Close-up of skin in warm light – scar treatment at SkulpturklinikenClose-up of skin in warm light – scar treatment at Skulpturkliniken

Skin & Laser

CO2 laser scar treatment

Fractional laser to soften and improve the texture and appearance of scars.

Quick Facts

  • Treatment time: 20–45 minutes including numbing
  • Sessions: Often a course of sessions
  • Anesthesia: Topical numbing, sometimes local anesthesia
  • Downtime: Several days of redness and flaking
  • Results visible: Over weeks, improving across sessions
  • Maintenance: Improvement is lasting, scars do not return
  • Minimum age: From 18 years

What it is

CO2 laser scar treatment uses a fractional carbon-dioxide laser to improve the texture, color, and flexibility of scars, including acne scars, surgical scars, and some burn scars. The laser creates tiny controlled channels that prompt remodeling of the scar tissue and stimulate new collagen.

It usually takes a course of sessions, and the degree of improvement depends on the type, age, and depth of the scar. It improves scars rather than removing them, and is often combined with other scar treatments.

What it can improve

  • Texture and surface of acne and other scars
  • Raised or uneven scar tissue
  • Color and flexibility of some scars
  • Tight scars, in combination with other treatments

It does not remove scars completely, may need several sessions, and carries a higher risk of pigmentation change in darker skin. Very deep or contracted scars may need surgical treatment.

Before the procedure

Before the procedure: CO2 laser scar treatment

The scar is assessed for its type, age, and depth, and your skin type is considered. The expected number of sessions and realistic improvement are explained, and a test area may be used.

During the procedure

During the procedure: CO2 laser scar treatment

The fractional laser is passed over the scar to create tiny channels that prompt remodeling and new collagen. Settings are matched to the scar and your skin.

After the procedure

After the procedure: CO2 laser scar treatment

Redness, swelling, and flaking over the treated scar settle over several days. Aftercare and strict sun protection are important, and improvement builds over the weeks following each session.

Results: what it can and cannot achieve

Smoother, softer, less noticeable scars are achievable over a course. The treatment cannot remove a scar entirely, results depend on the scar and skin type, and pigmentation change is a risk in darker skin. Results vary.

Possible risks and complications

Laser scar treatment is effective but carries the risks of an ablative laser. Possible risks include:

  • Redness, swelling, and flaking
  • Pigmentation change, especially in darker skin
  • Infection, including reactivation of cold sores
  • Incomplete improvement requiring further sessions
  • Rarely, worsening of certain scars

Suitability depends on the scar and skin type, and settings are adjusted with extra caution in darker skin. 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 scar treatment may suit people wanting to improve the appearance of a scar. It is especially suitable for those who:

  • Have acne, surgical, or some burn scars
  • Want to improve scar texture and appearance
  • Can accept several days of recovery per session
  • Have a suitable skin type, assessed individually
  • Have realistic expectations and will follow aftercare

It may not suit people with very deep or contracted scars needing surgery, active infection in the area, or, for stronger settings, certain darker skin types. Your clinician advises the right approach.

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

You are in control

Complete access to your information, health records and previous journeys.

Unmatched predictability

Unmatched predictability

Manage your expectations with our questionnaire Silhouette, and visualize your ideal outcomes with 3D simulation.

Trusted step-by-step guide

Trusted step-by-step guide

From bookings to payments, logistics and after care, Adoreal will be your companion.

Empowered safety measures

Empowered safety measures

Complimentary health check, careful monitoring, and meticulous preparation.

Start Your Journey

Book your consultation

Find out whether laser scar treatment suits your skin in a consultation with our clinical team.

A treatment plan matched to your skin, with honest advice and medical oversight.