Skin & Laser
CO2 laser resurfacing
Fractional laser that resurfaces the skin to improve wrinkles, texture, and sun damage.
Quick Facts
- Treatment time: 30–60 minutes including numbing
- Sessions: 1, or a small number depending on strength
- Anesthesia: Topical numbing, sometimes local anesthesia
- Downtime: Several days of redness, swelling, and flaking
- Results visible: As skin heals over 1–2 weeks, refining for months
- Maintenance: Long-lasting with sun protection
- Minimum age: From 18 years
What it is
CO2 laser resurfacing uses a fractional carbon-dioxide laser to remove the outer layers of skin in tiny controlled columns and to heat the deeper skin, prompting renewal and collagen production. It is one of the more powerful skin treatments for wrinkles, texture, and sun damage.
Because it is an ablative treatment, it involves real downtime, with several days of redness, swelling, and flaking as the skin heals. The strength is tailored to your skin and goals, balancing results against recovery and the risk of pigmentation changes in some skin types.
What it can improve
- Fine to moderate wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes
- Sun damage and uneven tone
- Skin texture and some scarring
- Overall skin quality and firmness
It does not lift significantly sagging skin or replace surgery, and deep wrinkles or laxity may need other treatments. It is less suitable, or needs extra caution, in darker skin types.
Before the procedure
Your skin type and goals are assessed carefully, since stronger settings carry more downtime and more risk of pigmentation changes in some skin. Sun avoidance beforehand and a preparation plan are advised, and a test area may be used.
During the procedure
The fractional laser is passed over the skin, removing tiny columns of the surface and heating the deeper skin to stimulate renewal. The strength is matched to your skin and goals.
After the procedure
Redness, swelling, and flaking are expected for several days as the skin heals. Diligent aftercare, gentle skincare, and strict sun protection are essential. New, smoother skin emerges over one to two weeks, with collagen continuing to build for months.
Results: what it can and cannot achieve
Smoother, firmer, more even skin with softened wrinkles and sun damage is achievable. It cannot lift heavy sagging or replace surgery, involves real downtime, and carries a higher risk of pigmentation change in darker skin. Results vary and depend on aftercare.
Possible risks and complications
CO2 laser resurfacing is effective but more intensive, so the risks are greater than gentler treatments. Possible risks include:
- Prolonged redness, swelling, and flaking
- Changes in pigmentation, lightening or darkening, especially in darker skin
- Infection, including reactivation of cold sores
- Scarring, which is uncommon with appropriate settings
- Prolonged sensitivity and the need for strict sun protection
Suitability depends on skin type, and stronger treatments are used with extra caution or avoided in darker skin to reduce pigmentation risk. Sun protection before and after treatment is important, and treatments are timed and adjusted to your skin type to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes.
Who it suits
CO2 laser resurfacing may suit people wanting a meaningful improvement in skin quality and willing to accept downtime. It is especially suitable for those who:
- Have wrinkles, sun damage, or textural concerns
- Can accept several days of visible recovery
- Have a suitable skin type, assessed individually
- Are in good general health and not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Will follow aftercare and sun protection
It may not suit people who cannot accommodate downtime, those with significant sagging needing surgery, or, for stronger settings, certain darker skin types. Your clinician advises suitability.
Why Skulpturkliniken
Skin treatments at Skulpturkliniken
Skin and laser treatments at Skulpturkliniken are delivered by a physician after an individual assessment, within a medical, surgeon-led clinic. Treatments are matched to your skin and goals, with honest advice and a careful, conservative approach.
Natural, balanced results
The aim is healthy, natural-looking skin rather than a treated or artificial appearance. We plan treatments and courses around what your skin actually needs, with realistic timelines.
Matched to your skin, with medical oversight
Skin responds differently in different people, and some treatments carry more risk in certain skin types. Within a surgeon-led clinic, treatments are matched carefully to your skin, with honest advice on what will help and the reassurance of medical support.
Individualized assessment
Every treatment begins with a proper skin assessment. We evaluate:
Your concerns and what you want to achieve
Skin type, condition, and any sensitivity
Medical history, medications, and suitability
Whether this treatment, another, or a course is best
Realistic expectations and aftercare
Safety, precision, and long-term care
Safety is central to every step of your care. Your treatment includes:
Specialist consultation with the treating clinician
Detailed assessment and individualized treatment planning
Careful evaluation of whether the treatment is right for you
Pre-treatment preparation guidance
Treatment in a safe and controlled clinical environment
Scheduled follow-up where appropriate
Direct access to the clinical team
Digital medical records through Adoreal®
Patient insurance through Folksam
Long-term aftercare support
Frequently asked questions
Trust The Adoreal Experience
The Adoreal Platform gives you complete control of your aesthetic journey. You will be guided throughout your entire process, from consultation to recovery, ensuring an exceptional experience for you as a patient.
You are in control
Complete access to your information, health records and previous journeys.
Unmatched predictability
Manage your expectations with our questionnaire Silhouette, and visualize your ideal outcomes with 3D simulation.
Trusted step-by-step guide
From bookings to payments, logistics and after care, Adoreal will be your companion.
Empowered safety measures
Complimentary health check, careful monitoring, and meticulous preparation.
