Fractional CO2 Laser
Treats Ice pick, Boxcar, Rolling and Hypertrophic acne scars
Acne scar treatment from $398 onwards
What Is Fractional CO2 Laser?
Fractional CO2 laser is a non-surgical resurfacing laser that is often used to treat acne scars, uneven skin texture, and other skin renewal issues.
Many patients with depressed atrophic acne scars choose this treatment, especially where the skin appears uneven, scarred, or texturally irregular.
In addition to acne scar treatment, fractional CO2 laser may also be explored for concerns such as:
- Wrinkles and enlarged pores
- Uneven skin texture and skin laxity
- Collagen remodelling to support skin rejuvenation
- Wart removal and skin tag removal
- Mole and spot removal
Downtime and visible improvement can vary depending on the skin condition, treatment settings, and the concern being addressed. Some patients may notice changes after early sessions, while others may require more sessions, depending on the severity of scars.
Fractional CO2 laser works by treating microscopic zones within the skin while leaving surrounding tissue relatively intact, supporting the skin’s natural repair and remodelling process.
Fractional CO2 Laser at a Glance
Treatment Focus
Acne scars, enlarged pores, texture concerns, and skin resurfacing-related concerns.
Downtime
Typically around 4 to 5 days, depending on treatment intensity and skin response.
Session Planning
Often planned as a series, usually spaced about 4 weeks apart.
Doctor Review
Suitability, scar type, downtime, and recovery are best assessed during consultation.
How Does Fractional CO2 Laser Work?
Fractional CO2 laser delivers tiny microthermal beams into selected treatment areas of the skin.
These microscopic columns create controlled zones of thermal injury while leaving surrounding tissue relatively intact. This helps trigger the skin’s natural repair response.
As the skin heals, collagen remodelling is stimulated. This may support improvements in acne scars, skin texture, and overall skin quality over time.
New collagen formation may also help the skin appear firmer, smoother, and more refined in treated areas.
Because the laser is delivered in a fractional pattern rather than across the entire skin surface, recovery is generally more manageable than with fully ablative laser approaches.
Fractional CO2 Laser Benefits
Fractional CO2 laser may be considered for:
- Acne scar treatment with relatively manageable downtime
- Improving the appearance of skin texture, tone, and pores
- Supporting collagen remodelling in treated areas
- Addressing different acne scar patterns as part of a customised plan
- Patients looking for a non-surgical treatment approach
Procedure Details
A consultation is needed to assess scar type, skin condition, treatment suitability, expected downtime, and the number of sessions that may be appropriate. A customised treatment plan can then be recommended. Post-treatment care will also be explained after the procedure.
Recommended Skin Type for Fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 laser may be considered for patients concerned about acne scars, fine lines, and enlarged pores.
Acne Scars
Supports scar remodelling and smoother skin texture.
Oily Enlarged Pores
May help refine pores and improve skin texture.
Wrinkles
Supports skin renewal and softening of fine lines.
Mole Removal
May be considered in selected removal-related cases.
Milia Seed Removal
May help address selected superficial skin concerns.
Wart Removal
May be used for selected surface lesion concerns.
Fractional CO2 Laser Singapore
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
| Treatment Time | 20–30 minutes |
| Recommended Sessions | 4–6 sessions |
| Recommended Intervals | 4 weeks |
| Recovery Time | 4–5 days |
| Price | From S$398 |
How Fractional CO2 Laser Supports Skin Renewal
As collagen production declines over time, concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars may become more noticeable. Fractional CO2 laser works by stimulating the skin’s natural repair response, which can support collagen remodelling over time.
Fractionalised microbeams create controlled microthermal zones in the skin. These targeted treatment areas are surrounded by untreated tissue, which helps support healing and recovery.
This controlled process may help improve skin texture, support collagen renewal, and contribute to overall skin rejuvenation as part of a structured treatment plan.
Where can Fractional CO2 Laser treat?
Fractional CO2 laser may be considered for acne scars, pores, dullness, and selected skin-tightening concerns, depending on skin condition and treatment suitability.
