What is CO2 laser treatment?
CO2 laser treatment is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove damaged surface skin and stimulate new collagen, improving wrinkles, scarring, sun damage, and texture. It’s one of the most effective non-surgical resurfacing treatments available, and works deeper than most other lasers.
At VCI, we use the Lumenis Ultrapulse, one of the most powerful medical CO2 lasers available, in either fractional or fully ablative modes depending on your skin and goals. Every treatment is performed at our Melbourne clinic under doctor-led care, with the treatment level matched to what your skin needs and how much recovery time suits you.
How CO2 laser works
A CO2 laser produces a beam of light at a wavelength of 10,600nm, which is absorbed by water in the skin. This vaporises damaged surface tissue in a precise, controlled way, while heating the deeper layers to trigger collagen contraction and months of new collagen production. There are two main approaches.
Fractional treatment targets a grid of microscopic columns and leaves the skin between them untouched, which speeds recovery but usually needs more sessions. Non-fractional, or fully ablative, resurfaces the entire surface in one deeper treatment, with a stronger result and longer downtime. VCI’s Ultrapulse uses two handpieces: Active FX for surface renewal, and Deep FX for deeper scar and wrinkle work.
How CO2 compares with other lasers
CO2 is the most powerful resurfacing option, but it isn’t always the right one, and we’re honest about that. The Lumenis Ultrapulse is the gold standard for deep resurfacing, but erbium laser is gentler with less downtime, Fraxel heats the skin to stimulate collagen without removing tissue, and Tixel achieves resurfacing-style results without laser energy at all.
Because VCI has the full range under one roof, the doctors recommend the right tool for your skin rather than the one machine a clinic happens to own. Which suits you is determined at your consultation.
CO2 laser
before and after
CO2 laser results develop over time as the skin heals and rebuilds collagen. The initial change is visible once the surface recovers, with firming and smoothing continuing to improve over three to six months.
The genuine results below are from VCI patients, each labelled with the treatment mode, the number of sessions, and when the after photo was taken, so you can see what’s realistic. Individual results vary. A consultation is required to determine treatment suitability.
*Patient consent has been obtained to display these images. Individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed. A consultation is required to determine treatment suitability.
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing
- Improved tone, texture, and laxity
- Softened fine lines and wrinkles
- Firmer skin around the mouth and eyes
- Smoother, less crepey surface
CO2 laser resurfacing
- Smoother texture and overall tightening
- Reduced pigmentation, more even tone
- Softened fine lines around the eyes and mouth
- Subtle lifting of upper eyelid skin
CO2 laser resurfacing
- Smoother texture and softened lines
- More even tone and improved firmness
- Less crepey, refreshed upper eyelids
- Refined skin around the mouth and lower cheeks
CO2 laser resurfacing
- Greater skin brightness and even texture
- Visibly smoother cheeks and forehead
- Improvement around the eyes and mouth
Non-fractional CO2 laser (with sedation)
- Improved skin texture and wrinkles
- Reduced pigmentation
- Treatment of a naevus on the cheek/jowl area
- Combined with other in-clinic treatments
CO2 and erbium laser resurfacing
- Softened deep wrinkles and uneven texture
- Improved firmness
- Removal of sun-damaged surface layers
CO2 and erbium laser resurfacing
- Smoother skin texture and softened fine lines
- Improved elasticity
- More refined, rejuvenated appearance
Who is CO2 laser treatment for?
CO2 laser suits adults wanting a meaningful improvement in wrinkles, scarring, sun damage, or skin texture, who are comfortable with some downtime in exchange for a stronger result. Because it’s a powerful treatment, it’s particularly suited to more established concerns that lighter treatments can’t fully address.
Skin type matters: deeper CO2 treatments are best suited to fairer skin, while medium and darker skin tones need carefully modified settings or, in some cases, a different laser, to avoid the risk of pigmentation change. Whether CO2 is right for you, and at what level, is always confirmed at your consultation.
