CO2 Laser Treatmentsadmin2025-05-26T19:25:01+00:00
The skin remembers – age, sun, stress, habits. Over time, this is seen through fine lines, pigmentation disorders, loss of elasticity, and marks left by acne or injuries. When looking for a way to restore evenness, elasticity and a healthy appearance to the skin, fractional CO2 laser is increasingly among the first choices – not because of the surprise effect, but because of the deep and gradual way in which it works.
Unlike treatments that give the skin an instant glow without major changes to its structure, a CO2 laser uses precise light beams to remove damaged cells and initiate renewal in the deeper layers of the dermis. In this process, the production of new collagen is stimulated – a protein that naturally keeps the skin firm, elastic and resistant.
That is why this technology is often used when the goal is a longer-term improvement: not to erase traces, but to make the skin more even, stable and healthier from the inside. The treatment is always adapted to the individual needs of the skin – this is exactly where its strength and reliability lie.
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What is a CO2 laser and how does it work?
Think of the skin as a layered structure, in which each layer has its own role: the surface layer protects us, the middle layers maintain tone, while in the deeper layers the processes that determine how the skin will look on the outside take place. When the balance is disturbed in these deeper zones – due to aging, acne, the sun or other factors – the result is visible on the surface: in the form of wrinkles, blemishes, scars or a gray, tired complexion.
A fractional CO2 laser works by “mapping” specific microscopic zones on the skin and directing high-energy light beams towards them. These light spots remove damaged cells, but at the same time leave tiny “islands” of healthy skin between the treated areas. It is these islands that allow for quick and effective healing.
At the same time, the thermal energy of the laser penetrates deeper into the dermis and causes controlled microdamage— the precise point at which the natural renewal process is activated. The body recognizes this as a signal to start creating new collagen, which over time affects the firmness, elasticity and appearance of the skin.
It is both targeted and comprehensive. That is why it is used for a wide range of indications – from wrinkles and pigmentation, through acne scars, to sagging skin that needs additional support from the inside.
Indications for CO2 laser
Fractional CO2 laser is used in the treatment of various dermatological and aesthetic problems, precisely because it can act selectively and precisely, but also in depth. Its power is not only in removing superficial imperfections, but in helping the skin to renew itself from the inside — gradually, layer by layer.
The most common indications for the use of CO2 lasers include:
Wrinkles and fine lines – especially around the eyes, lips and between the eyebrows. The laser smoothes the surface of the skin and at the same time stimulates the formation of collagen, thereby alleviating the signs of aging;
Hyperpigmentation – including sun spots, age spots and an uneven complexion. The laser helps to remove the damaged pigmentary cells and encourages skin to create more uniform tone;
Eyelid skin – to tighten the lower eyelids and remove a small excess skin from the upper ones. Find out what the options are for non-surgical eyelid lifting by clicking on link .
CO2 Laser for Skin Texture and Tone
Solar radiation is one of the most common causes of premature aging of the skin , the appearance of wrinkles and small damages and spots on the skin. Fractional CO2 laser builds new collagen in the skin, but also acts as an exfoliator. Depending on the degree of skin damage and the presence of pigmentation, the intensity of the treatment is adjusted. The results are quickly visible, photodamage is less noticeable, the complexion is even, and the texture of the skin is visibly improved.
CO2 Laser for Skin Rejuvenation
In patients with mature skin, a CO2 laser can help to soften fine lines, improve tone andslightly tighten the skin, especially in the areas that are first affected by aging – around the eyes, above the lips and in the eyelid area. Thanks to the thermal effect in the deeper layers of the skin, fibroblasts are stimulated and new collagen is formed, which results in firmer and more elastic skin over the following weeks and months. The best results are observed precisely in delicate areas where other methods cannot be easily applied — such aswrinkles under the eyes,wrinkles above the lipsor excess skin on the eyelids, in cases where a surgical approach is not yet necessary.