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment Areas
Acne Scars
Acne scars are textural changes that may remain after more severe acne. Fractional CO2 laser is commonly explored for atrophic acne scars such as rolling, boxcar, and selected ice pick scar patterns.
CO2 Laser for Acne Scars
- Supports collagen remodelling
- Typical recovery: 4–5 days
- Often planned at 4-week intervals
- Multiple sessions may be needed
Pores Refinement
Enlarged pores are often linked to oil production, reduced elasticity, and skin texture concerns. Fractional CO2 laser may be considered as part of a plan to improve skin texture and support a smoother-looking surface.
CO2 Laser for Pores
- Supports skin texture refinement
- Typical recovery: 4–5 days
- Usually spaced at 4-week intervals
- May require a series of sessions
Skin Brightening
Dull skin may be associated with uneven turnover, texture changes, and accumulated surface damage. Fractional CO2 laser may be explored where resurfacing and renewal are part of the treatment goal.
CO2 Laser for Skin Brightening
- Targets uneven texture and dullness
- Typical recovery: 4–5 days
- Usually spaced at 4-week intervals
- Multiple sessions may be recommended
Skin Tightening
As collagen levels decline over time, the skin may appear less firm. Fractional CO2 laser may be considered where texture and mild laxity are part of the overall concern.
CO2 Laser for Skin Tightening
- Supports skin renewal and firmness
- Typical recovery: 4–5 days
- Usually spaced at 4-week intervals
- Often planned as a series
Fractional CO2 Laser Price Singapore
Fractional CO2 laser pricing in Singapore may start from S$398 per session, depending on the treatment focus and the area being addressed. A consultation is still important to determine suitability, expected sessions, and the most appropriate treatment plan.
| Type | Single Session |
|---|---|
| Acne Scar Treatment | S$398 |
| Pores Refinement | S$398 |
| Acne Control | S$398 |
| Skin Tightening or Brightening | S$398 |
| Mole, Wart and Milia Seed Removal (1 to 3 lesions) | S$360 |
CONSULT OUR DOCTOR FOR A CUSTOMISED SOLUTION
ASK ABOUT CO2 LASERFractional CO2 Laser vs Q Switch Laser vs Pico Laser
Fractional CO2 laser, Q-Switch laser, and Pico laser are used for different treatment goals. Fractional CO2 laser is more commonly explored for acne scars, textural concerns, pores, and resurfacing-related indications, while Q-Switch and Pico lasers are more often associated with pigmentation removal concerns.
| Type | Fractional CO₂ Laser | Q-Switch Laser | Pico Laser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain Level | Mild (2/5) | Mild (2/5) | Mild (2/5) |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Price Range | S$298–S$800 | S$68–S$400 | S$200–S$700 |
| Laser Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 1,064 nm | 1,064 nm |
| Common Uses | Acne scars, wrinkles, pores, skin tightening | Pigmentation, brown spots, brightening, tattoos | Pigmentation, brown spots, brightening, tattoos |
A consultation is useful to determine which laser category is more appropriate based on whether the main concern is acne scarring, textural change, pigmentation, or overall skin rejuvenation.
Fractional CO2 Laser Reviews
Is Fractional CO2 Laser the Best for Acne Scars?
There is no single acne scar treatment that is best for every patient. Different scar types respond differently, which is why treatment planning should be based on scar pattern, skin condition, downtime tolerance, and overall goals.
At Bio Aesthetic Laser Clinic, a combination approach is often considered because acne scars are rarely all the same type or severity.
Important factors when choosing an acne scar treatment include:
- Treatment type: options may include CO2 laser, Microneedling RF, subcision, and fillers
- Scar severity: deeper scars often require a more structured treatment plan
- Scar type: rolling, boxcar, and ice-pick scars may not respond equally to the same modality
- Doctor assessment: proper evaluation helps determine which treatment or combination may be more appropriate
- Clinic experience: treatment planning, technique, and follow-up care all affect the overall treatment journey
Fractional CO2 laser is commonly considered for atrophic acne scars and remains one of the more established laser-based options for acne scar treatment.