Wrinkles and sun damage
CO2 laser is one of the most effective treatments for lines, wrinkles, and sun-damaged skin. By resurfacing the surface and stimulating deep collagen, it softens fine lines, improves crepey and weathered skin, and restores a smoother, firmer surface, particularly around the mouth and eyes.
Acne scars
For atrophic acne scarring, CO2 laser resurfaces uneven, pitted skin and stimulates collagen to soften scar depth and improve overall texture. Deeper scarring often needs more than one session, and CO2 is frequently combined with other scar treatments in a plan.
Eyes and eyelid skin
The delicate skin around the eyes and eyelids responds well to CO2 laser, where its precision allows careful treatment of fine lines, crepiness, and mild hooding that many other treatments can’t safely reach. It’s a common reason people choose CO2 over gentler options.
Pigmentation and texture
CO2 laser improves uneven tone, rough texture, and surface pigmentation from sun damage by renewing the outer layers of skin. For pigmentation specifically, your suitability depends on your skin type, which the doctors assess carefully before treatment.
Who it’s not for
CO2 laser isn’t right for everyone, and we’re honest about that. It’s generally not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active skin infection, or for those prone to keloid scarring. Deeper CO2 treatment carries a higher risk of pigmentation change in medium and darker skin tones, so a gentler laser or modified approach is often the safer choice. If your skin or your goals aren’t well matched to CO2, the doctors will tell you honestly and recommend a better option.
Benefits of CO2
laser treatment
- For wrinkles, scarring, and sun damage
- Stimulates months of new collagen for firmer, smoother skin
- Improves uneven tone, texture, and crepey skin
- Precise enough for delicate areas like around the eyes
- From lighter fractional to deeper ablative, matched to your skin
- The treatment level set by a doctor, matched to your goals
How it works
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Book a consultation
Cosmetic treatments require an initial consultation, offered with no obligation to proceed, so you can make an informed decision about your options. Your doctor assesses your skin and concerns, discusses your goals, and creates a personalised CO2 laser treatment plan.
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Pre-treatment care
If preparation is required, you receive clear pre-treatment instructions to support a safe treatment and a smooth recovery.
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Your treatment appointment
Your CO2 laser treatment is performed with approved products by VCI’s clinical team, with safe, evidence-based care in a comfortable, professional environment.
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Post-treatment care
You receive specific aftercare instructions to support your recovery, and the team is available to answer any questions during this time.
What’s included in your CO2 laser treatment at VCI
We believe in being clear about what your treatment includes, so there are no surprises. Your CO2 laser treatment at VCI includes:
- A medical consultation with a doctor, including a skin examination, VISIA skin analysis, and clinical photography
- A personalised treatment plan and a full consent process
- Prescription-strength numbing applied before treatment for your comfort
- The CO2 laser treatment, performed by VCI’s clinical team using the Lumenis Ultrapulse
- A structured aftercare plan and a post-treatment review
It’s also worth being clear about what may sit outside a single session. Deeper concerns such as significant scarring sometimes need more than one treatment, and any supporting skincare or maintenance is planned separately. We’ll set all of this out clearly at your consultation, so you know exactly what’s involved and what it costs before you decide.
How much does CO2 laser cost in Melbourne?
CO2 laser at VCI starts from [$X], with the exact cost depending on the treatment area, the depth and mode of treatment, and whether more than one session is needed. A smaller area such as around the eyes sits at one end, while full-face resurfacing or deeper scar treatment sits higher. Because the right approach varies so much from person to person, there’s no single fixed price, but we’re always clear and upfront about costs before you proceed.
At your consultation, we’ll assess your skin, recommend the right level of treatment, and give you a clear, itemised breakdown before you decide, with no pressure to proceed.
Our medical team for CO2 laser
CO2 laser at VCI is consulted on and performed by our medical team at our Templestowe Lower clinic.
