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Ablative Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing is an advanced ablative laser resurfacing procedure that uses laser energy to dramatically rejuvenate your skin. It carefully removes damaged outer layers of skin, promoting natural healing and significantly stimulating collagen production.

This process effectively targets concerns such as deep wrinkles, fine lines, sun damaged skin, acne scars, skin laxity, uneven skin texture, and pigmentation issues, leaving you with visibly younger, firmer skin and a beautifully refreshed appearance. This treatment can take as much as 10-20 years off your appearance when performed by an experienced professional.

How Co2 Fractional Laser Works

The carbon dioxide laser (CO2) is one of the most powerful laser skin resurfacing methods available. This technique uses precise short pulses of laser light to gently remove the damaged outer layer of skin. The procedure creates controlled microscopic wounds, triggering your skin’s natural healing response, which involves the rapid growth of new collagen fibers. As your skin heals, the result is smoother, tighter, and younger-looking skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding tissue.

Key points to understand about this skin resurfacing treatment include:

  • Laser beam precisely resurfaces damaged skin layer by layer.
  • Stimulates collagen production, significantly improving skin texture, skin tone, and overall skin quality.
  • Can target the full face or specific treatment areas like eyes, mouth, and forehead.
  • Usually performed under local anaesthesia blocks or topical numbing cream for patient comfort. Nitrous Oxide gas (happy gas) is also available for use on request.
  • Minimal discomfort and manageable downtime, typically around 1-2 weeks.

What are the Benefits of CO2 Laser Treatment

CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is one of the most powerful, transformative skin treatments available in cosmetic medicine. It delivers dramatic results for patients seeking smoother, tighter, clearer, and younger-looking skin—all with long-lasting effects after a single session. Here’s why it’s one of the most in-demand procedures:

Deep Wrinkle Reduction

  • Significantly smooths deep-set wrinkles and expression lines (especially around the eyes, lips, and forehead).
  • Softens smoker’s lines and crow’s feet more effectively than superficial treatments.

Skin Texture Refinement

  • Creates a visibly smoother, more refined skin surface by removing rough, uneven skin layers.
  • Improves enlarged pores and gives the skin a polished, youthful glow.

Acne & Surgical Scar Removal

  • Dramatically fades acne scars, chickenpox scars, and surgical or traumatic scars.
  • Breaks down fibrotic scar tissue and stimulates collagen to remodel skin.

Skin Tightening & Lifting

  • One of the only laser treatments to tighten skin by stimulating new collagen production deep in the dermis.
  • Non-surgical lift for areas prone to sagging: cheeks, jawline, neck, and under-eye hollows.

Advanced Pigmentation Correction

  • Targets sunspots, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation.
  • Restores a uniform, radiant complexion with fewer visible age-related marks.

Under and Lower Eye Rejuvenation

  • Reduces under-eye bags, dark circles, and crepey texture by resurfacing and tightening delicate skin.
  • Tightens lax upper and lower eyelids without surgery.

Reversal of Sun Damage

  • Removes years of sun damage caused by UV exposure, including leathery skin, blotches, and solar keratoses.
  • Restores luminosity and elasticity to photoaged skin.

One-Session Transformation

  • Unlike many other skin treatments, a single session can produce dramatic and lasting results when performed with an experienced doctor on intensive settings.
  • Especially appealing for busy professionals or those preparing for events.
  • However some patients require multiple treatments spaced 2-3 months apart for optimal outcomes depending on their goals of treatment and baseline skin concerns.

Long-Lasting Results

  • Stimulates natural collagen regeneration for up to 6–12 months post-treatment.
  • Skin continues to improve in texture, tone, and firmness long after the initial recovery period. Results last up to 10 years.

Suitable for Face, Neck, Chest & Hands

  • Treats multiple areas of the body for complete rejuvenation—not just the face.
  • Neck and décolletage treatment smooths vertical neck bands and sun-damaged chest skin.

Conditions CO2 Laser Can Treat

CO2 laser resurfacing is the most effective laser modality to address a wide array of cosmetic and dermatological concerns:

  • Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Especially around eyes (crow’s feet), forehead, and mouth (laugh lines).
  • Sun Damaged Skin: Repair sun-induced ageing, uneven pigmentation, and rough texture.
  • Acne Scars and Surgical Scars: Improve scars’ appearance through deep collagen stimulation.
  • Skin Laxity and Sagging Skin: Significant skin tightening effect that firms and tones sagging skin.
  • Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Removes persistent small waxy bumps, leaving skin clearer and smoother.
  • Delicate Skin Areas: Ideal for rejuvenating thin, sensitive areas like eyelids and around eyes (eyelid treatments).

