Scars come in all shapes and sizes — from acne scars, stretch marks and surgical marks to those left behind by injury or inflammation. Understandably, many people seek ways to reduce their appearance, especially when they affect confidence or comfort. One question that frequently arises is: does CO2 laser help with scarring?
Scarring occurs as a natural part of the healing process, but not all scars behave the same. Some are flat and fade over time, while others may be raised, sunken, or discoloured. Acne scars, in particular, often leave behind uneven texture, which can be challenging to smooth with skincare alone.
Because scars involve changes to the deeper layers of the skin, treating them effectively often requires more than topical solutions.
There are many treatments available to help improve the appearance of scars — including microneedling, chemical peels, and light-based therapies. The right one depends on the type of scar, the area affected, and your skin’s sensitivity.
One of the more intensive and effective options is the CO2 laser, an ablative treatment that resurfaces the skin by removing its outer layers. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response, encouraging new collagen production and skin regeneration. It can be particularly effective for deep acne scarring or textural irregularities.
Because it’s a stronger laser, the CO2 laser treatment does come with downtime. After treatment, skin is typically red, swollen, and peeling for several days, with full recovery taking a couple of weeks. However, the results can be significant, with smoother skin and improved tone visible after one or more sessions.
It’s worth noting that the treatment isn’t suitable for everyone — especially those with very sensitive skin or darker skin tones, where there’s a higher risk of pigmentation changes. In such cases, less aggressive options may be recommended instead.
Yes — CO2 laser is widely considered one of the most effective treatments for resurfacing skin and reducing the appearance of certain types of scars, particularly those that are pitted or textured. However, it’s not the only option, and your results will depend on the scar type, your skin tone, and how your skin heals.
So, does CO2 laser help with scarring? In many cases, yes — but it’s important to have a full consultation with our experienced practitioners first. They can assess your skin, talk through your options, and help you decide if CO2 laser is the right approach, or if a gentler route might be better suited to your goals.
CO2 laser can significantly improve the appearance of scars, but complete removal isn’t guaranteed. Multiple sessions may be needed, and results depend on the type and depth of the scar.
Yes, especially for deep acne or surgical scars. It helps resurface the skin, stimulate collagen, and reduce uneven texture. Downtime is longer, but results are often dramatic and long-lasting.
You’ll notice smoother skin as early as 2–3 weeks post-treatment, but full results develop over 3–6 months as collagen continues to rebuild.
