CO2 laser
The CO₂ laser is a powerful and proven technology for intensive skin improvement, suitable for wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage, among other things. Thanks to modern fractional techniques, treatments are now safer, more precise, and more easily tailored to individual skin type.
CO2 laser: powerful solution for skin renewal, scars and wrinkles
The CO₂ laser is one of the most effective and proven technologies for intensive skin improvement. Thanks to its strong absorption in water, this laser can vaporize skin tissue in a controlled manner and stimulate regeneration deep within the skin.
This technique is widely used in the treatment of acne scars, wrinkles, skin sagging, pigment disorders and sun damage. With the advent of fractional CO₂ lasers, treatments are safer, more precise, and better tailored to skin type and recovery time.
On this page, you'll learn all about the functions, benefits, and applications of CO₂ lasers, including practical information about the healing process. You'll also find answers to frequently asked questions and tips for choosing the right system for your practice.
What is a CO₂ laser?
A CO₂ laser is a ablative laser which evaporates (ablates) layers of skin in a controlled manner to activate the skin's natural healing process.
This laser operates at a wavelength of 10.600 nm, which is readily absorbed by water, a key component of the cells in the epidermis and superficial dermis. This absorption vaporizes the treated skin tissue, resulting in the controlled removal of damaged or aged skin layers.
A key feature of the CO₂ laser, however, is that during the pulse, not only ablation but also significant coagulation (clotting) of the surrounding tissue occurs. This is due to the deep heat penetration of this wavelength. The combination of ablation and coagulation results in powerful collagen stimulation and skin tightening. Thanks to its greater thermal effects, this laser can generally be used more intensively than similar treatments with the Er:YAG laser.
CO₂ lasers are mainly used for intensive skin renewal and are particularly effective in improving skin texture, scars and signs of aging.
Benefits of CO₂ lasers
The CO₂ laser is known for a number of unique and scientifically proven benefits:
- Deep skin renewal in one session
- Powerful reduction of acne scars and deep wrinkles
- Long-term strengthening of the skin through collagen stimulation
- Improvement of skin texture, pores and complexion
- More effective than non-ablative lasers for serious indications
- Safer than surgery: no incisions, less risk of bleeding or scarring
Types of CO₂ lasers
There are different types of CO₂ lasers, each with their own applications:
Traditional CO₂ lasers (fully ablative)
These lasers remove the entire surface of the skin within the treatment area. They are highly effective for removing benign skin blemishes and treating deep wrinkles, sun damage, or surgical scars, but they do have a longer recovery time. Due to their intensity, these treatments are primarily performed by physicians.
Fractional CO₂ lasers
Fractional CO₂ lasers create thousands of microscopic columns in the skin, while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This ensures faster recovery and allows for deeper penetration with a reduced risk of side effects. Fractional CO₂ lasers are ideal for skin rejuvenation, reducing fine lines and superficial pigmentation, treating (acne) scars, and refining pore size.
Want to know more? Also check out our page about fractional lasers.
Ablative CO₂ lasers
Both traditional and fractional CO₂ lasers are ablative lasers. These lasers remove controlled skin tissue, thus activating the healing process. Read more about their general effects on our page about ablative lasers.
Questions?
Use the button below to leave your details and our specialists will be happy to advise you.
Leave your detailsApplications of CO₂ lasers in cosmetic medicine
Downtime and healing process after CO₂ laser treatment
A CO₂ laser treatment has a more intensive recovery process than non-ablative or other ablative lasers such as the Er:YAG laser, but is therefore also more effective for more complex skin problems.
The average downtime depends on the type of treatment:
- Superficial fractional treatment: 5-7 days redness, mild swelling and scabs.
- Deeper fractional treatment: 7-10 days redness, swelling and scabs.
- Full ablative treatment: 7-10 days of crusting, redness and tenderness.
During this period, a new layer of skin forms. Good aftercare is crucial: think sun protection, infection prevention, and soothing creams.
A key advantage of CO₂ compared to surgical procedures is that the treatment requires no incisions, significantly reducing the risk of bleeding and permanent scarring. It's important that clients have realistic expectations: temporary recovery with long-lasting results.
FAQ
A traditional CO₂ laser treats the entire skin surface, while fractional CO₂ lasers create thousands of microscopic columns in the skin, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This ensures faster recovery and allows for deeper treatment with less risk of side effects.
Redness, swelling, a burning sensation, and crusting/peeling are normal reactions. Incorrect application can lead to a risk of hyperpigmentation, infection, or scarring. Thanks to the intensity of the treatments, the results are long-lasting, but this does come with a longer recovery time. Therefore, proper assessment, guidance, and appropriate aftercare are essential.
CO₂ lasers are among the most well-researched and widely used methods for reducing atrophic acne scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. Scientific research and clinical experience show that CO₂ lasers can deliver significant results, often after a single treatment. However, for optimal results, multiple sessions are usually recommended, depending on the severity and type of scars.
That depends on the indications you're working with, your team's experience, and your target group. Get good advice to find the right system for your practice.
Downloads
Want to buy a CO₂ laser or receive advice without any obligation?
Curious if a CO₂ laser system is right for your practice? Dalton Medical is happy to help you make the right choice, tailored to your treatment needs and requirements.
We supply the following within this segment: Slim Evolution II: a versatile CO₂ laser with fractional and fully ablative modes, an advanced scanner, and user-friendly software. This system is designed for maximum treatment flexibility, precision, and clinical results.
Call us +31 (0)162 74 44 44 Or contact us using the button below. We're happy to help.