Skip to Content Skip to Navigation

The Blog EcoTone vs CO2 Laser: What’s the Difference?

Published
Updated

Medically reviewed by: Evelyn Yin, Head Skin & Laser Therapist, 10 November 2026

In brief:

  • EcoTone and CO2 Laser are both skin resurfacing approaches using the same Lutronic eCO2 device – the difference is intensity, not equipment
  • EcoTone suits milder concerns like fine lines, enlarged pores and early texture change, with less recovery time
  • Full CO2 Fractional Laser suits deeper textural, scarring or pigmentation concerns and involves a longer recovery
  • Your practitioner will confirm which starting point is right for you at your assessment

EcoTone and CO2 Laser are both delivered using the eco2 laser – the Lutronic eCO2 machine – at different intensities. EcoTone is the treatment name given to a lower-intensity version of CO2 Laser. Both use the same device, which is where the “eco2” name comes from.

What's the Difference Between EcoTone and CO2 Laser

What's the Difference Between EcoTone and CO2 Laser?

Both EcoTone and Co2 laser work on the same principle – controlled micro-injury that stimulates the skin’s own renewal and collagen processes. They work at different depths and intensities, which is what separates a lighter skin refresh from full resurfacing. EcoTone resurfaces the upper skin layers, while CO2 penetrates much deeper for more pronounced concerns.

Is EcoTone a Fractional or Traditional CO2 Laser?

The EcoTone is a fractional CO2 laser, meaning it treats the skin in a scattered pattern of micro-columns rather than resurfacing the entire area at once. This fractional approach generally means a shorter recovery than traditional full-field resurfacing, while still triggering the same collagen-building response. If you’re weighing up ablative versus non-ablative options more broadly, our guide to ablative vs non-ablative laser treatments breaks down the difference in full.

What Co2 Ecotone laser recovery looks like immediately after treatment

How EcoTone Laser Works

EcoTone CO2 laser works by creating controlled micro-injury in the skin to support renewal and collagen processes over time. In the first few days after treatment, it’s normal to experience redness, warmth and a mild sunburn-like sensation as the skin begins its healing phase. You may also notice dryness, tightness, and light flaking as the skin starts to renew.

This early stage is part of the process, where the skin is actively repairing and rebuilding. Recovery timelines can vary depending on individual skin response and treatment intensity, so following your aftercare plan is key.

Benefits of EcoTone and CO2 Laser for Skin Resurfacing

Benefits of EcoTone and CO2 Laser for Skin Resurfacing

Both settings work on the same underlying principle – controlled micro-injury that prompts skin to rebuild its own collagen and renew its surface layers. Depending on the intensity used, patients may see improvements in:

  • Fine lines and early textural changes
  • Enlarged pores
  • Uneven skin texture
  • The appearance of acne scarring
  • Collagen production 
  • Overall skin tone and refinement

Results continue to develop over several months as collagen remodelling progresses, and outcomes vary by individual skin response, treatment intensity and the number of sessions recommended by your practitioner.

Is EcoTone Right for You or Do You Need Full CO2 Laser

Is EcoTone Right for You or Do You Need Full CO2 Laser?

That’s a query we answer daily at Contour Clinics, as Evelyn Yin, Head Skin & Laser Therapist explains:

“The first question people ask in CO2 consultations is whether they need the full fractional CO2 Laser or if EcoTone will do the job. It really comes down to what we see in your assessment – EcoTone is excellent for patients who want to maintain their skin or address early changes without stepping away from life for a whole week, while full fractional CO2 Laser is a good option for concerns that have had time to properly set in. Neither is a lesser option, they’re just built for different starting points.”

EcoTone uses the same CO2 laser device at a lower setting and reduced intensity. It’s suited to patients with milder concerns – fine lines, enlarged pores, early texture changes – or those who want a meaningful skin refresh without the recovery period of full CO2 Laser treatment.

EcoTone is similar to skin needling in terms of downtime and the type of improvement you might expect, but it uses laser energy rather than mechanical stimulation to support collagen production. 

It’s also a practical entry point for patients who want to understand how their skin responds before considering a more intensive treatment.

