An advanced resurfacing treatment to reduce the appearance of scars and restore skin texture.
CO2 laser resurfacing is a powerful and effective solution for improving the appearance of scars, whether caused by surgery, trauma, burns, or acne. This fractional laser treatment precisely targets damaged skin, stimulating collagen remodelling and skin renewal to minimise scarring and improve overall texture and tone.
At Southern Dermatology, our specialists tailor CO2 laser treatments to your unique skin concerns, helping you achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Treatment at a glance
Best Outcomes
Significant improvement in scar texture and appearance within 3–6 months.
Procedure Time
30–90 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Duration of Results
Long-lasting with proper skincare and sun protection.
Back to Work
5–10 days of downtime, depending on the treatment intensity.
TREATMENT BENEFITS
Reduces the appearance of scars from surgery, trauma, burns, or acne.
Improves skin texture, tone, and overall smoothness.
Stimulates collagen production for long-term skin remodelling.
Safe and effective for various types of scars, including raised (hypertrophic) and depressed scars.
Customisable treatment for targeted results.
The Treatment Process
Start with our online consultation form to describe your concerns and submit photos of the scars. A dermatologist will review your information, assess your skin, and discuss whether CO2 laser resurfacing is suitable for you.
During your consultation, your dermatologist will evaluate the type, size, and depth of your scars to create a tailored treatment plan. Multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results.
- The treatment area will be cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic will be applied to ensure comfort.
- The fractional CO2 laser delivers precise energy to the scarred areas, creating microscopic injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing response and collagen production.
- The procedure duration varies from 30–90 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Following the treatment, we’ll provide you with a detailed aftercare regimen to support healing and maximise results. Follow-up appointments will monitor your progress and determine if additional sessions are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Avoid tanning and sun exposure for at least two weeks before treatment.
- Discontinue active skincare products (e.g., retinoids, exfoliants) for 7–10 days before your appointment.
- Stop using blood-thinning medications or supplements (e.g., aspirin) with your doctor’s approval.
- Plan for downtime to allow your skin to heal post-procedure.
- Expect redness, swelling, and peeling for 5–10 days post-treatment.
- Use prescribed post-procedure creams to support healing and reduce irritation.
- Avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily.
- Refrain from picking or scratching at peeling skin to prevent infection or delayed healing.
- Follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dermatologist to optimise results.
CO2 laser is effective for a range of scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, trauma scars, and burn scars.
Most patients benefit from 1–3 sessions, spaced several months apart, depending on the severity and type of scars.
A topical anaesthetic is applied before the procedure to minimise discomfort. You may feel mild heat or a prickling sensation during treatment.
Downtime typically lasts 5–10 days, with redness, swelling, and peeling during the healing process.
Initial improvements may be visible within weeks, with full results developing over 3–6 months as collagen remodelling occurs.
While CO2 laser is effective for most skin types, individuals with very dark or sensitive skin may not be ideal candidates. Your dermatologist will assess your suitability.
Yes, CO2 laser can be combined with treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or injectables to enhance overall skin improvement.
While CO2 laser significantly reduces the appearance of scars, complete elimination is unlikely. The goal is to improve texture, depth, and visibility.
Results are long-lasting, especially with proper skincare and sun protection, but natural skin ageing may affect results over time.
Yes, CO2 laser can soften and flatten raised scars by promoting collagen remodelling and improving the skin's structure.