Fractional CO₂ resurfacing treats the skin in microscopic columns that reach into the dermis, leaving healthy skin in between to support healing. By working deeper than a surface peel, it drives stronger collagen remodelling for lines, texture and scarring, while keeping recovery manageable.
It sits between a light refresh and full resurfacing: more correction than CoolPeel, with a recovery measured in days rather than weeks.
Fractional CO₂ may help with:
- Fine-to-moderate wrinkles
- Rough, weathered or crepey skin texture
- Enlarged-looking pores
- The look of sun-damaged, elastotic skin
- Acne, surgical and traumatic scars (usually treated as a series)
Being clear about what it won't do: Fractional CO₂ resurfaces and firms the skin's quality — it doesn't lift sagging or replace lost volume, which are better addressed in other ways. It is also not the right tool for pigment or sun-spots (BBL® is the appropriate and safer choice for pigment, and resurfacing can aggravate melasma). Deep scarring is usually improved progressively over a staged plan rather than in a single session. Your clinician will be honest with you about what is realistic.
Pigment risk is intermediate with fractional CO₂; for deeper or more reactive skin types your clinician may use conservative settings and recommend a skin-preparation regimen beforehand.
If you would like to know more about Fractional CO₂ resurfacing, book your non-surgical consultation by emailing us at [email protected] or call our care team on (02) 4002 4150.
All medical procedures carry risks. Some possible risks associated with Fractional CO₂ resurfacing include:
- Redness and swelling, with a tight, sunburn-like feeling in the first few days.
- A bronzed appearance, then peeling and flaking as the skin renews.
- Pinkness that fades over the following weeks.
- Itching as the skin heals — do not scratch the treated area.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (browning) or hypopigmentation (lightening); these usually settle over 2–6 months and are more likely in deeper skin. Permanent colour change is a rare risk. Diligent sun protection before and after reduces this risk.
- Infection is uncommon, but cold-sore (herpes simplex) reactivation can occur, including in people with no known history.
- Allergic or localised reactions to topical preparations are uncommon.
What to expect after your treatment:
- Days 1–3: redness and swelling, with a tight, sunburn-like feeling.
- Days 3–7: bronzing, then peeling and flaking.
- Days 7–14: peeling settles; pinkness fades over the following weeks.
Post-treatment instructions:
- Keep the skin moist with the bland emollient provided; do not allow the treated area to dry out.
- Cleanse gently twice a day with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser; pat dry — do not rub or scrub.
- Allow peeling and flaking to come away naturally — do not pick, rub or force off any skin, as this risks scarring and pigmentation problems.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily and avoid sun exposure while healing.
- Resume active skincare only once the skin has healed; makeup once healed.
- Area treatments include one follow-up BBL® session to help settle redness and pigment as you recover.
Fractional CO₂ resurfacing may not be suitable if you have an infectious or connective tissue disease, are immunocompromised, are pregnant, have a condition that may affect wound healing, are intolerant to anaesthetic-based agents, have a tendency to keloid scarring, use anticoagulant medication, or have used isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 4 weeks. Smoking and nicotine products may delay healing. Suitability is confirmed with your clinician.
Avoid alcohol in the week before your treatment, and aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior. Strict sun avoidance and broad-spectrum SPF before and after are important; for some skin types a short skin-preparation regimen may be recommended beforehand.
The area is cleansed before treatment. Fractional CO₂ is performed with topical numbing and cooling; deeper settings simply receive more thorough preparation. Treatment times vary with the area treated. Eye protection is provided.
Our treatments are tailored to the individual and pricing is provided within the context of consultation. For a price guide please refer to our Treatment Menu, email us at [email protected] or call our Care Team on (02) 4002 4150 to discuss.
Fractional CO₂ pairs with BBL® for pigment and redness — one follow-up BBL is included with area treatments — and can form part of a broader skin plan. A consultation is the best way to discuss the treatment options suited to your concerns and goals. To book your non-surgical consultation email us at [email protected] or call our care team on (02) 4002 4150.
FAQs
Smoother texture, softened fine-to-moderate lines and improvement in the look of weathered or scarred skin, as new collagen forms. Results continue to develop over the months following treatment, with collagen remodelling peaking around 3-6 months after your treatment.
The number of treatments recommended will depend on the individual starting point of your skin. One or two treatments spaced months apart within the first year, with maintenance treatments annually is the typically the plan for most people. Scars are usually treated as a short series spaced several weeks to months apart. Your clinician will recommend a plan at consultation.
With topical numbing and cooling, most people are comfortable. The skin feels warm during and shortly after treatment.
Results are long-lasting and maintained with good skin care and sun protection; occasional treatments help sustain them. However, skin health naturally declines as we age, including the ongoing loss of collagen and elastin within our skin. Therefore, annual maintenance treatments are recommended.
We understand that you’re busy and your availability can change. We ask that for all non-surgical appointments you provide 72 hours’ notice so that we can reallocate your time. Less than 72 hours’ notice for a missed appointment, reschedule, or cancellation of your appointment will result in forfeiture of your $100 prepayment. Please see our Terms & Conditions.
If you would like to know more about HALO laser options email us at [email protected] or call our care team on (02) 4002 4150.