Safe and professional
Felt I was in very safe and professional hands from my first consultation with Bo. ESPECIALLY on the day of the operation itself, when I was very n…
Thomas Hansen
About the treatment
Over time, the skin can develop fine lines, deeper wrinkles, sun damage, uneven pigmentation or scarring that affect the skin's texture and radiance. An ablative CO2 laser treatment is an advanced skin-resurfacing treatment that works deep in the skin to improve its quality, firmness and surface. During the treatment, the outermost layers of damaged skin are removed with great precision, while the skin's own collagen production is stimulated. The result is skin that gradually appears smoother and more even, with a fresher, more youthful look.
At Caolín, the treatment is always tailored individually, with a focus on safety, the needs of your skin and natural results.
At a glance
- Price
- On request
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthetic, or general anaesthetic for larger areas
- Duration
- Approx. 30–60 minutes
- Hospital stay
- 1-3 hours
- Socially presentable
- 14 days
- Sun on treated skin
- Avoid for at least 3–6 months
- Final result
- After 3–6 months
What is ablative CO2 laser?
CO2 laser is an ablative laser treatment, which means that it removes the outermost layers of the skin in a controlled and precise way. The laser light is absorbed by water in the skin cells, which evaporates instantly. The result is a controlled removal of the damaged, aged layer of skin and a powerful stimulation of the body's own healing processes in the deeper layers.
As the skin heals, new collagen and elastin are formed, which are the proteins that give the skin its firmness and elasticity. It is this new formation that gives CO2 laser its long-lasting and marked effect on fine wrinkles, skin texture, pores and the skin's overall tone and firmness.
CO2 laser is the most effective ablative laser treatment and gives more marked results than gentler treatments such as microneedling and chemical peels. In return, it requires a more pronounced recovery period.
What can CO2 laser treat?
CO2 laser can treat the face, neck, décolletage, hands and other parts of the body, but it is on the face that the treatment typically gives the most marked results, as facial skin heals quickly and has a good blood supply.
Fine and moderate wrinkles
Particularly on the face, around the eyes and mouth and on the forehead.
Skin texture and pores
Overall skin texture and pores that have become coarser with age or as a result of acne.
Pigmentation and sun damage
Including age spots, uneven skin tone and superficial discolouration.
Acne scars and surgical scars
Scars that are raised, sunken or uneven. CO2 laser can smooth and soften them considerably.
Loss of skin firmness
General skin quality that is difficult to address with other methods.
Stretch marks
Particularly newer, red ones. Older white stretch marks respond more modestly.
Full ablation vs. fractional CO2 laser
At Caolín, the intensity and technique are always tailored individually to your skin type, your skin changes and the downtime you can accept. We never recommend a standard treatment, only the one that suits you.
Full ablative CO2 laser
The classic and most intensive variant, in which the entire treated area of skin is ablated evenly. It gives the most marked result, but requires the longest recovery period, typically 10–14 days before the skin is presentable. Suitable for patients with pronounced skin ageing, deep wrinkles or prominent scars.
Fractional CO2 laser
A gentler variant, in which the laser delivers energy in a pattern of dots. Untreated islands of skin between the dots speed up healing considerably. Shorter recovery (typically 5–7 days), but it often requires 2–3 treatments for a result equivalent to one full ablation. Suitable for patients with milder skin changes or those who want a shorter downtime.
Recovery and what you can expect
Recovery after ablative CO2 laser is more pronounced than with most other cosmetic treatments, but it is short-lived compared with the result. It is important to prepare yourself mentally for the first few days, which can be demanding.
The result is long-lasting, but depends on skin type, sun protection and lifestyle. Good daily sun protection is the most important factor in preserving and prolonging the result.
Days 1–3
The skin is red, swollen and weeping. Daily cleansing and moisturising as instructed by the surgeon.
Days 4–7
Crusting and flaking. Avoid pressing or picking – let the skin flake off naturally.
Days 7–14
New skin grows in. The skin is still red and sensitive, but is presentable with make-up from approximately day 10–14.
Sun
Must be avoided completely for at least 3 months – use a minimum of SPF 50 daily. The sun is the greatest threat to the result and can cause pigmentation changes.
Final result
Appears gradually over 3–6 months, as the newly formed collagen matures.
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What our patients say
Good to know
Questions and answers
Here you'll find the whole process step by step — from consultation to your first weeks at home. If there's anything you can't find an answer to, bring it along to your consultation.
Ablative laser removes the outermost layers of the skin and gives a more marked and faster effect, but requires a real recovery period. Non-ablative laser heats the deeper layers of the skin without removing the surface; it gives a shorter downtime, but not comparable results. CO2 laser is ablative and is among the most effective laser systems.
CO2 laser gives the best results on fair skin types (Fitzpatrick I–III). Darker skin types have an increased risk of pigmentation changes after ablative treatment and require a special assessment. We always carry out a thorough skin assessment at the consultation.
