CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 lasers are the best devices for collagen remodelling. Depending on the laser we employ, downtime can be tailored to ensure fast healing & excellent results.

We use specific CO2 lasers, depending on the task, as each laser machine has unique characteristics. 

Cutis has over 33 lasers, including 4 CO2 devices. We are one of the main centres for clinical laser research in Australia. 

A CO2 laser is merely a tool, much like a spanner (more like a grinder). Each laser has specific properties that make it the best in its class when performing a specific task, or treating a particular skin type. For example-

• Darker skin patients are best treated with eCO2, Mixto laser, or CO2RE 
• Deep scars & burns are treated with Ultrapulse lasers

We have used the Fraxel RePair & the YouLaser MT in the past, and for 2022-23 will run other hybrid lasers.

At Cutis, CO2 lasers are used to treat-

• Wrinkles & sun damage including actinic keratosis
• Pigmentation & age warts
• Skin rejuvenation
• Acne scars 
• Medical conditions including skin cancer, rhinophyma, & burns scars 
• Delivery of topicals including vitamin A & anti-inflammatories

Fully ablative lasers treat the whole surface area of skin, whilst fractional lasers treat a percentage of skin (most commonly 5-70%). 

In most cases, one good fractional resurfacing can be 70-80+% as effective as a fully ablative laser. This is especially true when we combine CO2 lasers with other fractional devices including non-ablative lasers. 

Remember lasers are best for improving skin quality & surface changes. In the context of cosmetic improvements, patients should also consider skin tightening & volume replacement. 

If you are on a budget, you are better off with fractional laser & soft tissue hydrators over just one big session of fully ablative resurfacing. 

For skin rejuvenation, most patients require only one session. This is primarily due to the fact we combine 2 lasers in the one sitting, namely thulium & CO2 laser.

Unlike other clinics, we perform the treatment with different settings, for example high parameters around the lip wrinkles & eye area. 

For acne scars, most patients require between 2-4 sessions.

Yes. This is the reason we have so many different types of CO2 lasers. For darker skin types we use the eCO2, CO2RE or Mixto laser as these lasers have a very small beam sizes & can randomise dots. This reduces (not eliminates) skin colour changes during the healing up period. 

In some cases, we aid healing with another laser called pico. This reduces post laser pigmentation. 

Yes, that is why for bigger cases we perform this procedure under conscious sedation. We also block the areas with anaesthetic, so your pain will be well controlled.

For smaller jobs, laughing gas & topical anaesthesia is given. Don’t worry, we got you.

That can range between 1 day to 90 days. As a guide-

• Superficial laser (delivery of vitamin A), 1-3 days.
• Medium depth laser (sun damage, moderate wrinkles, acne scars), 3.5 to 6 days
• Deep laser resurfacing (deep wrinkles & scars) 7+ days

Our dermatologists & nurses will give you an accurate indication of your downtime.

Results can be seen within two weeks. After the inital redness settles, skin will look and feel refreshed with better luminosity, less wrinkles, reduced pigmentation & better light transmission.

Results will continue to improve over the next 3-6 months as more collagen is stimulated.

Laser resurfacing is more affordable than you think. As a guide, our nursing team performs level 2 to 3 resurfacing. 90% of CO2 cases fall into this category. 

Our nursing team performs a variety of resurfacing procedures ranging from level 2 to level 4; most resurfacing procedures fall into these categories. Prices range from $1290-$2990 per treatment.

Our specialist Dermatologists perform level 5 resurfacing which is commonly reserved for severe sun damage, deep wrinkles and photoaging.  Level 5 Laser Resurfacing $3,990 -$5990 per treatment (CO2 fully ablative / Erbium)  

Side effects are more common with fully ablative CO2 lasers as compared to fractional lasers. They include, 

• Infection: very rare for fractional lasers
• Prolonged redness: common after fully ablative lasers
• Post laser pigmentation: more common in darker skin types
• Scarring: very rare with fractional lasers
• Demarcation lines: more common with ablative 

The CO2 laser is the commonly used method (laser) for collagen production. Microneedling does not provide adequate depth and controlled heat to effectively generate collagen as compared to lasers. 

No comparison. HALO is a minimally invasive, minimal downtime laser, limited by its flexibility & power. Results are underwhelming as it requires multiple sessions ( 3-5 or more). 

One treatment with CO2 (+/- thulium) is better than 3-5 sessions of HALO. If you think HALO is the better option, we combine the erbium wavelength of Scition with a non-ablative laser to deliver hybrid resurfacing. 

There are many other devices that can improve skin quality. These include-

• Non-ablative lasers like Fraxel, LaseMD, FraxPro
• Pico lasers
• RF microneedling
• Chemical peels

Our clinical staff will discuss other effective options, bearing in mind your budget, expectations & downtime

Peels generate a deeper and thicker band of new collagen compared to lasers (in the context of phenol croton oil peels). A deep Jessner multicoat peel followed by 35% TCA is equal to a medium depth fully ablative laser resurfacing procedure. Don’t underestimate the power of chemical peels.