What Fractionated CO₂ Laser Resurfacing Can Achieve
As we age, intrinsic changes in skin architecture and cumulative sun exposure contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and textural change. Scarring related to acne, trauma or surgery can further compromise skin quality over time.
Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing, performed using the medical-grade Fraxis Duo platform, delivers columns of laser energy that create controlled microscopic zones of thermal injury while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This stimulates fibroblast activity and the production of new collagen and elastin, supporting progressive improvements in skin texture, tone and firmness.
Your Treatment Journey
Your treatment journey begins with a personalised consultation at The Surgery. This allows for an assessment of your skin quality, facial anatomy and individual concerns and helps determine whether Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing is appropriate for you.
Topical local anaesthetic is applied for comfort and nitrous oxide is also available if required. Many patients achieve meaningful improvement with a single treatment, while others may benefit from up to three sessions depending on the indication and treatment intensity. Visible improvements generally become apparent once the skin has healed, with continued collagen remodelling and skin renewal occurring over several months.
Recovery and Aftercare
Initially, the skin typically appears red and may feel warm or tight. Swelling, crusting or temporary grid-like patterning may occur and usually settle over several days. Recovery time varies, with more intensive treatments commonly requiring around 7 to 10 days for re-epithelialisation and social downtime.
Makeup and strenuous exercise should be deferred until the skin has healed. Excessive heat exposure, including saunas, steam rooms and spas, should be avoided for one to two weeks. Active skincare ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids should be paused for up to two weeks. Meticulous sun protection is essential to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes.
Is Fractionated CO₂ Laser Resurfacing Right for You?
Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing may be suitable if your concerns include fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, pigmentation or scarring and you would like to improve overall skin quality through collagen renewal.
A consultation at The Surgery allows for a personalised assessment of your skin and treatment goals, with a plan tailored to support your long-term skin health.
CO₂ Laser Resurfacing in Dunedin at The Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that delivers controlled columns of laser energy into the skin. These microscopic treatment zones stimulate collagen and elastin production while allowing surrounding tissue to support healing. This leads to improvements in skin texture, tone and overall skin quality over time.
At The Surgery, CO₂ laser resurfacing is performed using the Fraxis Duo platform. This medical-grade fractional CO₂ laser allows precise control of laser energy delivery and treatment depth, supporting safe, tailored and predictable outcomes.
Topical local anaesthetic is applied for comfort and nitrous oxide is also available if required. The laser handpiece is passed systematically across the target area, delivering controlled laser energy at selected depths and densities. Immediately afterwards the skin typically appears red and may feel warm or tight. Depending on treatment intensity, swelling, oozing, crusting or temporary grid-like patterning may occur and usually resolve as the skin heals.
The number of treatments required varies depending on your skin concerns and treatment intensity. Many patients achieve meaningful improvement with a single treatment, while others may benefit from up to three sessions. Visible improvements generally become apparent once the skin has healed, with continued collagen remodelling and skin renewal occurring over several months.
Preparing well is an important part of your treatment journey and skin quality plays a key role in supporting and maintaining results from fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing. Medical-grade evidence-based skincare helps preserve skin barrier function, enhance collagen signalling and strengthen antioxidant resilience. Optimising the skin before treatment may help reduce inflammation and promote a smoother, more predictable response.
Active skincare ingredients including retinoids and exfoliating acids should be paused for approximately seven days before treatment. If you are prone to cold sores this should be discussed during your consultation so appropriate precautions can be taken. Please do not stop prescribed medication unless advised by Dr Collins or the team.
Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing may not be suitable for patients with active infections, inflammatory skin conditions or pigmentary conditions where there is an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Suitability is assessed during your consultation.
Treatments are tailored specifically for you. Outcomes and recovery vary depending on skin quality, the concerns being treated and individual response. Treatment suitability and expected outcomes are discussed during your consultation.
Makeup and strenuous exercise should be avoided until the skin has re-epithelialised, typically within 7 to 10 days. Excessive heat exposure including saunas, steam rooms, spas and swimming should be avoided for one to two weeks. Active skincare ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids should be paused for approximately two weeks. Meticulous sun protection is essential during recovery and in the weeks following treatment to support healing and reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Return to work depends on treatment intensity and individual healing. Many patients choose to allow around one week away from work due to redness and swelling, although those able to work from home may feel comfortable returning sooner.
You may resume driving following your treatment provided you feel fully alert and well.
Visible improvements generally begin once the skin has healed. Collagen remodelling continues over several months, leading to progressive improvements in skin texture, tone and firmness.
Fractionated CO₂ laser resurfacing is generally well tolerated. Temporary redness, swelling, crusting, patterning and discomfort are expected.
Potential risks include infection, prolonged redness, pigmentation changes, scarring, delayed healing and reactivation of cold sores in susceptible individuals. These risks and aftercare requirements are discussed in detail during your consultation.
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