The treatment is not advised in cases of active acne, active skin infections, recent sun exposure, certain skin conditions, and in patients who cannot comply with sun protection during the recovery period. Isotretinoin treatment must have been stopped at least 6 months before the treatment.
The treatment is carried out under numbing cream and, if necessary, general anaesthetic, so the discomfort during the treatment itself is limited. For the first 24–48 hours afterwards, the skin can feel like severe sunburn; hot, tight and tender. This is managed with the care products and instructions we send you home with.
Most people can use mineral make-up from approximately day 10–14, when the new skin has grown in and the surface has healed. Ordinary make-up can irritate the skin in the early healing period and should wait. We will advise you on when and which products are suitable.
Ablative CO2 laser gives the best and safest results on fair skin types (Fitzpatrick I–III). Darker skin types have an increased risk of hyperpigmentation after ablative treatment. We always carry out a thorough skin assessment and can in some cases recommend alternative treatments for darker skin types.
No, isotretinoin (Roaccutane and similar) must have been stopped at least 6 months before ablative laser treatment. The medication significantly affects the skin's ability to heal and increases the risk of scarring.
The newly formed skin after CO2 laser is very vulnerable to UV radiation and can react with permanent pigmentation changes even after brief sun exposure. Daily use of a minimum of SPF 50 for at least 3 months is not optional, it is crucial for a good and even result.
Yes, and it is a combination that we at Caolín recommend in many treatment plans.
The result is long-lasting, but depends on skin type, lifestyle and, most importantly, sun protection. Daily use of a high SPF is the single factor that has the greatest positive influence on how long the result lasts. Good skincare and avoiding smoking prolong the result further.
CO2 laser is a well-documented and safe treatment when it is carried out by experienced practitioners with the right equipment. The most relevant risks are pigmentation changes (particularly in darker skin types or with sun exposure during healing), infection, scarring and prolonged redness. All risks are gone through thoroughly at the consultation, and we prepare you thoroughly for the recovery process.
The process
What to expect at Caolín
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Consultation
The process starts with a thorough consultation with our practitioner and surgeon, where we assess your skin, your wishes and which areas you would like to improve. Among other things, we analyse the skin's texture, elasticity and pigmentation, any scarring and the degree of sun damage, so that we can tailor the treatment precisely to you.
You receive an honest, professional assessment of what can be achieved with the treatment, and together we draw up a plan that suits your skin and your goals. It is important to us that you feel well informed, reassured and met with both expertise and understanding throughout the process.
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Before the treatment
Once the treatment plan is in place, we guide you thoroughly through the preparations leading up to the day of treatment. It is important that the skin is in balance before the treatment, and it may therefore be necessary to pause active skincare products temporarily or to avoid sun exposure in the period beforehand.
If you have previously had cold sores or other skin reactions, we go through this with you, so that your skin is as well prepared as possible.
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During the treatment
During the treatment, the CO2 laser works with great precision on the skin's surface and in the deeper layers of tissue, where it removes damaged skin cells in a controlled way and stimulates the skin's natural regeneration. The treatment depth is tailored individually depending on skin type, treatment area and the desired result. The treatment itself can last from approximately 30 minutes to longer, depending on the size of the area and the intensity of the treatment. After the treatment, the skin is protected with a special ointment or dressing to support the skin's healing process.
Depending on the extent of the treatment, it is carried out either under local anaesthetic or under general anaesthetic. The whole treatment process is gone through with you before we start, so that you feel reassured and well prepared.
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After the treatment
It is entirely normal for the skin to feel hot, tight, red and swollen for the first few days. The skin will then begin its natural renewal process, in which the treated areas gradually regenerate and develop new, healthy skin.
In the first period, it is important to protect the skin from sun, heat and unnecessary irritation.
Book a free consultation at Caolín
Your journey begins with a personal consultation. Here we go through your wishes and options, so that together we can create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
The specialists
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Bo Sonnich Rasmussen is a consultant in plastic surgery and one of the Nordic region's leading specialists in cosmetic breast surgery and advanced facial surgery, and one of the few surgeons to master endoscopic facelifts with no visible scars. He holds a PhD in breast reconstruction with stem cell-enriched fat transfer and is internationally recognised for his work and research in the field.
Frederik Kølle, MD, PHD
Founder & Chief Plastic Surgeon
Frederik Kølle is a certified and internationally recognised plastic surgeon specialising in facial and cosmetic surgery as well as advanced fat transfer and body contouring. He is among the leading experts in the Nordic region and masters the full spectrum of facial and breast surgery.
Related treatments
Financing your treatment
We offer financing so you can spread the cost. If you have any questions about financing, you are always welcome to contact us – or ask at your consultation.
The calculation is for guidance only. Credit assessment and terms are set by Resurs Bank.