmentation and skin revitalization with minimal downtime.

Understanding how these treatments differ will help you choose the right approach for your skin goals.

This guide breaks down CO2 laser vs PicoSure Pro, including what each treatment does, how they compare, results, recovery, and cost considerations.

What Are CO2 Laser Treatments?

CO2 laser treatments are a type of laser resurfacing that removes damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen production deep within the skin.

CO2 resurfacing is ideal for:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Acne scars
• Uneven skin texture
• Skin laxity
• Advanced sun damage

At The Skin Chic, CO2 laser resurfacing includes two baseline treatment options:

• CoolPeel Laser
• DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser

Both baseline CO2 treatments include the face and neck. The chest and hands can be added as enhancements when additional treatment areas are desired.

These treatments are fully customized based on your skin concerns, desired level of correction, and downtime preferences.

All CO2 laser treatments are exclusively performed at our Shore Drive location in Virginia Beach.

What Is PicoSure Pro?

PicoSure Pro is a next-generation picosecond laser that delivers ultra-fast pulses of energy to improve pigmentation and stimulate collagen without removing layers of skin.

PicoSure Pro is best for:

• Sun damage and pigmentation
• Uneven skin tone
• Acne-related discoloration
• Skin brightening and revitalization
• Tattoo removal

Unlike CO2 resurfacing, PicoSure Pro focuses on improving skin clarity and tone with minimal downtime.

The Skin Chic is the only med spa in the Hampton Roads region offering advanced PicoSure Pro laser treatments, making it a unique option for patients in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake.

CO2 Laser vs PicoSure Pro: Key Differences

While both treatments use advanced laser technology, they are designed for different outcomes.

Treatment Purpose

• CO2 laser treatments focus on resurfacing and texture correction
• PicoSure Pro focuses on pigmentation and skin revitalization

Depth of Treatment

• CO2 provides skin resurfacing and stimulates collagen remodeling
• PicoSure Pro works without removing the surface layer

Downtime

• CO2 resurfacing requires downtime depending on the treatment selected and its intensity
• PicoSure Pro has little to no downtime

Results

• CO2 can provide more intensive correction for wrinkles, texture, and scars
• PicoSure Pro delivers gradual, natural-looking improvement in pigmentation, tone, and skin quality

Number of Treatments

• CO2 treatment planning depends on the treatment selected and the degree of correction desired
• PicoSure Pro typically requires a series of treatments

CO2 Resurfacing vs PicoSure Pro for Acne Scars

For acne scars, the right treatment depends on severity and the type of concern being treated.

CO2 Resurfacing

• May be appropriate for deeper acne scars
• Resurfaces the skin
• Stimulates long-term collagen remodeling

PicoSure Pro

• May be appropriate for milder scarring and acne-related discoloration
• Can improve tone and skin quality with minimal downtime

When deeper texture is the primary concern, CO2 resurfacing may provide the more intensive treatment approach.

CO2 Laser vs PicoSure Pro for Pigmentation

For pigmentation concerns, PicoSure Pro is often the preferred choice.

PicoSure Pro

• Breaks up pigment with minimal heat
• Improves sun damage and discoloration
• Requires little downtime

CO2 Resurfacing

• Can improve pigmentation
• Provides a more intensive resurfacing approach
• May be considered when texture correction is also needed

Depending on your skin concerns, both technologies may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan.

What Results Can You Expect?

CO2 laser treatment results:

• Smoother skin texture
• Reduced wrinkles and scars
• Firmer, more youthful-looking skin
• Long-term collagen production

PicoSure Pro results:

• Brighter, more even skin tone
• Reduced pigmentation
• Improved skin clarity
• Gradual collagen stimulation

CO2 resurfacing provides a more intensive approach to correcting texture, wrinkles, and scars, while PicoSure Pro provides progressive improvement with minimal downtime.

How Long Do Results Last?

CO2 resurfacing:

• Improvements can remain visible for years depending on skincare, sun protection, natural aging, and other factors
• Collagen remodeling continues after treatment

PicoSure Pro:

• Results can be maintained with periodic treatments
• Can be incorporated into an ongoing skin maintenance plan

Both treatments benefit from proper skincare and sun protection.

What Is the Recovery Like?

Recovery is one of the biggest differences between these treatments.

