DEKA CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing that smooths deep wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage by renewing the skin and rebuilding collagen.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Craig Singer offers DEKA CO2 laser resurfacing at his Bingham Farms practice.

Quick facts

Treats

Deep wrinkles, scars, sun damage

Technology

Fractional CO2 laser

Downtime
About a week

Results

Improve over weeks to months

Sessions

Often one to a few

Best for

Resurfacing & collagen

Experience the transformation of Deka SmartXide CO2 laser resurfacing

Aging skin is characterized by sunspots, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles, poor skin tone, and laxity. Photoaging is seen more commonly in fair skinned people and those who have had significant sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation (from natural sunlight and artificial tanning salons) leads to collagen and elastic fiber degeneration. The result is a worn and mottled appearance.

Fortunately, significant improvements in skin imperfections are achievable with CO2 laser. CO2 lasers target the water in the skin causing ablation (vaporization of tissue) and coagulation (heating of tissue with skin tightening). Fully ablative lasers destroy 100% of the skin surface leading to dramatic improvement but with prolonged downtime (up to a month) and significant risk of complications such as permanent loss of pigmentation and scarring. Fractional ablative lasers destroy only a fraction of the skin (5% to 25%) leading to a safer and less painful procedure, with much faster healing time and far less risk of complications. Whereas fully ablative lasers need just one treatment, fractional lasers require several treatments for optimal results.

Actual patient of Craig Singer MD. Individual results vary.

Resurfaces and rebuilds

Because CO2 resurfacing works deeper than most treatments, it can deliver dramatic results for the right candidate. There is a recovery period of about a week, which Dr. Singer reviews with you in advance.

What CO2 resurfacing treats

A powerful option for deeper skin concerns:

Deep wrinkles

Smoothing etched-in lines and folds.

Acne & surgical scars

Resurfacing and softening scar texture.

Sun damage

Renewing photoaged, weathered skin.

Tone & texture

Improving overall surface quality.

The SmartXide CO2 process

From consultation to treatment, the procedure is performed entirely by Dr. Singer.

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Singer will examine your skin under direct and tangential lighting, conducting a detailed skin analysis, and discussing your aesthetic goals. High-resolution photos are taken.

On the day of the procedure, you will need to arrive a minimum of 60 minutes prior to the laser treatment for application of topical numbing. If you choose, Dr. Singer can prescribe Xanax in advance to reduce anxiety. Preoperative photographs will be taken. The skin is thoroughly cleansed, and the patient is positioned comfortably. Laser eye goggles are placed to protect the eyes from the laser beam.

The procedure is conducted exclusively by Dr. Singer over the next 30 minutes. Cooling fans and ice are used for patient comfort during the procedure. Occasionally nerve blocks with injectable lidocaine are needed if the patient finds the procedure too uncomfortable. Written postoperative instructions are provided with close follow-up over the next week.

The skin’s healing and collagen-rebuilding process after treatment

Before & after

Real cases at Craig Singer MD Dermatology — drag each slider to compare.

Before and after comparison
Before After
Before and after comparison
Before After
Before and after comparison
Before After
Actual patient of Craig Singer MD. Individual results vary.

Real case at CSD

A single fractional treatment, stage by stage — swipe to follow the healing progression.
Intraoperative DOT pattern from the CO2 laser
2 days post-op: redness, oozing, scabbing, and darkening of sun spots
One week post-op: loss of the grid pattern on the skin
2 weeks post-op: significant healing, mild redness, and marked reduction in sun freckles with improved tone and texture

Actual patient of Craig Singer MD. Individual results vary.

What to expect: the recovery timeline

CO2 laser resurfacing heals in predictable phases. Here is what most patients experience:

Days 1-3

Initial recovery involves redness, swelling, and mild discomfort, like a sunburn sensation. Patients should expect to stay indoors and follow strict sun protection protocols during this period. Cool compresses and prescribed skincare products will help manage any discomfort.

Days 4-7

Skin begins to peel and flake as new skin cells emerge. Redness starts to subside, though some areas may remain pink. Patients can usually return to light daily activities on day 7 while wearing proper sun protection.

Days 8-14

Most surface healing is complete, though some pinkness may persist. Makeup can typically be applied after day 7 to 10, depending on your specific treatment. Patients can resume most normal activities.

Weeks 3-4

Skin color begins to normalize, and the initial results of the treatment become more visible. Some patients may still experience mild sensitivity or redness in certain areas, and flushing with exercise is common.

Months 1-3

Continued improvement in skin texture and tone as collagen production increases. Results typically become fully visible during this period as the skin completes its remodeling process.

Long-term care

To maintain results, patients should follow a prescribed skincare regimen and protect their skin from sun exposure. Some patients may benefit from maintenance treatments every couple of years.
Frequently asked questions

What CO2 resurfacing treats, how it works, downtime, comfort, sessions, and candidacy.

Most people tolerate the laser with topical numbing, fan cooling, and ice. If more aggressive settings are used, we may give you Xanax beforehand and may need to perform a local nerve block.

Most people need 3 sessions spaced a minimum of 2 months apart to see optimal results. Every few years, we may refresh with a single session.

It is hard to say for sure, and no guarantees can be made. You will continue to age after your procedure. But if you practice good sun protection and use tretinoin and vitamin C, results should be visible for several years.

Recovery follows the timeline above: redness and swelling in days 1-3, peeling in days 4-7, most surface healing by days 8-14, then continued improvement in tone and texture over the following weeks and months.

You may not be a good candidate if you are:

  • Those who fail to use sunscreen, wear hats, and practice poor sun protection
  • Smokers
  • Darker skinned people (as they are at risk for substantial hyperpigmentation)
  • Those who will not comply with the recommended aftercare
  • Those planning a trip or with an important social obligation soon after the treatment

CO2 laser skin resurfacing across metro Detroit

Dr. Singer performs Deka SmartXide CO2 laser resurfacing at his Bingham Farms office, convenient to patients throughout Oakland County and metro Detroit. Every treatment is planned around your skin and an in-person assessment.

Patient testimonials

4.9

Based on Google reviews

HOUR Detroit Top Doc

Recognized dermatologist

About Dr. Craig Singer MD Dermatology

Located in Bingham Farms, Craig Singer MD Dermatology was founded in 2017 by Dr. Craig Singer, a board-certified dermatologist.

We specialize in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology, treating patients of all ages, newborn through elderly. We have expertise in a wide variety of skin conditions including eczema, acne, and warts as well as complicated dermatological issues that include hair loss and autoimmune disease. In addition, we are highly skilled in the evaluation of moles and skin cancer.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Craig Singer has helped thousands of patients look and feel their best.

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20+ Years

Trusted by Thousands

Board-Certified

Dermatologist & Pediatrician

Craig Singer MD: Skin Care Specialist in Metro Detroit
american board of physician specialists
Craig Singer MD: Skin Care Specialist in Metro Detroit
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skin cancer foundation
society for pediatric dermatology
American Society for dermatologic surgery