VCI was founded and is led by Dr Gavin Chan (MBBS, registration MED0001175745), who has practised cosmetic medicine since 2005, alongside our multi-disciplinary team of cosmetic doctors and registered nurses. Because CO2 is a powerful treatment, having it planned and performed by experienced medical practitioners genuinely matters, both for your safety and for getting the treatment level right for your skin.
Every CO2 treatment begins with a doctor-led consultation, so your plan is guided by medical assessment rather than a sales conversation.
“Good cosmetic medicine starts with good information.”
Preparation and what to expect
CO2 laser involves more recovery than lighter treatments, so knowing what to expect before, during, and after helps you plan and get the best result.
Before
In the weeks before treatment, you may be advised to prepare the skin and avoid sun exposure, and to pause certain skincare actives and medications [writer to confirm specifics with VCI]. Good preparation supports healing and reduces the risk of complications. On the day, we take clinical photography and a VISIA scan, and apply prescription-strength numbing for your comfort.
During
The treatment area is numbed thoroughly before we begin. The CO2 laser is then passed across the skin, which most people describe as a hot, prickling sensation managed well by the numbing. A treatment takes around 30 to 60 minutes depending on the area and depth. You may notice a warm sensation and the smell associated with laser resurfacing during the treatment.
After
Recovery depends on the depth of treatment. Expect redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation for the first few days, followed by peeling or flaking as the skin renews, typically over about one to two weeks [writer to confirm timeframes with VCI]. Diligent aftercare is essential: gentle cleansing, plenty of moisturiser, and strict sun protection support healing and protect your result. We’ll give you a clear day-by-day aftercare plan and are available throughout your recovery.
Results appear gradually as collagen rebuilds, typically becoming noticeable from a few weeks after your second session, and last around six to twelve months with maintenance.
How much does CO2 laser cost in Melbourne?
CO2 laser at VCI starts from [$X]. The exact cost depends on the treatment area, the depth and mode of treatment, and whether more than one session is needed. A smaller area like around the eyes sits at one end, and full-face or deeper scar treatment higher. You’ll get a clear, itemised breakdown at your consultation before deciding anything.
How many CO2 laser sessions will I need?
It depends on your concern and the depth of treatment. A single deeper treatment can produce a significant result, while lighter fractional treatments or more established concerns like deep scarring may need a course of two to three sessions. Your exact plan is confirmed at your consultation after assessing your skin.
How long does CO2 laser recovery take?
Most people have redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like feeling for the first few days, followed by peeling as the skin renews, usually over about one to two weeks depending on the depth of treatment. Diligent aftercare and sun protection support healing, and we provide a clear day-by-day plan.
Does CO2 laser hurt?
The treatment area is numbed with prescription-strength numbing before we begin, so most people find it well tolerated, describing a hot, prickling sensation rather than sharp pain. Afterwards, the skin feels like sunburn for a few days, which settles with aftercare.
Is CO2 laser safe?
CO2 laser has a long track record and a strong safety profile when performed by experienced medical practitioners. Because it’s a powerful treatment, correct assessment and technique matter, which is why it’s doctor-led at VCI. Risks include prolonged redness, and in some skin types a risk of pigmentation change, which is why skin type is carefully assessed beforehand.
How long do CO2 laser results last?
CO2 laser results are long-lasting, because the treatment renews the skin and stimulates lasting new collagen. Results aren’t permanent, as skin continues to age naturally, but the improvement is durable, and good skincare and sun protection help maintain it over the long term.
Can CO2 laser be done on darker skin?
It depends on your skin type. Deeper CO2 treatments carry a higher risk of pigmentation change in medium and darker skin, so a modified approach or a gentler laser is often safer. At VCI, the doctors assess your skin type carefully and recommend the safest effective option for you.
What areas can CO2 laser treat?
CO2 laser can treat the full face, as well as specific areas like around the eyes and mouth, the neck, and the hands. It’s used for wrinkles, sun damage, acne scarring, and texture. The right area and depth are matched to your concern and skin at your consultation.
