CO2 Laser Resurfacing Melbourne

CO2 laser resurfacing is an ablative skin treatment that uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove damaged outer layers of skin and trigger the body’s natural healing response — improving wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation, and sun damage, often in a single session.

At Northside Dermatology, we use the eCO2 Laser, a modern fractional version of traditional CO2 technology. Instead of treating the entire skin surface, it delivers energy in thousands of microscopic treatment zones, leaving the surrounding tissue intact to speed up healing.

As the skin repairs, it produces fresh collagen and elastin, replacing damaged tissue with smoother, firmer, more even-toned skin. Treatment depth can be tailored to each patient — from lighter resurfacing for tone and texture, to deeper ablation for scarring and advanced signs of ageing.

Recovery after eCO2 Laser resurfacing is typically shorter than with traditional CO2 lasers, thanks to its fractional technology.

Most patients experience redness, swelling, and a sandpaper-like texture for the first 3–5 days, followed by light peeling and flaking as the skin renews itself. Visible social downtime is usually around 5–7 days, though deeper treatments may require up to 10 days.

Residual pinkness can last a few weeks and is easily concealed with mineral makeup. Strict sun protection and a gentle aftercare routine are essential during healing to support optimal results.

Your dermatologist will provide personalised aftercare instructions and recovery expectations based on your treatment depth and skin type.

One of the key advantages of ablative CO2 laser resurfacing is that most patients achieve noticeable results after just a single session. The eCO2 Laser delivers deep, precise treatment that triggers significant collagen remodelling and skin renewal in one sitting.

For more advanced concerns — such as deep acne scarring, severe sun damage, or significant skin ageing — 2 to 3 sessions spaced several months apart may be recommended to achieve optimal results.

During your consultation, your dermatologist will assess your skin and create a personalised treatment plan based on your goals, skin type, and the concerns being addressed.

CO2 laser resurfacing is generally best suited to lighter to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I–III), where the risk of post-treatment pigmentation changes is lowest.

It can still be performed safely on deeper skin tones, but requires careful assessment, adjusted settings, and often pre-treatment preparation to minimise the risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. For patients with darker skin types, alternatives such as LaseMD Ultra or Nanofractional RF may be more appropriate, offering excellent results with a lower risk profile.

At Northside Dermatology, every treatment begins with a thorough consultation with one of our specialist dermatologists. Your skin type, medical history, and concerns will be carefully assessed to determine whether eCO2 is the right choice — or whether another treatment would deliver safer, better results for you.

The terms “fractional” and “ablative” describe two different aspects of how a CO2 laser treats the skin — and modern devices like the eCO2 Laser combine both.

Ablative refers to how the laser interacts with the skin. An ablative laser vaporises the outer layers of damaged skin, allowing fresh, healthier skin to regenerate in its place. This delivers dramatic results but traditionally required longer recovery times.

Fractional refers to how the energy is delivered. Instead of treating the entire skin surface, a fractional laser creates thousands of tiny microscopic treatment zones, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This untreated skin acts as a healing reservoir, significantly reducing downtime and risk.

The eCO2 Laser is a fractional ablative CO2 laser — offering the powerful resurfacing results of traditional CO2 technology, with the faster recovery and improved safety profile of fractional delivery.

The cost of CO2 laser resurfacing in Melbourne varies depending on the size of the treatment area, the depth of treatment required, and the individual concerns being addressed. A full-face treatment will be priced differently to a smaller targeted area such as the eyes, mouth, or a specific scar.

At Northside Dermatology, every eCO2 Laser treatment is tailored to the patient, so pricing is provided following a consultation with one of our specialist dermatologists. During your consultation, your skin will be assessed, a treatment plan created, and a clear quote provided before anything is booked.

In some cases, treatment of pre-cancerous lesions (such as actinic keratoses) may attract a Medicare rebate — this will be discussed during your consultation where applicable.

To enquire about pricing or book a consultation, call us on 03 8582 8688 or book online.