However, for certain scar patterns, especially deeper tethered scars, other treatments such as subcision may also play an important role in the overall treatment plan.
Fractional CO2 Laser Side Effects
Because the treatment uses heat-based laser energy, some temporary skin reactions can occur after the procedure.Common short-term effects may include redness, swelling, dryness, warmth, and small scabs in treated areas while the skin is healing.
Less common but possible risks may include prolonged redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), infection, or delayed healing, depending on skin response, aftercare, and treatment settings.
A proper consultation, appropriate treatment planning, and careful aftercare can help reduce the likelihood of complications.
Fractional CO2 Laser Aftercare Guide
Public before-and-after images cannot be displayed. During consultation, the doctor can explain what recovery may involve and what results may be realistic for your scar type and treatment plan.After fractional CO2 laser, it is common for the skin to appear red and for small scabs to form in the treated areas as the skin repairs itself.
Results are usually not immediate. Skin remodelling and collagen-related changes take time, and improvement is often assessed progressively over a series of sessions.
If you would like to understand the expected recovery process, downtime, and treatment planning in more detail, you may WhatsApp us to arrange a consultation.
Difference between CO2 Laser and Other Acne Scars Treatments
Understanding Treatment Suitability
Choosing the right treatment starts with understanding the condition being treated, including its type, depth, severity, and overall treatment goals.
Different concerns may respond differently to different treatment approaches. Important considerations often include:
- Condition type: different patterns may respond differently to the same modality
- Severity: deeper or more established concerns may require a more structured plan
- Treatment approach: different modalities may be used alone or in combination
- Doctor assessment: suitability and treatment planning depend on proper evaluation
- Overall treatment goals: downtime, recovery, budget, and expected improvement may all influence the plan
A consultation is important because the most appropriate treatment often depends on a combination of factors rather than a single concern alone.
Am I suitable for Fractional CO2 Laser?
Who is the Fractional CO2 laser for?
-
Male or female, who wants to improve acne scars & skin rejuvenation without invasive surgery
-
Patients who wants to minimise enlarged pores on skin
-
Patients from late 20s onward looking to maintain collagen production on skin
Fractional CO2 Laser Downtime
After the treatment, there will be slight redness over a period of 5–7 days. When the skin is completely healed, you can expect a brighter and improved skin tone. Over the course of the next few months, the skin will continually produce collagen to improve scars & wrinkles. The end result would have an overall tightening effect.
Fractional CO2 Laser Before and After
FAQs about Fractional CO2 Laser
Other than the acne scars on the face, Fractional CO2 laser can be used to target neck, chest back & hands. It is an extremely effective treatment to wart removal, mole removal and skin tag removal too.
For most individuals who are suffering from active acne, it can appear on chest and neck too. Often time when the acne subsides, acne scars will be visible at the same areas. Always consult a skin specialist such as Bio Aesthetic Laser Clinic for the best treatment options.
Right after the fractional co2 laser treatment, our aestheticians will apply hydrating serum & SPF 50 sunblock on your face. *It is important to keep your skin hydrated (post laser serum) during the downtime period.
- Ensure you use a gentle cleanser for the first week after laser treatment. Please do not use exfoliate
- Ensure hydration. Moisturise face twice a day to keep skin hydrated
- Ensure daily Sunblock (SPF 50) . Ensure sunblock is applied twice a day if possible to protect from sun damage. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
- Avoid using skin products with acidic content (AHA, BHA) for 1 week or until the scabs fall off.
- Do not pick & irritate scabs. Use to soothing toner to cleanse face.
*For ladies: Light makeup can still be worn. It is still recommended not to have any makeup for maximum healing.
The only cons for fractional CO2 laser is the downtime after the treatment. The severity of acne scars will determine the aggressiveness of the laser, which also affects the downtime period. The usual skin healing will take approximately 7–14 days.
The pain level (2/5) is tolerable through the use of topical anaesthesia.