Preparing for Your CO2 Laser Procedure

Proper preparation is essential for achieving the best possible outcome from your CO2 fractional laser treatment. Following these guidelines will help minimise the risk of complications and support optimal healing.

Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before your procedure. UV damage increases the risk of pigmentation changes and can slow the healing process. Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is recommended, even on cloudy days.

Discontinue active skincare ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliating scrubs at least 7 to 10 days before treatment. These products can increase skin sensitivity and the chance of irritation.

Stop smoking ideally one to two weeks prior to treatment. Smoking impairs circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, which can delay healing and compromise your results. This includes vaping.

Inform your clinician about your full medical history, especially if you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex virus), as antiviral medication may be recommended to reduce the risk of a flare-up. Let your doctor know if you have a history of keloid scarring, delayed healing, or if you’re taking any medications that could impact the skin’s response.

Avoid blood-thinning supplements or medications such as fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen for three to five days before your session, unless prescribed for a medical condition. Always check with your GP or prescribing doctor before stopping any medications.

A topical anaesthetic cream will be applied approximately 45 minutes before the procedure to numb the skin and reduce discomfort during treatment. If you are treated with a Contour Clinics doctor, the option of nerve blocking injections can be provided.

Preparing your skin with the use of a brightening creme 2 times/day for 2 weeks prior to treatment can decrease the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after treatment. We recommend the brightening creme from ilumae. This is especially necessary for those with darker skin types.

Support your skin barrier in the days leading up to your appointment by using a gentle cleanser and a non-active moisturiser. This helps minimise irritation and improves post-treatment recovery.

Arrive with clean, product-free skin. If you have any active infections, cold sores, or skin irritations in the treatment area, your appointment may need to be postponed for safety reasons.

What to Expect During CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 fractional laser resurfacing typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area and intensity of Co2 settings. Smaller areas (like under-eyes or upper lip) may take 20–30 minutes; full-face or combined face and neck sessions can take up to an 90 minutes.

After cleansing the skin, topical anaesthetic applied 45–60 minutes prior ensures adequate numbing. Your clinician will then pass a fractional CO2 laser across the skin, creating thousands of microscopic thermal columns. This removes damaged outer layers and stimulates deep collagen remodelling. Fractional lasers deliver controlled micro-injuries to a fraction of the skin, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. This triggers a natural healing process where healthy skin cells migrate into the treated areas, stimulating regeneration and creating fresh, rejuvenated skin.

Patients typically feel heat, tingling, or a mild stinging sensation. Discomfort is minimised with anaesthetic and integrated cooling systems.

Immediate post-treatment effects include:

  • Redness similar to a moderate sunburn
  • Mild to moderate swelling, especially around the eyes
  • Pinpoint bleeding or oozing, depending on treatment depth
  • Residual heat or skin tightness for several hours

A cooling gel or occlusive dressing may be applied post-treatment. You’ll receive tailored aftercare instructions to support healing and minimise complications.

When treating specific areas, careful consideration of the surrounding skin is essential to prevent visible lines of demarcation and ensure a smooth, natural result. For this reason, we frequently recommend treating the neck and décolletage simultaneously, creating an even, blended appearance between treated areas and the surrounding skin.

Recovery and Aftercare from Co2 Laser

The healing process after CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is a critical phase that directly impacts your final results. Proper aftercare helps reduce downtime, prevents complications, and ensures smoother, healthier skin renewal.

After your Co2 laser, the skin will appear red, swollen, and may feel tight or warm—similar to a severe sunburn. This is a normal inflammatory response and typically peaks within the first 48–72 hours. It is crucial to apply protective barrier creams (we recommend dermeze ointment) to freshly treated skin to prevent dehydration and infection.

  • Redness and swelling generally subside within 3 to 14 days, depending on the treatment depth and individual healing response. Pinpoint scabbing or peeling is common and part of the natural resurfacing process.
  • Mild weeping or crusting may occur in the first few days, especially after deeper treatments or when larger areas are treated.

Key Aftercare Instructions

  • Apply the occlusive moisturiser Dermeze (available in clinic or at your local pharmacy) multiple times daily to protect the skin and prevent trans epidermal water loss.
  • Cleanse gently with a non-foaming, non-fragranced cleanser starting 24–48 hours post-treatment, as directed by your clinician.
  • Do not pick or peel flaking skin, as this may lead to scarring or pigmentation.
  • Avoid sun exposure entirely for a minimum of 2–4 weeks post-treatment. Always wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and wide-brimmed hat if outdoors. UV exposure during healing increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Refrain from using makeup until your clinician confirms that your skin barrier is fully healed—typically after 7–10 days.
  • Avoid active skincare ingredients (including retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C serums) until the skin has fully re-epithelialised and any residual redness has resolved. Reach out to your Contour Clinics practitioner if you are unsure.
  • Focus on hydration and barrier repair using calming, fragrance-free products specifically designed for post-procedure skin.

