CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Men

Ablative means the laser removes tissue rather than heating it alone. Fractional means it treats a fraction of the surface in each pass, leaving untreated skin between the columns to speed healing.

This is the most demanding treatment on this page in terms of aftercare and risk, and it is not appropriate for everyone. Active acne, active infection, recent sun exposure and certain medications all change the answer.

Fractional ablative mode

The standard mode. A carbon dioxide laser emits at 10,600 nm, a wavelength absorbed by water in the skin, so microscopic columns of tissue are vaporised on each pass. Untreated skin is left between them, which is what allows the surface to heal in days rather than weeks. It is the mode used for texture, pores and general resurfacing.

Deeper columns for scarring

The same mode run deeper and narrower, so that energy reaches the fibrous tissue tethering a scar rather than the surface alone. Downtime is longer and the interval between sessions is set by how the skin heals.

Focused single-point mode

A narrow, precise setting used to treat a discrete benign lesion or skin tag rather than an area. Any lesion is examined by a doctor before it is treated, and anything uncertain is not removed on request.

Depth and density

Depth controls how far energy reaches; density controls how much of the surface is treated in one pass. Both are chosen for the indication and for your skin, and both change the downtime you should plan for. Session length and the number of sessions in a plan are set by your doctor at assessment.

• Acne scarring, once active acne is controlled
• Skin texture and enlarged-looking pores
• Fine lines that are present at rest
• Selected benign skin lesions and skin tags, where a doctor judges the lesion suitable after examination

Assessment first, including your skin type, your history of pigmentation and cold sores, and whether the timing suits your commitments.

Topical numbing cream is applied and left to work. Eye protection is fitted.

The laser is passed over the treatment area at the planned settings.

The skin is cooled and dressed as needed, and written aftercare is given with your review date.

The first days are healing, not the result. Expect the treated skin to look worse before it looks better.

Texture change develops over the weeks and months that follow, and scarring usually needs a course. Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.

Expect redness, swelling, a gritty or sandpaper texture and flaking over several days. The exact duration depends on the settings used.

Keep the skin clean and moisturised as instructed, avoid picking, and use strict sun protection. Contact the clinic promptly if you develop increasing pain, spreading redness, discharge or a cold-sore outbreak.

Scarring and texture are usually treated as a course of sessions spaced weeks apart, with the interval set by how your skin heals.

The number of sessions and the interval between them are set by your doctor, based on the indication and on how your skin heals after each treatment.

What moves the cost of fractional CO2 treatment is the size of the treated area and the depth and density selected, which also set how much downtime you take.

How we quote, and why we do not publish prices

Fractional CO2 lasers are regulated as medical devices in Singapore. Treatment is described here by depth and density, which together set both the result and the downtime, rather than by a machine trade name.

The depth, the density and the number of passes used in your session are recorded in your notes at the time of treatment.

• Every laser session is performed by an SMC-registered doctor, not delegated to a therapist.
• Depth and density are set against the downtime you can genuinely take, not against a target result on a page.

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