During the downtime period, you may experience redness, crusting, dryness, and peeling in the affected areas, similar to being sunburnt.
Other potential side effects may include but are not limited to: skin wounds, infection and scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Our doctor will explain the possible side effects and risks during the consultation.
Apart from the below, fractional CO2 laser can also treat Warts, Skin tags, Moles, Corns and more.
- Acne scars, Burn scars, Surgical scar)
- Pigmented Lesions
- Fine Wrinkles
- Enlarge Pores
- Uneven Skin Texture / Coloration
- Warts, Skin Tag, Corns, and more
There will be a short downtime of 3 to 4 days. Side effects are minimal and typically involve swelling and redness for a day of two. Make up can be applied when fine pinpoint micro-crusting develops on the treated area after the second day. Most patients are able to return to routine activities on the third day. Most importantly, avoid direct and prolonged exposure to sun light for approximately 2 weeks or more.
Our doctor will consult you on the optimum number of treatment sessions but depending on your skin, treatments are generally about 21 to 28 days apart apart and come up to a total of 4-5 treatments (subjected to individual’s condition).
After each session, your skin should progressively feel firmer and tighter.
Although you can see visible results from the first session, optimal improvement is usually viable in about 2 to 3 months as collagen remodelling and skin tightening continues. The longevity of results, as always, dependent on future ageing, the effect of gravity and sun exposure.
Furthermore, a healthy skincare routine consisting of facials and products will help you to maintain your glowing complexion as well.
Treatment is well tolerated and feels like a prickling sensation. A topical anesthetic ointment (numbing cream) will be applied prior to treatment to allay any discomfort.
Our experienced aestheticians will first cleanse your face. Thereafter, a numbing cream will be applied for approximately 15-20mins. The CO2 Fractional Laser will get to work to remove your problem. Depending on the severity of your acne scars/wrinkle/skin tone & fine lines, the treatment can take up to 45 – 60mins. We highly recommend an optional post-laser mask to increase the recovery period.
Large pores tend to appear on oily skin as the sebum and dirt collect, causing your skin to swell and pores to appear larger than usual. Individuals who tend to have oily skin often have large pores as well. Aging is another factor that causes large pores as the skin loses its elasticity, which may cause pores to look bigger.
The sun may also cause large pores to form as the skin thickens, resulting in additional skin cells forming around the edges of the pores which stretch them out. Laser energy micro beams are used to break down the tissue of the epidermis, after which new, healthy skin grows over the treatment area.
Similar to using deep chemical peels or ablative lasers, this new technology replicates the results without the discomfort or downtime caused by regular methods.
As your skin heals naturally, the new layer will appear glowing and much more radiant, leaving you feeling and looking younger. Make-up can be used immediately after the procedure and no visible wounds are left on your skin.
The main difference between Fractional CO2 Laser and traditional ablative laser is in the mode of delivery. Traditional ablative laser function with a moving beam which directly ablates the skin’s surface. The technology of Fractional CO2 laser uses a grid system by delivering micro grid beams allowing the outer skin to be largely intact.
These small areas of untreated skin promote a much more rapid recovery and healing with less risk of complications. The small areas treated by the fractional micro beams will be less sensitive to sun damage promoting new collagen production and achieve facial skin rejuvenation.
Fractional CO2 Laser Near You
Tampines Clinic
300 Tampines Avenue 5, #04-05
Income @ Tampines Junction, Singapore 529653
Consult our Doctors for Fractional CO2 Laser
Dr Jolenda Ang
Dr Daniel Khaw
Dr Vijay Sampath
Make an Appointment
Call Us Today! +65 6333 4566 • hello@bioaesthetic.com.sg
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be relied on as medical, diagnostic, or treatment advice. Content may not be exhaustive, may not apply to every individual, and should not replace a consultation with a qualified doctor. While reasonable care is taken in preparing this content, Bio Aesthetic Laser Clinic and its related parties do not accept liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from reliance on the information presented on this page. Suitability for any treatment should always be assessed during a proper medical consultation.