When to Contact Us

Mild discomfort, redness, and swelling are expected. However, you should promptly contact your provider if you experience:

  • Signs of infection (increasing pain, pus, spreading redness)
  • Delayed healing or new lesions
  • Persistent weeping or excessive crusting beyond 10–14 days

Most complications following CO2 laser resurfacing can be effectively managed with minimal long-term impact when identified and treated early, before they progress into more serious concerns.

Play Video

Your Aftercare Guide Post CO2 Laser

Join Dr Alina as she walks you through the essential post care instructions following CO2 laser resurfacing. Learn how to care for your skin to maximise results and ensure a smooth, complication-free recovery.

Results and Maintenance After CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 fractional laser resurfacing delivers some of the most dramatic, long-lasting improvements in skin quality available in aesthetic medicine. When performed by experienced clinicians and followed with proper aftercare, the results are both immediate and progressive.

New skin begins to emerge within the first 7–14 days, revealing a visibly smoother, tighter, and more even complexion. Patients commonly notice:

  • Reduced fine lines and deep wrinkles
  • Refined skin texture and tone
  • Faded pigmentation, sun damage, and scars
  • Improved skin firmness and elasticity

Results continue to improve for 3–6 months post-treatment as newly formed collagen fibres strengthen and remodel. This delayed improvement is one of the key benefits of fractional laser resurfacing, offering long-term skin rejuvenation that evolves gradually over time.

Longevity of Results

With a healthy lifestyle and a consistent skincare routine, the benefits of CO2 resurfacing can last several years. However, factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and natural aging will influence how long results are maintained.

Protecting Your Investment

To prolong the effects of your CO2 laser treatment:

  • Practice strict sun protection, including daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF 50+, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding peak UV exposure.
  • Avoid tanning beds and unnecessary sun exposure, especially in the first 6–12 months following treatment.
  • Adopt a supportive skincare regimen, including antioxidants, gentle exfoliants, peptides, and hydrating products to maintain skin health and barrier function.

Maintenance Treatments

While CO2 laser resurfacing provides a significant reset to your skin, maintenance is key to keeping your results fresh. Popular adjunctive treatments include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CO2 laser resurfacing safe?

All medical procedures carry risks, which will be thoroughly explained to you in the context of your individual health and treatment goals.

CO2 laser resurfacing is a powerful dermatology grade technology that has been around in various incarnations for decades. Improvements in delivery of CO2 energy have drastically improved the safety profile of CO2 resurfacing, resulting in less risk of complication, and shorter, more palatable downtimes, without sacrificing results.

This is a very powerful device, requiring significant expertise to operate safely. Used carelessly, CO2 resurfacing can cause prolonged downtime, infection, unwanted pigmentation changes and skin sensitivity. Medical oversight of CO2 procedures is essential in providing the safest possible experience.

Who is Co2 laser treatments most suitable for?

CO2 laser treatment is most suitable for individuals with moderate to severe skin concerns such as:

  • Deep wrinkles and fine lines
  • Acne scars or surgical scars
  • Uneven skin tone and texture
  • Sun damage and pigmentation issues
  • Skin laxity, particularly around the eyes and mouth

It’s best for fair to medium skin tones, as darker skin types may have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, not prone to keloid scarring, and willing to undergo a few days to two weeks of downtime depending on the intensity of the treatment. A thorough initial consultation with a qualified practitioner is necessary to determine the suitability of Co2 laser treatment for individual skin concerns. This personalised approach ensures you receive the most effective treatment plan tailored to their unique skin type and condition.

Who is not a candidate for Co2 laser?

CO2 laser resurfacing is a powerful treatment, but it’s not suitable for everyone. You may not be an ideal candidate if:

  • You have very dark skin (Fitzpatrick V–VI): Higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Fractional lasers or alternative treatments may be safer.
  • You are prone to keloid scarring or hypertrophic scars: CO2 laser can trigger unwanted scar formation in susceptible individuals.
  • You have active acne, infection, or open skin lesions: The treatment should be delayed until your skin is clear.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding: Not recommended due to the healing demands and potential for systemic absorption of post-treatment medications.
  • You’ve taken oral isotretinoin (e.g., Roaccutane) in the past 6 months: Increased risk of poor wound healing or scarring.
  • You have uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases that affect skin healing.
  • You are not willing or able to follow a strict aftercare and sun avoidance regimen: Compliance is critical to achieving safe, optimal results.