The CO2 laser is considered one of the most powerful and effective procedures for relieving atrophic acne scars, but also other types of scars — postoperative, traumatic or burn. However, for visible and stable results, it usually takes between four and six treatments, depending on the depth and age of the scar, as well as the type of skin. Already after the first treatment, certain improvements in the texture and depth of the scar can be noticed, but the best results are achieved gradually, through a series of carefully tailored procedures.
Recovery takes an average of 7 days, while the surface layer of the skin regenerates and peels off. However, with deeper treatments, redness can be present for up to two weeks, which is a normal part of the post-procedure process and does not pose a complication. Proper care and avoidance of the sun during this period are key to a successful outcome.
CO2 Laser for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are actually a type of scar that appears when there is a sudden stretching of the skin and rupture of collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis. They most commonly appear on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs, and appear as reddish, pink, or pale lines, depending on the stage they are in. The CO2 laser works by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin, thus improving the structure of damaged tissue. Treatment over time leads to a decrease in the depth of stretch marks, their change in color, as well as a better fit with the surrounding skin.
It is important to emphasize that younger stretch marks (reddish or pink) are significantly more susceptible to treatment, while pale and older stretch marks are more resistant and require more repetitions. Visible improvement usually requires four to six treatments, with clearly defined expectations and careful planning.
Ideal candidates for a CO2 laser are people who want to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce acne scars, even out the complexion or reduce pigmentation. The treatment is especially useful for people with signs of photodamage, rougher skin surfaces, as well as for those who have an initial relaxation of tone, especially in the eyelid or perioral area.
Applicants should have realistic expectations, that they have no active skin infections or inflammations, and that they have not been recently exposed to the sun. It is also important that they are not in the active acne stage, on isotretinoin therapy, or during pregnancy/lactation. Skin tone also plays a role: people with lighter phototypes (Fitzpatrick I–III) have a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The CO2 laser is most commonly used on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, eye area, above the lips, chin and neck. These are the areas where signs of aging, acne scars and pigmentation are most visible.
On the body, the treatment is applied to the décolletage due to fine lines and sun damage, on the hands to even out the complexion and improve texture, as well as on the upper arms, abdomen and thighs when the goal is to relieve stretch marks or tighten the skin after pregnancy or weight loss. The laser can also be used in places where there are postoperative or traumatic scars.
Before fractional CO2 laser treatment, it is necessary to avoid direct exposure to the sun for about 3-4 weeks. During this period (one month before the treatment), do not do chemical peels, TCA, dermapen, biorevitalization, mesotherapy, PRP or other laser treatments.
If a patient is using any medical therapy — especially retinoids, antibiotics, or medications that affect skin immunity — it’s important to point this out to the doctor before treatment, as it can affect the decision on the timing or intensity of the procedure.
The goal is to make the skin as reactive as possible and to reduce the risk of adverse reactions during recovery.
Yes, before the treatment, a local anesthetic cream is applied to the skin to reduce discomfort during the procedure. The cream is left on for about 60 minutes when treating the face, and a little shorter (about 40 minutes) when it comes to the eyelid area.
During the treatment, the eyes are protected with special protective glasses or intraocular shields, depending on the area to be treated. This protection is mandatory and is a standard safety measure for laser procedures performed near the eyes.
The treatment itself takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the size of the area being treated. Areas such as the eyelids are treated for a shorter period of time (30 minutes), while the treatment of the entire face, neck and décolletage may require more time.
However, it is important to know that you should come to the office at least an hour earlier, in order to apply a local anesthetic cream and leave it to work. For the treatment of the eye area, it is enough to arrive about 40 minutes earlier.
During treatment, patients most often describe the sensation as a mild to moderate burning sensation or warmth, depending on the depth of penetration of the laser. Thanks to the previously applied anesthesia and cooling of the skin during the procedure (with the Zimmer Cryo device), discomfort is usually minimized and most patients describe the treatment as unpleasant, but tolerable.
