Why I Didn’t Buy a CO₂ Laser — and What We Chose Instead
By Dr. Erin Lucie, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
I refused to bring another laser into the clinic until I was certain…
and no just hopeful, that it would be safer, more inclusive, more comfortable, and truly worth my patients’ money, calendar, and trust.
Most people don’t see this part of running a medical spa, the part where I spend months researching, testing, interviewing clinics across the country, and learning from other people’s purchase regrets before making a decision. When I choose a device, I’m not gambling with money, I’m gambling with faces, with confidence, with weddings, board meetings, photos, milestones, and memories.
That is why I walked away from CO₂, and why I chose NouvaDerm instead.
I Know Resurfacing — I’ve Been Doing It for Over a Decade
Resurfacing is not new territory for me. I’ve been using fractional resurfacing devices for 10+ years and have seen firsthand how powerful they can be when done correctly. Our previous device produced excellent results, and I stood behind it. But it used a stamping pattern and one face treatment could take over an hour. And body areas? Entirely unrealistic. Treating arms, legs, or back wasn’t even on the table.
NouvaDerm changed that. It uses a sweeping motion, allowing me to treat large surfaces such as face, neck, chest, arms, even back, in minutes rather than an hour. Now I can treat you efficiently without asking you to sacrifice your schedule or sanity. For someone who already knows this category inside and out, the upgrade was instantly obvious.
Why I Chose NOT to Purchase a CO₂ Laser
Let me be clear… CO₂ is not “bad” technology. It is simply not the right technology for the majority of real-world patients I treat.
Here is what you have told me over and over:
- “I can’t take two full weeks off work.”
- “I don’t want people to know I had something done.”
- “I’m scared of scarring or pigmentation.”
- “I want big results without disappearing from my life.”
CO₂ comes with:
- Longer, socially disruptive downtime
- Raw, exposed healing surfaces
- Higher risk of pigment changes for darker skin tones
- More inflammation and post-procedure sensitivity
- Limited suitability for Fitzpatrick IV, V, and VI
- A recovery period that does not fit family, career, or events
If a device does not realistically fit your actual life, I will not bring it into mine.
What Made NouvaDerm Stand Out
NouvaDerm checked every single criterion I wrote down before I began the search:
✔ Less downtime than CO₂
Healing doesn’t hijack your life or your calendar.
✔ More comfortable during treatment
Numbing cream — not narcotics or sedation.
✔ Safe for all skin tones
I treat diverse patients, not just Fitz I–III.
✔ Modern fractional resurfacing without excessive thermal injury
More collagen stimulation with less trauma.
✔ Designed for BOTH face and body
We can finally treat neck, chest, arms, stomach, back, scars, and stretch marks realistically.
✔ Additional regenerative uses
It can also be used for hair restoration and vaginal rejuvenation… a bonus that multiplies value.
✔ Affordable and repeatable for patients
Strong results without $3,000+ per session “CO₂-pricing.”
This is technology that respects results, time, skin tone, and budget… all at once.
Not Everyone Can Receive Radio Frequency — NouvaDerm Solves That Gap
I love our RF technologies (Scarlet, Agnes) they are incredible tools. But they are not for everyone.
Patients with:
- Metal implants
- Pacemakers
- Certain medical histories
- Or who simply prefer a non-RF option
…are not candidates.
My husband is the perfect example, after his cardiac arrest and implant, RF is off the table for him permanently. NouvaDerm gives us a resurfacing solution that does not rely on radio frequency, allowing us to safely treat people who would otherwise be excluded.
I Buy Devices to Protect Outcomes: Not to Impress Sales Reps
When I evaluate whether to bring a device into Luminate, I picture something very specific:
You sitting in front of me after your treatment saying one of two sentences:
“That was worth it.”
— or —
“I trusted you and I regret this.”
Everything I purchase is designed to guarantee the first sentence — and prevent the second.
NouvaDerm is a device I can defend with a straight face and a clear conscience because it delivers:
- Textural change without brutality
- Real tightening through collagen stimulation
- Smoother lines and scars without extended isolation
- Safety across all skin types
- Faster, more efficient, more realistic treatment windows
- Results that justify every dollar and every hour you invest
This is not about having the flashiest laser , it is about having the right one.
If You’ve Been Waiting for Something Stronger Than Microneedling — But Gentler Than CO₂
NouvaDerm is the answer for patients who say:
- “I want real resurfacing without two weeks of hiding.”
- “I want better texture, pores, scars, or fine lines.”
- “I want something stronger than microneedling.”
- “I can’t do RF — or don’t want to.”
- “I want face AND body options.”
- “I want results that feel modern, not medieval.”
You do not have to choose between weak results or brutal downtime anymore.
My Promise in Bringing NouvaDerm to Luminate
I bought NouvaDerm because it fits the standard I live by:
If I would not feel comfortable performing it on myself, my husband, my sister, or my daughter — I will not offer it to you.
This technology allows me to treat you, aggressively enough for results, gently enough for real life — without compromising safety or inclusivity.
If you’re ready for a resurfacing plan tailored to your skin, your schedule, and your long-term aging goals, I would be happy to sit down with you and map out the right approach.
With intention and integrity,
Dr. Erin Lucie
DNP, APRN, FNP-C
FAQs for NouvaDerm Resurfacing
- What is NouvaDerm and how is it different from CO₂ lasers?
NouvaDerm is a modern fractional resurfacing device that uses a sweeping pattern instead of stamping, resulting in faster, more comfortable treatments with less downtime. Unlike traditional CO₂ lasers, it is safer for all skin tones and suitable for both face and body. - Who is a good candidate for NouvaDerm treatments?
Patients seeking texture improvement, pore refinement, scar reduction, fine lines, or body resurfacing who want real results without extended downtime. It’s ideal for those who cannot receive RF treatments or want a gentler, non-RF resurfacing option. - What areas can NouvaDerm treat?
NouvaDerm can treat face, neck, chest, arms, stomach, back, scars, stretch marks, and even areas for hair restoration and vaginal rejuvenation. - How does NouvaDerm improve skin compared to microneedling?
NouvaDerm delivers deeper fractional resurfacing, stimulating collagen more intensely than microneedling while remaining gentler than CO₂. It improves texture, tightens skin, and smooths scars and fine lines. - Is NouvaDerm safe for all skin tones?
Yes. Unlike CO₂ lasers, NouvaDerm is designed to treat Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI safely, minimizing the risk of pigmentation changes. - What is the downtime for NouvaDerm treatments?
Downtime is significantly less than CO₂ lasers. Patients typically experience minimal redness or mild flaking, allowing them to return to work and normal activities quickly. - Why did Dr. Erin Lucie choose NouvaDerm for Luminate Clinic?
She prioritized patient safety, inclusivity, efficiency, and realistic results. NouvaDerm provides strong resurfacing outcomes without excessive downtime, suits diverse patients, and offers both face and body treatment options. - Can NouvaDerm replace RF treatments?
For patients who cannot undergo RF treatments due to implants, pacemakers, or preference, NouvaDerm offers a safe, effective resurfacing alternative.