A comprehensive skin and medical assessment by a qualified clinician is essential before undergoing CO2 laser resurfacing.

How much does Co2 laser resurfacing cost?

The cost of CO2 laser resurfacing varies depending on the treatment area and whether the procedure is performed by a doctor, nurse or dermal therapist. For a full-face treatment, prices typically start from around $2,195. If you opt to include the neck or prefer a doctor-only procedure, costs can range up to $3,495. Some of the reasons many patients opt for doctor only procedures include:

  • Ability to perform injectable nerve blocks to numb the face for those sensitive to discomfort, or those opting for more aggressive settings requiring stronger pain relief.
  • Ability to insert intra-ocular shields, which allows the doctor to treat the eyelid skin safely. Our nurses and dermal therapists are limited to how close they can get to the eye with external eye shields.
  • More intensive settings that may result in more impressive results with less sessions.
  • Application of insulin topically post treatment which contains growth and healing factors that speed the recovery process. This is a prescription medication and not available with our dermal therapists.
  • Those with severe signs of ageing, scaring, acne scarring requiring more intensive laser settings.

Smaller treatments, such as targeted scar removal, are more affordable and priced according to the size of the area being treated. While individual pricing may vary slightly based on complexity and patient needs, our team can provide a personalised quote during your consultation.

Is Co2 laser worth the money?

CO2 laser resurfacing is widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for achieving dramatic and long-lasting skin rejuvenation. While the upfront cost may be higher than other modalities, the results often surpass what can be achieved with superficial treatments like chemical peels or microneedling. Most patients experience a visible reduction in wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars, and skin laxity after just one session. Given the depth of collagen stimulation and the longevity of results, many consider it a worthwhile investment in their skin’s health and appearance.

How much does Co2 laser for under eye bags cost?

Co2 laser under the eyes to treat eye bags or wrinkling starts from $700. If the entire skin of the eye lid (upper or lower) needs to be treated intra-ocular shields must be placed which is performed by one of our doctors. The fee for this is $1200.

What is the downtime for a Co2 laser resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing typically involves 3 to 14 days of downtime, depending on the intensity of the treatment and your individual healing response. Here’s a general timeline for a moderate settings treatment:

  • Days 1–3: Redness, swelling, and a sensation similar to a deep sunburn. Oozing and crusting are normal.
  • Days 4–7: Skin begins to peel and regenerate. Strict aftercare is essential to prevent infection and support healing.
  • Days 7–10: Most of the visible peeling subsides. Redness may persist but can be covered with makeup if cleared by your clinician.
  • Weeks 2–4: Redness fades gradually. You can return to most normal activities, but sun protection is critical.
  • Months 1–3: Skin texture, tone, and overall quality continue to improve as collagen remodelling takes place.

Your exact recovery will depend on your skin type, the depth of the treatment, and how well you follow post-treatment care instructions.

How painful is Co2 laser?

CO2 laser resurfacing can be uncomfortable, but the level of pain depends on the depth of treatment, area being treated, and your individual pain threshold.

At Contour Clinics, we ensure your comfort by using a combination of:

  • Topical anaesthetic cream applied prior to treatment
  • Local anaesthetic injections for deeper resurfacing or sensitive areas like under the eyes
  • Optional oral sedation or nerve blocks, if needed for extensive procedures

During the procedure, patients often describe the sensation as a hot, prickling or stinging feeling. After treatment, it can feel like a moderate to intense sunburn for the first 24–72 hours.

Pain is usually most noticeable in the first 48 hours, then significantly subsides as healing progresses. We provide detailed aftercare and pain relief strategies to help you recover comfortably.

What will my face look like after Co2 laser?

Immediately after CO2 laser resurfacing, your face will appear red, swollen, and feel sunburned, with possible pinpoint bleeding or oozing depending on the depth of treatment. This is completely normal and indicates the skin’s natural healing response.

Here’s what you can expect day by day:

  • Day 1–3: Intense redness, swelling, and a hot or tight sensation. You may see oozing or crusting in treated areas. Skin will begin to feel dry and tight.
  • Day 4–7: Skin starts to flake and peel as new layers emerge. Redness begins to fade. Most patients feel comfortable resuming light activities by day 5.
  • Day 8–14: The majority of visible peeling resolves. Pinkness may persist but can be covered with makeup (if approved by your clinician).
  • Weeks 2–6: Skin tone continues to even out. Collagen production ramps up, improving firmness and texture.
  • Months 2–6: Results peak as deeper collagen remodeling completes, revealing smoother, clearer, and more youthful skin.

It’s essential to follow your aftercare routine, avoid sun exposure, and use barrier creams to support healing and prevent complications.

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