Odmah nakon tretmana koža je crvena, topla i deluje kao da je blago opečena od sunca. U nekim slučajevima može se javiti i blagi otok, naročito u regiji oko očiju. Intenzitet crvenila zavisi od dubine i jačine tretmana, ali je reakcija potpuno očekivana i prolazna.
Koža je u tom trenutku izuzetno osetljiva, suva i zategnuta. Već nakon prvog dana može početi da tamni, a zatim i da se postepeno peruta i ljušti, što je znak da se površinski sloj kože obnavlja. Ove promene su deo normalnog procesa regeneracije i traju nekoliko dana do najviše dve nedelje, u zavisnosti od tretirane regije i intenziteta postupka.
Crvenilo je najizraženije tokom prva dva do tri dana nakon tretmana. Kod blažih tretmana povlači se u roku od pet do sedam dana, dok kod intenzivnijih može trajati i do deset dana, a u retkim slučajevima i duže. Ljuštenje i perutanje kože obično počinju oko drugog ili trećeg dana i završavaju se do kraja prve nedelje. U tom periodu koža može svrbeti, biti zategnuta i suva.
Kod dubljih tretmana mogu se javiti i sitne krastice, naročito u zonama sa izraženijim ožiljcima ili borama. Ovi znaci regeneracije su normalni i pokazatelj su da je koža u procesu obnove. Potrebno je pažljivo pratiti uputstva za negu kako bi oporavak prošao bez komplikacija i bez rizika od postupalnih promena u pigmentaciji.
U prvim danima nakon tretmana, nega kože ima ključnu ulogu u brzini i kvalitetu oporavka. Kožu je potrebno čistiti blagim preparatima bez alkohola i parfema, po preporuci lekara. Važno je da se koža ne trlja, ne ljušti i ne iritira — ljuštenje mora da prođe spontano kako bi se izbegla pojava fleka ili ožiljaka.
Redovna upotreba reparativnih kremakoje pospešuju zarastanje je obavezna, kao i korišćenje termalne vode i hidratantnih formula bez iritansa. Krema za zaštitu od sunca sa visokim SPF faktorom (najmanje 50) mora se nanositi svakodnevno, i to tokom najmanje dva do tri meseca nakon tretmana, bez obzira na vremenske uslove.
U tom periodu treba izbegavati direktno sunce, solarijum, bazene, saune i sve što dodatno zagreva ili iritira kožu.
Makeup can only be used after the peeling process is complete and the skin is completely closed, which is usually between 6 and 7 days, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Applying makeup prematurely can cause irritation, prolong recovery, or increase the risk of infection.
Physical activity that involves sweating, fever and staying in closed, warm spaces (such as gyms, saunas or swimming pools) is not recommended in the first week after treatment. Activities that do not involve sweating and contact with external factors can be introduced gradually, but only when redness and a feeling of tightness begin to subside.
Yes — after completing the recovery phase, the skin may remain dry or sensitive for some time. Although it has visually regenerated, the process of complete renewal takes longer, and the skin needs additional support during this period.
That is why biorevitalization of the skin is often applied in practice, about two to three weeks after the treatment. The most commonly used are skin boosters such as Jalupro, Profhilo, Voli or other products that restore moisture, elasticity and internal structure in the layers of the skin.
This approach not only improves the comfort and stability of the skin, but further enhances the effects of the CO2 treatment itself, especially in terms of tone, firmness and freshness.
You will see the first results immediately after the skin recovers. When it comes to milder treatments, it will happen after three days, and in the case of intensive treatments, you will notice the first results after two weeks. The skin will be softer, gentler, pigmentation will be less visible. Fine lines and wrinkles will be smoothed.
The CO2 laser stimulates the formation of new collagen, and the skin will regenerate more and more from week to week, be more beautiful and radiant.