Full fractional CO2 Laser is the better starting point where concerns run deeper – established textural irregularity, acne scarring or more pronounced sun damage – since the higher intensity reaches further into the skin. 

Your practitioner will discuss whether EcoTone or full CO2 Laser is the more appropriate starting point for your concerns.

EcoTone vs CO2 Laser compared by cosmetic doctors

EcoTone vs CO2 Laser: At a Glance

EcoTone CO2 Laser
Device Lutronic eCO2 laser, lower-intensity setting Lutronic eCO2 laser,
full-intensity setting
Suited for Fine lines, enlarged pores, early texture change Significant textural irregularity, deep wrinkles. acne scarring, pronounced sun damage
Downtime Redness, warmth and mild sandpaper-like skin for a few days Longer recovery window, with more pronounced redness and skin shedding up to two weeks 
Sessions typically needed Discussed at assessment – often used as a series for gradual improvement Discussed at assessment – varies by depth of concern and desired outcome
Results timeline May see gradual improvement over several sessions; results vary by individual skin response May see more noticeable change per session; results vary by individual skin response and treatment intensity
Cost $495 From $2,195 for full face
Good starting point if You want a skin refresh or are trying CO2 for the first time Your concerns have had time to set in and need deeper intervention
What Co2 EcoTone laser recovery looks like in a real patient

Eco2 Laser Recovery Time and Healing Stages

Recovery timelines vary by treatment intensity, treated area and individual healing response, but follow a broadly predictable pattern. Here’s the downtime and what to expect after you’ve had EcoTone Laser:

Days 1–3

Mild redness, warmth and mild swelling, with skin feeling tight and sunburnt. EcoTone and lighter settings typically settle within this window. Most patients feel comfortable resuming normal activities and leaving the house by day three or four.

Days 4 – 7

Higher levels of EcoTone move into a scabbing or bronzing phase. Swelling settles, some patients feel comfortable leaving the house, though visible bronzing or scabbing may still be present after full CO2 Laser.

Days 8 – 14

Depending on the intensity of EcoTone received, skin darkens and fine scabs form before lifting away naturally. New skin settles in, with collagen remodelling continuing to build over several months. 

Following your practitioner’s aftercare plan through each phase supports the best possible healing.

What to Expect in Your EcoTone and CO2 Laser Assessment

What to Expect in Your EcoTone and CO2 Laser Assessment

A step-by-step assessment determines your goals, history and suitability so your practitioner can recommend which type of CO2 laser may be appropriate for you. Your assessment will include:

  • A 1:1 discussion about what you’re noticing in your skin, your goals and what you’d like to change (and keep)
  • Medical history and suitability screening, including relevant medications and skin sensitivities
  • Anatomy-led assessment of the treatment area  for skin quality, texture and depth of concern
  • Standardised clinical photography to establish a baseline and track progress over time
  • A practitioner-led discussion of whether EcoTone or full CO2 Laser better suits your concerns, including realistic expectations and trade-offs
  • Clear explanation of aftercare and recovery, tailored to the intensity recommended for you
  • A written plan and next steps you can review in your own time, with space to ask questions and decide without pressure
EcoTone vs CO2 Laser explained

What Does EcoTone and CO2 Laser Cost?

EcoTone costs $495 per session and Co2 laser for full face starts at $2,195. Your practitioner will recommend which intensity is right for your skin based on your concerns, medical history and suitability. Full costs are available on our CO2 Laser page.

Book a Consultation to Discuss EcoTone and CO2 Laser

Whether EcoTone or full CO2 Laser is the right starting point depends on your skin, your goals and what your practitioner sees in your assessment. Book a complimentary consultation at one of our Sydney or Brisbane clinics to find out which option suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Contour Medical Team

About The Contour Medical Team

This article has been prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Suitability for any cosmetic treatment varies between individuals and should be assessed in a 1:1 consultation with a qualified practitioner. If you have questions about your specific situation, we encourage you to book a consultation or contact our team directly.

Back to blog

Are You Ready?

Book Now

Ready to book? Still have questions? Leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Message Us Book Now

or call us on 1300 233 803