Treatments Head & neck
If you are bothered by deep wrinkles, stubborn acne scars or sagging eyelids, classic creams and light peelings quickly reach their limits. The fractionated CO2 laser goes a decisive step further: it removes damaged structures with micro-fine precision and forces the skin to tighten itself massively from deep within with new collagen and elastin - for a result that does not look like a mask but lasts for years.
„The fractional CO2 laser is unrivalled in aesthetic medicine when it comes to real, structural skin rejuvenation. We don't promise miracles overnight, but will guide you through an intensive, biological renewal process, the tightening results of which will inspire you for months after the treatment.“
The CO2 laser is considered the gold standard in aesthetic medicine for the treatment of wrinkles, sagging skin, scars and pigmentation disorders. At ÄSTHETIK BERLIN, the fractionated CO2 laser is used specifically to sustainably renew the skin, improve its structure and achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance - without altering natural facial expressions.
In contrast to superficial treatments, the CO2 laser works in the deeper layers of the skin and stimulates the body's own collagen and elastin production there. The results are long-lasting and continue to develop over several months. At the same time, this method requires a certain downtime, about which comprehensive and honest information is provided on this page.
The CO2 laser is a medical laser that works with carbon dioxide and emits light energy at a very specific wavelength (10,600 nanometres). This wavelength is particularly well absorbed by water in the skin, which is why the laser has a very precise and targeted effect in the uppermost layers of the skin.
The technology was developed in the 1960s and has continued to evolve since then. Today, the fractional CO2 laser is predominantly used in aesthetic medicine. „Fractional“ means that the laser beam is divided into many small treatment points that are distributed over the skin like a fine grid. This preserves healthy tissue between the treated areas, which significantly accelerates healing and reduces the risk of side effects.
The CO2 laser is particularly effective in the treatment of deeper skin changes that cannot be treated with other methods or can only be treated inadequately. It is therefore ideal for patients who are looking for a lasting improvement in their skin structure and are prepared to accept a certain healing phase.
Find out in a personal consultation whether the fractional CO2 laser is the right treatment for your skin. We will analyse your skin structure, discuss realistic results and provide you with transparent information about the procedure, healing phase and individual options. Together we will develop a treatment concept that is precisely tailored to your needs - for a visible, lasting improvement in the quality of your skin.
The fractionated CO2 laser creates tiny, controlled injuries in the skin - so-called microchannels. Depending on the setting, these extend into the middle layer of the skin, the dermis. These controlled micro-injuries set a natural healing process in motion: The skin begins to shed old, damaged cells and build up new, healthy tissue.
At the same time, the thermal energy of the laser stimulates the production of collagen and elastin - the fibres that give the skin firmness, elasticity and resilience. This process starts immediately after the treatment and lasts for several months. This means that the visible improvement in the skin continues to develop over time.
A major advantage of the fractional CO2 laser is its precision. The intensity, depth and density of the treatment can be customised to the skin, the respective concerns and the desired results. This means that both fine wrinkles and deeper scars or pronounced sagging skin can be treated.
The CO2 laser treatment is aimed at patients who want a lasting improvement in their skin structure and are prepared to allow for a healing phase of around one to two weeks. It is particularly suitable for people who:
The treatment is not suitable for patients with very dark skin types (Fitzpatrick type V and VI), as the risk of pigment shifts is significantly increased here. Also for acute skin infections, Autoimmune diseases The treatment is not recommended for patients with skin conditions or unrealistic expectations of the results.
A personal consultation can clarify whether CO2 laser treatment is suitable for the individual case.
The CO2 laser is one of the most effective methods for treating facial wrinkles. It works particularly well on fine to medium-deep wrinkles caused by skin ageing, sun damage or repeated facial expressions. Typical treatment areas are the forehead, the area around the eyes (crow's feet), the cheeks and the entire face.
In contrast to injection treatments, which „fill in“ wrinkles, the CO2 laser renews the skin structure itself. The skin is tightened from the inside out, the surface becomes smoother, finer and more even.
The CO2 laser is used particularly frequently in the area around the mouth. The so-called „barcode wrinkles“ on the upper lip, marionette lines and nasolabial folds respond very well to laser treatment. The targeted renewal of the skin structure can significantly reduce these fine, often stubborn wrinkles and improve skin quality in the long term.
The CO2 laser is a proven method for the treatment of Scars - be it after acne, operations or injuries. The targeted removal of scar tissue and the stimulation of collagen production can significantly improve the appearance of scars. The skin becomes smoother, softer and blends in better with the colour of the surrounding skin.
Especially in the case of sunken acne scars or hardened surgical scars, the CO2 laser can achieve lasting improvements that are difficult or impossible to achieve with other methods.