It is important to know that a CO2 laser does not give immediate, dramatic results immediately after treatment. The effects develop gradually, as the body creates new collagen. The real improvements — in terms of firmness, tone, and scar or wrinkle reduction — become more apparent over a period of four to eight weeks after treatment.
The number of treatments needed depends on the condition of the skin, the goals you want to achieve, and the intensity of each individual procedure. To refresh the complexion and improve the texture of the skin, a single treatment of mild or medium intensity is often sufficient.
In the case of more pronounced wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks or photodamage, a series of two to three treatments with an interval of several months is recommended. More severe changes, such as deep scars or older stretch marks, may require five to six treatments, with individually tailored parameters and recovery regimen.
The doctor evaluates the number of treatments after the examination and based on that forms a realistic therapy plan that takes into account the condition of the skin, previous treatments and the reaction to laser energy.
The results of CO2 laser treatment can last for years, especially when it comes to removing scars, stretch marks, or pigmentation that have been permanently reduced. In rejuvenation treatments, the effects of tightening and improving skin tone can last between 12 and 24 months, depending on skin type, lifestyle habits and natural aging processes.
The durability of the results is influenced by a number of factors, including the age of the patient, the quality of collagen, sun exposure, the use of sunscreens, and general skin care. Regular use of SPF protection and occasional stimulating treatments (e.g. biorevitalization or milder lasers – Clearlift laser) can help to maintain the effects longer and keep the skin stable and elastic.
CO2 laser treatments are performed exclusively in the period from October to the end of March. During this time frame, the risk of sun exposure is significantly lower, which is important because the skin after the treatment is extremely sensitive to UV radiation.
Once the surface layer of the skin is removed and the regeneration process begins, the new skin is thin, unprotected and prone to the development of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Exposure to the sun during this period, even through a cloud or glass, can cause an uneven complexion, blemishes or prolonged redness. That is why it is risky to carry out the treatment during the sunny months, especially for people who cannot consistently avoid UV exposure.
For all this, laser treatments of this type are planned exclusively in the autumn and winter period — when it is possible to control the recovery conditions.
Ovi izuzeci se odnose isključivo na tretmane manjih regija koje nisu izložene suncu, kao što su pojedinačni manji ožiljci na telu (npr. nakon operacije grudi) koja se mogu lako prekriti odećom i neće tokom leta biti izložena suncu. I tada je obavezna procena lekara, koji mora da zaključi da su svi uslovi za bezbedan oporavak ispunjeni.
Osunčana koža ima pojačanu pigmentaciju i viši nivo melanina, što je čini podložnijom razvoju neželjenih efekata nakon laserskog tretmana — posebno postupalne hiperpigmentacije. Kada se na koži koja je već izložena UV zračenju primeni CO2 laser, povećava se rizik od trajnih tamnih mrlja, neujednačenog tena, pa čak i usporenog ili komplikovanog oporavka.
Pored toga, osunčana koža često reaguje jače na toplotu i ima viši prag osetljivosti, što može dovesti do neželjenih reakcija poput produženog crvenila ili otoka. Zato je jedna od osnovnih priprema za CO2 tretman izbegavanje sunca u periodu od tri do četiri nedelje pre zahvata.
Laserska procedura se jednostavno ne kombinuje sa svežom preplanulošću — bez obzira na to da li je u pitanju sunce, solarijum ili bronzer.
CO2 lasers can pose a risk to people with darker skin tones, especially those who fall into categories IV to VI on the Fitzpatrick scale. This is due to a higher concentration of melanin, which increases the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or uneven recovery.
This does not mean that the treatment cannot be done in people with darker skin, but that strict selection of cases, careful selection of parameters and detailed product of the skin before and after the treatment is necessary. In some cases, your doctor may recommend alternative methods that are better suited to pigmented skin, such as non-ablative lasers or lower-intensity chemical peels.
The final decision always depends on the assessment of a specialist who knows the individual characteristics of the patient’s skin.
