CO2 Laser: Why We Deliberately Choose Other Methods

The fractional CO2 laser is one of the best-known skin-resurfacing procedures – so we are often asked whether we offer it. The answer: no, quite deliberately. That is not a criticism of the procedure, but a decision for a different balance of results, risk and downtime. Here we explain it transparently.

What the CO2 laser can do

The CO2 laser ablates the top layer of skin in a controlled way and achieves strong renewal effects for deeper wrinkles, sun damage and scars. For certain indications in dermatological clinics it has its full justification.

The price: downtime and risks

• Healing phase: depending on intensity, several days to two weeks with oozing, crusting and swelling – you are often not socially presentable for 1–2 weeks

• Redness can persist for weeks to months

• Increased risk of pigment shifts, especially with darker or tanned skin types

• Strict sun protection for months is mandatory – a real issue in summer

Our alternatives: similar goals, more predictable recovery

For the concerns our patients come to us with – skin texture, fine lines, mild to moderate laxity, acne scars, pores – we achieve very good results with three procedures and considerably shorter recovery:

• HIFU: tightens the deep layers without injuring the skin surface – no wound healing, no crusting stage

• RF microneedling (Secret RF): collagen remodelling with typically 1–3 days of redness instead of weeks – also for scars and pores

• TCA peels: controlled chemical renewal of the skin surface, adjustable in strength – from a freshness boost to an intensive treatment

Details: HIFU treatment, RF microneedling, chemical peels – and the method comparison on skin tightening without surgery.

A fair assessment

There are findings for which an ablative laser in a dermatological clinic is the right choice – if we see that in your consultation, we will tell you openly. For the vast majority of concerns, however: with HIFU, Secret RF and TCA peels we reach comparable goals with less risk and without weeks of downtime. That is exactly why we composed our treatment spectrum this way – NiSV-compliant and under the medical supervision of Dr. med. Katharina van Schingen. Book your free consultation.

Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Katharina van Schingen.