Age spots, sun spots and irregular pigmentation can be treated with the CO2 laser by removing the uppermost, pigmented layers of the skin. At the same time, the entire skin texture is refined: enlarged pores become smaller, rough patches smoother and the skin appears fresher and more even overall.
This effect is particularly pronounced when larger facial areas or the entire face are treated.
A special feature of the CO2 laser is the ability to treat the skin at the Eyelids without the need for surgical intervention. Especially in the lower eyelid area, where the skin is particularly thin and prone to sagging, fine lines and crow's feet, the CO2 laser can achieve remarkable improvements. By shrinking the tissue in a controlled manner and stimulating collagen production, a significant tightening and improvement in skin quality can be achieved.
The CO2 laser can also be used in the upper eyelid area for mild excess skin. However, the laser parameters need to be adjusted with particular precision in order to achieve optimum results with a short healing time. This method is particularly suitable for patients who do not require the removal of excess skin, but simply want to improve the skin structure. In some cases, the laser can also be a useful addition to an eyelid lift operation.
Before the actual laser treatment, a anaesthetic cream (local anaesthetic) is applied to the areas of skin to be treated. This cream works after about 30 to 45 minutes and ensures that little or no pain is felt during the treatment. In some cases - especially for larger treatment areas - a local anaesthetic injection may also be useful.
If herpes has occurred on the face (e.g. cold sores) in the past, this should be reported without fail. In this case, an antiviral medication (e.g. acyclovir or valaciclovir) is prescribed as a preventative measure, which is taken one to two days before the treatment and continued for around five to ten days after the treatment. This prevents reactivation of the herpes virus, which can be triggered by the laser treatment.
As soon as the anaesthetic takes effect, the actual laser treatment begins. The laser is systematically guided over the areas of skin to be treated. A slight feeling of warmth can be felt, but no pain. Some patients describe the feeling as a „tingling“ or „prickling“ sensation.
During the treatment, a fine dot pattern appears on the surface of the skin - the visible traces of the microchannels created by the laser. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, the skin may be reddened and slightly swollen immediately afterwards. This is completely normal and a sign that the healing process is beginning.
The pure laser treatment - without the prior application time of the anaesthetic cream - is surprisingly short. Treatment in the area of the Lower eyelid surgery usually only takes a few minutes. A complete facial resurfacing („Full Face“) takes about 20 minutes in the procedure. In total, you should allow around one to one and a half hours for the entire procedure, including preparation, anaesthesia and aftercare.
After the treatment, a soothing, nourishing ointment is applied to the treated areas and detailed aftercare instructions are given.
In the first one to three days after the CO2 laser treatment, the skin is reddened and may feel warm - similar to a mild sunburn. There may be slight swelling, particularly around the eyelids. This is a normal reaction of the skin to the treatment and a sign that the healing process has begun.
During this phase, it is particularly important that the treated areas are regularly treated with the recommended healing ointment to keep the skin moisturised and support healing. Washing the face with hot water should be avoided and it is advisable to sleep with the head slightly elevated to reduce swelling.
From the fourth day onwards, the skin begins to peel and flake. This process is intentional and an important part of skin renewal. New, fresh skin is already forming under the peeling skin. It is absolutely crucial that the flaking skin is not pulled or rubbed off, even if it seems tempting. The skin should fall off on its own - otherwise there is a risk of scarring, pigment shifts or uneven healing.
The skin should continue to be well moisturised during this phase. Desquamation can take a few days and varies from person to person.
Desquamation is usually complete after around seven to ten days. New, rosy skin appears underneath, which is still sensitive. The redness may remain visible for a few more weeks, but will gradually decrease.
In this phase, make-up may be used again carefully after consultation (see FAQ). It is important that the skin is consistently protected from sunlight, as new skin is particularly sensitive to UV radiation.
The first improvements in skin structure are already becoming noticeable: The skin appears smoother and finer, the pores are smaller and wrinkles are less pronounced.
Even if the skin appears to have healed externally after around a month, the body continues to work: collagen and elastin production continues to run at full speed for several months. This means that the skin continues to improve over the next three to six months - it becomes firmer, tighter and more even.
The final results of CO2 laser treatment can usually be seen after three to six months. They usually last for several years, especially if the skin is well cared for and protected from UV radiation.
If only smaller, circumscribed areas such as the lower eyelids, the upper lip or the area around the mouth are treated, the downtime is usually shorter than with treatment of the entire face.
It should start with a Downtime of around 7 to 10 days This is when the redness and scaling are most pronounced. During this time, social engagements should be avoided if possible or at least it should be expected that the skin will be visibly reddened.
The Redness then subsides over the following two to four weeks. In this phase, the redness can usually be covered well with make-up and normal everyday life can be resumed.
