
Fractional CO2 laser
Fractional CO2 laser is a laser treatment that creates thousands of micro-perforations in the skin to restart its regeneration, from the surface down to the mid-dermis. It is indicated for scars, acne scars, wrinkles and overall facial rejuvenation, and also gives very good results in treating stretch marks. It is performed at Maison Tóā in Lausanne after a personalised medical assessment.
- Indication: scars, acne scars, enlarged pores, fine wrinkles, pigment spots and stretch marks.
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Duration: 45 minutes
- Price: from CHF 600 per session
What is fractional CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 laser is a major advance in aesthetic medicine for a lasting improvement in skin quality. It reduces various skin imperfections, including acne or post-surgical scars, burns, fine lines, enlarged pores and stretch marks.
Goal
To reduce scars, pigment spots and skin irregularities and improve skin texture through deep regeneration.
Principle
Fractional CO2 laser heats the skin and passes through it in multiple micro-columns, from the epidermis down to the mid-dermis. As they heal, these micro-columns close up, resurfacing the skin through the generation of new cells and stimulating the production of new collagen, which improves skin quality and firmness.
Technology
Fractional CO2 laser, a medical resurfacing device used under medical supervision.
Differences from other treatments
Unlike microneedling, which stimulates the skin mechanically without thermal energy, CO2 laser provides a more marked correction of skin texture while improving skin quality. The indication and suitability of the treatment are confirmed during a personalised medical consultation.
Indications and treated areas
Fractional CO2 laser is intended for people who wish to reduce scars, stretch marks or skin irregularities while improving skin quality and texture. The indication and suitability of the treatment are confirmed on the day of the appointment or during a personalised medical consultation.
Main indications
Scars and acne scars, enlarged pores, facial rejuvenation (smoothing of fine lines) and stretch marks.
Secondary indications
Post-surgical scars, hypertrophic scars, keloids and burns.
Treated areas
The face, neck, décolletage and hands (particularly for fine wrinkles).
Specific areas
Areas marked by stretch marks (abdomen, thighs, hips) or scars.
Limitations
CO2 laser is not recommended for mixed-race and Black skin (phototypes V and VI) because of a high risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Stretch marks and scars can be reduced but are rarely erased completely.
How does the session take place at Maison Tóā clinic, Lausanne?
The treatment is preceded by a consultation and then carried out at our clinic in Lausanne.
1 The consultation

The consultation assesses your skin, your needs and your medical history, and is the time to mention any medication you are currently taking. The protocol and number of sessions are defined at this stage.
Read more2 The treatment

An anaesthetic cream is applied about 30 minutes before the session to optimise comfort during the treatment. The doctor then personalises the laser settings according to your skin and the indication being treated, and performs one or more passes. A healing cream is applied at the end of the session. The treatment generally takes between 20 and 40 minutes.
Read more3 Follow-up

Slight swelling may be observed immediately after the session. Over the following days, the skin gradually dries out before naturally shedding the superficial cells around day 4. This is why we recommend planning 4 to 5 days of social downtime when having this treatment. Strict sun protection is essential for 4 weeks after the treatment.
Read moreResults: what to expect? (before/after)
The result of CO2 laser builds up as the skin heals, session after session.
BEFORE / AFTER
First results
From day 5, once the crusts have fallen off, the first benefits of the treatment can be seen. The final result of CO2 laser builds up as the skin heals, session after session, with an overall result visible 3 months after the last session.
Stabilisation
Improvement in superficial wrinkles and enlarged pores is visible after 1 to 2 sessions; the final result is assessed about 12 weeks after the last session.
Duration
The result is permanent for the treatment of scars, enlarged pores or stretch marks. For overall facial rejuvenation, we recommend maintaining the results with one session a year.
Maintenance
For scars, acne scars, enlarged pores and stretch marks, 3 to 6 sessions are recommended for an optimal result (a 3-session package is available for acne scars).
For overall anti-ageing facial rejuvenation, one session each winter is enough to achieve good results.
Variability
The result depends on the type and age of the scars or pigment spots, the phototype and the quality of healing. Results may vary from one person to another.
Contraindications and side effects
What are the contraindications?
CO2 laser is contraindicated in cases of pigmentation disorders (melasma), healing disorders or when taking certain medications, notably certain antibiotics or antidepressants.
It is important to mention any medication you are currently taking or start during the protocol.
A prior medical consultation confirms the indication and ensures that the treatment is suited to your situation.
Possible side effects
Side effects are rare and often temporary. However, this treatment causes skin inflammation which, in certain at-risk patients, can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This is why we do not treat patients with a phototype higher than IV, or those with a history of melasma.
Strict sun protection is essential for 4 weeks after the treatment.
Price of CO2 laser
Acne scars
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1 session
CHF 600
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3 sessions
CHF 1,500
The medical consultation costs CHF 150. This amount is deducted from the cost of your first treatment, provided it is carried out with the practitioner who performed the consultation and within three months of it.
Payment
Instalment payment is available: Maison Tóā offers payment in several instalments, with terms defined during the consultation.
What is included
The price includes the laser session and medical follow-up.
Quote
The price varies according to the indication (scars, stretch marks, rejuvenation), the surface area and the number of sessions. The price is confirmed during the consultation, depending on the indication and the area to be treated.
Alternatives and complementary treatments
Treatment alternatives
Depending on the indication, other treatments may be considered, such as medical microneedling for acne scars and skin quality, light therapy for acne, pigment lasers for spots, or medical peels.
Combinations with other treatments
Depending on the indication, CO2 laser can be combined with Skinboosters®, microneedling or Radiesse® for stretch marks (biostimulation) as part of a complementary, personalised approach.
Why choose fractional CO2 laser?
Fractional CO2 laser is the reference treatment for resurfacing scars and stretch marks, with deep action. Performed under the supervision of FMH specialist doctors, it is part of a rigorous medical approach.
Trust our experts
At Maison Tóā, our team of specialized physicians embodies excellence and innovation in aesthetic medicine. Passionate about their craft, they put their expertise at the service of your beauty and well-being. Every treatment is performed with careful attention, using the most advanced techniques to ensure natural and personalized results.

Dr. Sophie Nordback
Dr. Alexandra Miles
Dr. Reda Bennani

Dr. Laetitia Guarino

Dr. Adnan Plakalo
Dr. Natalia Koltunova
Frequently asked questions
Does CO2 laser completely erase scars?
It reduces them considerably over several sessions; scars and stretch marks are rarely erased completely.
How many CO2 laser sessions are needed?
The number of sessions is determined according to the indication and how the treatment progresses. As a guide, a 3-session protocol is generally offered for acne scars. Personalised advice is provided throughout the follow-up.
Is the treatment painful?
An anaesthetic cream is applied about 30 minutes before the session for maximum comfort.
What is the recovery like?
Slight swelling immediately afterwards, then the skin dries out and peels. Sun protection is essential for 4 weeks.
When is the final result visible?
The final result is assessed about 12 weeks after the last session.
Is CO2 laser suitable for all skin types?
No: CO2 laser is not recommended for mixed-race and Black skin because of the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is also contraindicated for anyone with melasma.
Related articles
Medical consultation and booking an appointment
Every CO2 laser treatment begins with a medical consultation at Maison Tóā in Lausanne. This step assesses your skin, your phototype and your medical history, and defines a personalised protocol. Our doctors support you towards a natural, safe result.










