Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not carry out this treatment

Kliniek het Bolwerk does not perform CO₂ laser resurfacing treatments. This information is included in the knowledge base to give a general explanation of what CO₂ laser resurfacing involves and when this treatment is used in medical or cosmetic care.

If you are considering a CO₂ laser resurfacing treatment, it is important to seek advice from a specialised skin therapist, dermatologist or clinic with experience in ablative laser treatments.

What is CO2 laser resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation method in which a laser is used to remove the top layers of the skin in a controlled way. The CO2 laser produces short, powerful pulses of light that vaporise the damaged skin layer. This makes room for new skin cells to form, resulting in a younger, fresher skin surface.

The treatment can be carried out in two ways: fractional or non-fractional. With the fractional technique, the laser treats only part of the skin (tiny areas), so the recovery time is shorter. The non-fractional method treats the entire skin layer and is more effective for deep wrinkles and scars, but requires a longer recovery time.

CO2 laser resurfacing is often used on the face, neck and décolletage, but can also be applied to other parts of the body where skin rejuvenation is needed.

Who is CO2 laser resurfacing suitable for?

CO2 laser resurfacing is suitable for people who want to rejuvenate and improve their skin. It is especially effective for:

Deep wrinkles and fine lines: The treatment can even address stubborn wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and on the forehead.
Scars: Acne scars in particular, but also scars from surgery or injuries, can be considerably reduced with CO2 laser resurfacing.
Pigmentation spots and sun damage: Dark spots and uneven pigmentation caused by sun damage can be faded.
Uneven skin texture: The laser makes the skin smoother by removing irregularities and allowing new skin to form.
Aged skin: Skin ageing caused by loss of collagen can be addressed effectively, resulting in firmer and fresher skin.

CO2 laser resurfacing is less suitable for people with very dark skin types, because the risk of pigmentation disorders may be greater. It is also not advisable for people with active skin infections or certain medical conditions. A consultation with a specialist is always necessary to determine whether this treatment is suitable for you.

How does CO2 laser resurfacing work?

A CO2 laser resurfacing treatment uses a laser that emits pulses of light to vaporise the top layer of the skin precisely. This controlled damage to the skin makes the body start its natural healing process, leading to the production of new skin cells and collagen. This makes the skin firmer, smoother and tighter.

The treatment itself can take 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the area being treated and the severity of the skin concerns. Before the treatment, an anaesthetic cream or, in some cases, local anaesthetic is used to reduce discomfort.

During the procedure, you may feel slight warmth or tingling. After the treatment, the regeneration process begins, in which the old, damaged skin is replaced by new, healthy skin. The results of CO2 laser resurfacing are usually long-lasting, but the ageing process of the skin will of course continue.

Benefits of CO2 laser resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing offers a wide range of benefits, including:

Intensive skin rejuvenation: The result is a considerable improvement in skin texture and tone.
Deep wrinkle reduction: CO2 lasers can treat deep wrinkles and lines, giving a more youthful appearance.
Reduction of scars: The treatment is very effective in reducing acne scars and other types of scars.
Improved pigmentation: Pigmentation spots and skin discolouration are reduced, so the skin looks more even.
Long-lasting results: The effects of a CO2 laser treatment can remain visible for years, especially when the skin is well cared for.
Collagen production: The treatment stimulates the production of new collagen, which makes the skin firmer and more elastic.

This makes CO2 laser resurfacing one of the most thorough skin rejuvenation treatments for people looking for long-lasting and visible results.

Recovery after CO2 laser resurfacing

The recovery process after a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can vary, depending on the intensity of the treatment and the sensitivity of your skin. Right after the treatment, the skin usually feels warm and red, similar to a bad sunburn. The treated skin may be swollen and, after a few days, may start to peel or form crusts while the renewal process takes place.

Depending on the intensity of the treatment, recovery time can vary from a week to several weeks. During this period, it is important to keep the skin well hydrated and to protect it from sunlight with a high SPF sunscreen. Avoiding direct sunlight and following the specialist's instructions are crucial for good recovery and to minimise the risk of side effects, such as pigmentation disorders.

The full results of the treatment usually become visible after a few months, when the skin has fully recovered and the collagen production has done its work. Several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired result, depending on the severity of the skin concerns.

Difference between CO2 laser resurfacing and other laser treatments

CO2 laser resurfacing is often compared with other types of laser treatment, such as Fraxel laser or erbium lasers, but there are important differences. CO2 lasers are considerably more powerful and can treat deeper wrinkles and scars. This makes the treatment ideal for people who need intensive skin rejuvenation. Fraxel and other lasers usually work more on the skin surface and are more suitable for less deep skin concerns, with a shorter recovery time.

However, CO2 lasers can involve a longer recovery time and a higher risk of side effects, such as pigmentation disorders, especially in darker skin types. So it is important to decide together with a specialist which treatment best suits your skin type and wishes.