The CO2 laser is a safe procedure when performed in a medical setting, under the supervision of a trained and experienced physician using certified and maintained equipment. The technology itself has been proven and used around the world for a number of indications, but the end result and safety depend largely on the quality of the workmanship.
The patient can be confident that the treatment is being done properly if:
He has been given a detailed explanation of the procedure and recovery.
Realistic goals have been set.
A clear and personalized care scheme is obtained,
and if there is communication with the doctor throughout the process.
Treatments should always be avoided in beauty salons, with unprofessionally trained people or on appliances that do not have medical certificates. True expertise is not only seen in the treatment itself, but also in the ability to properly assess when, how, and whether treatment is needed at all.
The CO2 laser is not used in patients who have active skin infections, such as herpes simplex, bacterial inflammation or purulent acne. Also, the treatment is contraindicated in people who have used isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the previous six months, due to the increased risk of scarring and complicated healing.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are relative contraindications — although the treatment itself is not systemically harmful, the hormonal status of the skin during these periods increases the risk of adverse reactions and pigmentation. Treatment is delayed until hormonal stability is restored.
Also, people with a tendency to form hypertrophic scars or keloids, as well as those who have recently had high-intensity chemical peels, should not undergo CO2 treatment until the skin is fully stabilized.
Patients with a darker skin phototype (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) are treated with extreme caution, and in some cases the doctor may suggest an alternative. The presence of autoimmune diseases, severe systemic diseases, or immunosuppressive therapy also requires additional evaluation, as they can affect the course of healing and the final outcome.
In any case, a thorough consultation and assessment of the condition of the skin before treatment is mandatory in order to determine whether the patient meets all the requirements for the safe performance of the procedure.
What do you need to know before getting a CO2 laser treatment?
Treatments are carried outexclusively from October to the end of March, in order to avoid UV radiation and the risk of pigmentation.
The skin must be free of inflammatory processes and not exposed to the sun for at least 3–4 weeks before treatment. During this period, solarium, sunbathing, chemical peels, dermapen, PRP and other aggressive procedures should be avoided.
The treatment is carried out with a local anesthetic cream, and the eyes are always protected. It is necessary to arrive at least an hour earlier for product.
The procedure itself lasts about 60 minutes, and the sensation during the treatment is mild to moderate — described as heat or burning.
Immediately after the treatment, the skin is red, dry and sensitive, and flaking and tightening last for several to about 7 days, depending on the depth of the treatment.
During recovery, makeup, physical activity, exposure to heat and sunlight are prohibited. Precise care is required as recommended by a doctor.
The first results are visible after 7 to 10 days, but the full effect develops over the next 4 to 8 weeks.
On average, 3-4 treatments are required, depending on the goal: wrinkles, scars, texture, pores, pigmentation or stretch marks.
The results can last from a year and up, especially with good post-treatment care and SPF protection.
After recovery, it is often recommended to biorevitalize the skin, in order to restore additional firmness and moisture to the skin.
The treatment is not suitable for everyone — contraindications include pregnancy, lactation, isotretinoin, herpes, infections, a darker complexion (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), and a tendency to keloids.
The safety and success of the treatment depends on the expertise of the person who performs it. CO2 lasers should be used only in medical institutions, on registered devices.
CO2 laser compared to other laser treatments.
U svetu estetske medicine, laserske procedure zauzimaju važno mesto kada je cilj poboljšanje teksture kože, uklanjanje ožiljaka, pigmentacija ili znakova starenja. Iako postoji više vrsta lasera, svaki ima svoju specifičnu ulogu, dubinu delovanja i profil pacijenata kojima je namenjen. Među njima, CO2 laser se izdvaja kao najdublje i najintenzivnije oruđe za stimulaciju regeneracije kože, dok ostali — poput Erbijum lasera, ClearLift-a i ClearSkin-a — nude ciljanije ili nežnije pristupe, sa kraćim oporavkom.