If the entire face is treated, the healing phase is somewhat longer. A downtime of around 10 to 14 days should be expected, during which redness, swelling and desquamation are clearly visible.
The redness can persist for three to six weeks after a full face resurfacing, but it decreases continuously. The same applies here: after around two weeks, you can usually be socially acceptable again, especially if make-up is used.
After an intensive laser treatment of the entire face it is best to plan about a week of „time out“, in which no important professional or social appointments are scheduled.
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects with CO2 laser treatment. Most of these are temporary and subside on their own. The most common include
Redness and swelling: Occur in practically all patients and subside within a few weeks.
Desquamation and crust formation: part of the normal healing process.
Temporary pigment changes: Darker skin types in particular may experience temporary lightening or darkening of the treated areas. These usually disappear within a few weeks to months.
Infection: Very rare, but can occur if aftercare is not consistently adhered to. Reactivation of herpes viruses is also possible - this is why it is so important to take antiviral medication as a preventative measure if you have a history of this.
Prolonged reddening: In rare cases, the redness can persist for months. This is particularly possible with very intensive treatments.
Before the treatment, a detailed explanation of all risks is given and it is jointly assessed whether the treatment is suitable in the individual case.
Proper aftercare is crucial for successful treatment and complication-free healing. Precise instructions are given after the treatment, which should be followed without fail:
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More InformationNo. Due to the prior anaesthesia with a local anaesthetic cream, no pain is usually felt during the treatment. Some patients report a slight feeling of warmth or tingling. After the treatment, the skin may feel warm and tense, similar to a sunburn. However, this sensation subsides considerably within the first few days.
This depends on the individual initial findings and the goals. Many patients achieve clearly visible results after just one treatment. However, in some cases - particularly with very deep scars or pronounced wrinkles - two or more sessions at intervals of several months may be advisable.
The results of a CO2 laser treatment are long-lasting. Depending on skin type, lifestyle and sun protection behaviour, they can last for several years - in some cases even five years or longer. Good skin care, consistent sun protection and a healthy lifestyle help to maintain the results for as long as possible. Some patients decide to have a top-up treatment after a few years.
This depends on the size of the treated area and the professional activity. After treatment of smaller areas such as the upper lip or lower eyelids, it may be possible to return to work after just a few days - provided that the visible redness is acceptable.
After a full face resurfacing, it is recommended that you plan to stay at home for around seven to ten days. After this, the most severe desquamation is usually complete and you can return to your everyday life - with make-up if necessary.
The CO2 laser is best suited to light to medium skin types (Fitzpatrick types I to III). Treatment is also possible for skin type IV under certain conditions and with appropriate preparation. Very dark skin types (Fitzpatrick types V and VI) should not be treated with the CO2 laser, as the risk of pigment shifts and scarring is significantly increased.
Make-up should be avoided completely in the first few days after treatment to minimise the risk of infection and to avoid further irritating the skin. As soon as the desquamation phase is complete - usually after around 7 to 10 days - make-up can be carefully applied again.
During this phase, it is recommended to use mineral-based, non-comedogenic make-up products that do not clog or irritate the skin. Initially, heavy, high-coverage foundations should be avoided and care should be taken to remove make-up thoroughly but gently in the evening. As soon as the redness has largely subsided, the usual products can be used again.
At the follow-up check, we will discuss individually when make-up can be used again.
Yes, if herpes has occurred on the face in the past - especially cold sores - preventive treatment with antiviral medication is strongly recommended. CO2 laser treatment can reactivate the herpes simplex virus, which can lead to delayed wound healing, crust formation and, in the worst case, scarring.
In this case, an antiviral medication such as acyclovir (e.g. 400 mg twice a day) or valaciclovir (e.g. 500 mg twice a day) is prescribed. The intake starts one to two days before the treatment and continues for about five to ten days after the treatment.
Even if there is uncertainty as to whether herpes has occurred in the past, this should be discussed - if in doubt, medication will be prescribed as a precaution. Prophylaxis is uncomplicated, well tolerated and reliably protects against unpleasant complications.
CO2 laser treatment is one of the most effective methods for sustainably improving skin structure, treating wrinkles, scars and pigmentation disorders and tightening the skin. It requires a certain amount of downtime and consistent aftercare - but rewards you with long-lasting, visible results that continue to mature for months.
If you are prepared to take this time and have realistic expectations, you can achieve smoother, firmer and fresher skin with the CO2 laser - without any surgical procedures.
At the ÄSTHETIK BERLIN practice, a personal consultation takes place during which a customised treatment concept is developed together to suit the patient's needs, skin and everyday life.
Our practice is located in:
Alte Schönhauser Straße 23
10119 Berlin
Our opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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