CO2 Laser Treatments

• Redness, peeling, and downtime can occur
• CoolPeel provides the lighter, lower-downtime CO2 option
• DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser involves a more structured recovery that varies based on treatment intensity and individual healing

PicoSure Pro

• Minimal redness
• Little to no downtime
• Quick return to daily activities

Patients with busy schedules may prefer PicoSure Pro or CoolPeel, while those seeking a greater degree of resurfacing may consider DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser.

How Much Do These Laser Treatments Cost?

CO2 Laser Treatment Costs at The Skin Chic Include:

Both baseline CO2 treatments include the face and neck. The chest and hands can be added as enhancements.

Treatment	Treatment Area	Price
CoolPeel Laser	Face + Neck	$800
DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser	Face + Neck	$2,300
Chest Add-On (Décolleté Treatment)	Chest / Décolleté	+$400
Laser Hand Add-On Treatment	Hands	+$400

PicoSure Pro Pricing Includes:

• Hands: $600
• Face: $700
• Face + Neck: $950
• Face + Neck + Chest: $1,400

Please refer to our treatment menu for the most up-to-date pricing. Pricing is subject to change.

CO2 and PicoSure Pro pricing reflects different technologies, treatment areas, and treatment goals. Cost should be considered alongside the type of correction you're trying to achieve, expected downtime, and your personalized treatment plan.

Can CO2 Treatment Include the Chest or Hands?

Yes. Both baseline CO2 treatments at The Skin Chic include the face and neck, and additional areas can be incorporated as enhancements.

Chest Add-On (Décolleté Treatment)

The chest can be added for $400 to extend CO2 resurfacing beyond the face and neck. This can help address concerns such as sun damage, fine lines, crepey texture, and uneven skin tone in the décolleté.

Laser Hand Add-On Treatment

The hands can also be added for $400 to address concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, and changes in skin texture and tone.

These enhancements allow your provider to customize not only the type of CO2 treatment you receive, but also the areas included in your treatment plan.

Is CO2 or PicoSure Pro Worth It?

Both treatments can be worth it depending on your goals.

CO2 Resurfacing May Be Appropriate If You Want:

• More intensive correction
• Long-lasting improvements
• Resurfacing for concerns such as wrinkles, scars, and texture

PicoSure Pro May Be Appropriate If You Want:

• Minimal downtime
• Gradual improvement
• Pigmentation correction

The best approach is often a customized treatment plan rather than choosing one over the other based on intensity or cost alone.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Each Treatment?

CO2 Laser Treatments May Be Appropriate for Patients Who:

• Have wrinkles, acne scars, or more significant texture concerns
• Want a greater degree of visible correction
• Are comfortable with the recovery associated with their selected CO2 treatment

PicoSure Pro May Be Appropriate for Patients Who:

• Have pigmentation or uneven tone
• Want brighter skin with minimal downtime
• Prefer a gradual improvement approach

Patients across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Hampton Roads may benefit from a combination of treatments tailored to their skin.

Laser Treatments vs Laser Facials

Both CO2 resurfacing and PicoSure Pro go beyond traditional laser facials.

Laser Facials

• Surface-level improvement
• Maintenance-focused
• Lower cost

CO2 and PicoSure Pro

• Advanced correction for specific skin concerns
• Longer-term improvements
• Higher investment

Understanding this difference helps set realistic expectations.

Where to Get Laser Treatments in Virginia Beach

Choosing the right provider is critical for achieving safe and effective results.

At The Skin Chic:

• Treatments are fully customized
• Advanced laser technologies are used
• CoolPeel and DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser are available
• Both baseline CO2 treatments include the face and neck
• Chest and hand enhancements are available for CO2 treatments
• CO2 resurfacing and PicoSure Pro are performed at the Shore Drive location
• Care is focused on long-term results

Patients trust The Skin Chic for expert-level laser treatments in Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads area.

Final Thoughts: CO2 Laser vs PicoSure Pro

CO2 laser treatments and PicoSure Pro are both powerful options, but they serve different purposes.

Key Takeaways

• CO2 resurfacing is focused on texture, wrinkles, scars, and collagen remodeling
• CoolPeel provides the lighter, lower-downtime CO2 option
• DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser provides a more intensive resurfacing option
• Both baseline CO2 treatments include the face and neck
• The chest and hands can be added to CO2 treatments as enhancements
• PicoSure Pro is particularly useful for pigmentation and skin tone
• CO2 requires more recovery, while PicoSure Pro offers minimal downtime

If you are considering laser treatments in Virginia Beach, a consultation will help determine the right combination of treatments for your skin.