CO2 laser je ablativni frakcioni laser koji uklanja površinski sloj kože i istovremeno prodire u dermis, izazivajući kontrolisana mikrooštećenja i snažnu stimulaciju kolagena. Ovo ga čini idealnim za izražene bore, ožiljke, strije i opuštenu kožu kojoj je potrebna strukturalna podrška iznutra. Ipak, zbog dubine i termalnog efekta, ovaj tretman zahteva i duži oporavak — najčešće između 7 i 14 dana, uz strogu postproceduralnu negu.
CO2 laser vs Erbium laser
S druge strane,Erbijum (Er:YAG) laser, iako takođe ablativan, ima pliće prodiranje i manji termalni efekat, što znači da je manje agresivan prema okolnim tkivima. Koristi se za površinske nepravilnosti, fine bore, diskretnu teksturalnu obnovu i pigmentacije. Efekti su blaži i oporavak kraći — između 3 i 7 dana — ali i potencijal za stimulaciju kolagena je ograničeniji u poređenju sa CO2 laserom. Zbog toga se često biraza one koji žele diskretno osveženje bez većih zastoja u svakodnevnom životu.
CO2 laser vs neablativni laseri
ClearLift je potpuno drugačiji koncept: reč je o neablativnom frakcionom laseru koji deluje u dubljim slojevima kože, bez oštećenja površine. Njegova prednost je što ne zahteva nikakav oporavak — nakon tretmana nema crvenila, ljuštenja ni vidljivih tragova. Koristi se za tonus kože, ublažavanje finih linija, tretman osetljivih regija poput vrata, dekoltea i oko očiju, ali uz znatno blaže rezultate u poređenju sa ablativnim laserima. ClearLift je idealan za one koji žele postupno, neinvazivno osveženje — posebno kod svetlijih znakova starenja i kod pacijenata koji ne mogu sebi priuštiti dan oporavka.
ClearSkin, takođe neablativni, koristi se prvenstveno kod osoba koje imaju aktivne akne, masnu kožu, proširene pore i ožiljke od akni. Njegova energija deluje u dermisu, smanjuje inflamaciju i produkciju sebuma, a pogodan je i za tamnije tipove kože, jer ne nosi rizik od postinflamatornih hiperpigmentacija. Za razliku od CO2 lasera, ClearSkin ne uklanja slojeve kože i ne dovodi do ljuštenja — što ga čini izuzetno korisnim u terapiji akni i održavanju zdravlja problematične kože.
Na kraju, važno je razumeti da izbor između CO2 i ostalih lasera ne zavisi samo od željenog rezultata, već i od trenutnog stanja kože, životnog stila, tolerancije na oporavak i individualnih prioriteta. CO2 je snažan i efikasan kada je potrebna duboka regeneracija, ali zahteva disciplinu i vreme. Erbijum nudi balans između efikasnosti i komfora, ClearLift je odličan za održavanje tonusa bez prekida u svakodnevici, dok ClearSkin cilja na specifične probleme kože poput akni.
U praksi, ovi laseri se ne posmatraju kao konkurencija, već kao komplementarni alati — često se kombinuju u serijama, fazama ili protokolima, kako bi se postigao što prirodniji, stabilniji i dugotrajniji rezultat.
CO2 laser – price and additional questions?
CO2 laser treatment is not an immediate correction, but a serious procedure that triggers the natural renewal processes in the skin. Its effectiveness comes from the depth of action, but also from carefully managed product, precise evaluation of indications and consistent care after the procedure. The treatment looks different for each patient — because neither the skin nor the needs are the same. That is why it is important that the decision on CO2 treatment is made in an informed manner, in consultation with an expert team that knows the limits, possibilities and responsibilities of this procedure. If you’re considering this option, the first step is simple: a professionally guided consultation. It is then assessed whether the treatment is the right choice for your skin, when it could be carried out, and what the course of recovery would look like — without ambiguity and unrealistic expectations.
