CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing — What to Consider

CO2 laser resurfacing is an ablative laser treatment used to address certain skin concerns including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and uneven skin texture. This page provides information about how the treatment works and what to consider before making a decision.

A consultation at Ascension Cosmetic Medicine with Dr Scott Allison is recommended as a starting point to assess your skin and discuss whether treatment may be appropriate for your circumstances.

What is CO2 laser?

CO2 is an ablative laser treatment. Ablative laser treatments use focused laser energy to address the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin. The laser heats water molecules in the skin’s deeper layers, which initiates a healing response in the body. This process may help support collagen production and can contribute to changes in the appearance in certain skin concerns over time. Individual results will vary.

CO2 laser may be suitable for those who want to address pigmentation concerns such as acne spots and sun damage by targeting pigment in the skin. It may also be useful for those seeking to treat the appearance of pores and fine lines by targeting the epidermal layer.

Pearl Fractional

Pearl Fractional is a separate procedure that may also be used to address certain pigmentation concerns and the appearance of pores and fine lines by targeting the epidermal layer. As with CO2 laser, individual results will vary and a consultation is required to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your skin.

What does the treatment involve?

CO2 laser fusion treatment takes about 30 to 60 minutes in total. When you come in for a consultation, we work with your skin concerns to suggest the appropriate laser treatment for your skin type.

During the procedure, the skin is cleaned and a topical anaesthetic is applied prior to treatment to help manage discomfort. Discomfort tolerance varies between individuals. Following treatment, the skin may feel warm and appear red. These effects are common and typically settle within seven to ten days, though individual recovery varies.

How does the body respond to laser treatment?

CO2 laser targets skin concerns including pigmentation changes such as lentigines (commonly referred to as liver spots), which can appear following prolonged sun exposure, as well as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Both ablative and non-ablative laser treatments are used in laser resurfacing, with different approaches suited to different skin concerns.

Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Treatments – What’s the difference?

Ablative laser treatments remove the surface layers of the skin and involve a more significant healing process compared to non-ablative options. They may be considered for fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone, particularly for more pronounced concerns.

Non-ablative treatments heat the underlying skin tissue without removing the surface layer, which may help stimulate collagen production with a less intensive recovery process. The appropriate option will depend on your individual skin type, concerns, and health circumstances — all of which will be assessed during your consultation.

Consultation with Dr Scott Allison

Whether fractional or full-field treatment is appropriate, and what results may be realistic, will be assessed during your consultation.

To arrange a consultation with Dr Scott Allison at Ascension Cosmetic Medicine, please contact the clinic.

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