CO2RE® FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER RESURFACING
ADVANCED LASER SKIN REJUVENATION
CO2RE® CO2 Laser Resurfacing is an advanced laser rejuvenation treatment designed to improve deeper wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, skin texture and age-related skin changes.
By delivering controlled laser energy into the skin, CO2 resurfacing removes damaged outer skin and stimulates collagen remodeling within the deeper layers. CO2RE® allows treatment to be performed at different depths and intensities, including fractional (intensive) resurfacing and fully ablative deep resurfacing.
At Vamp, treatment is individually tailored according to skin condition, downtime tolerance and rejuvenation goals — ranging from lighter fractional resurfacing through to fully ablative deep CO2 resurfacing.
Treatments are performed exclusively by experienced cosmetic doctor. Dr Jacob Alexander received the national Aesthetics AU Award for “Best Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation/Beautification” in 2024 for his fully ablative deep CO2 resurfacing treatment.
CO2 Light
Lower-intensity fractional resurfacing (5%) designed for:
- early visible ageing
- enlarged pores
- mild texture irregularities
- maintenance rejuvenation
- lower-downtime skin refreshment
These treatments involve shorter recovery and are often performed as a series for progressive skin rejuvenation.
CO2RE Intensive — New Treatment
CO2RE Intensive fractional resurfacing (est. 15–30% resurfacing) is designed to deliver deeper collagen stimulation and firmer skin rejuvenation with more manageable downtime than fully ablative deep resurfacing.
This treatment is particularly suited to:
- early–moderate skin laxity
- neck rejuvenation
- crepey or thinning skin
- skin firmness and density
- deeper textural change
CO2RE Intensive can be performed with or without eye rejuvenation. When the eye area is included, treatment can extend to the delicate periocular skin to target fine lines, crepey texture and visible ageing around the eyes. Protective ocular shields are placed over the eyes during treatment for appropriate eye protection.
In selected patients, CO2RE Intensive may also be combined with regenerative collagen-stimulating treatments to further support the deeper structural layers of the skin.
While CO2 laser primarily improves the skin itself through resurfacing and thermal collagen stimulation, regenerative collagen-supporting treatments work differently by improving deeper dermal support and collagen renewal.
This combination approach can be particularly beneficial for neck rejuvenation, where structural collagen loss and thinning skin often contribute to visible ageing.
CO2 Deep Resurfacing
CO2 Deep Resurfacing is our highest-intensity fully ablative (100%) resurfacing treatment and is typically reserved for:
- advanced sun damage
- deeper wrinkles
- significant textural change
- advanced skin ageing
CO2 Deep Resurfacing can be performed with or without eye rejuvenation. When the eye area is included, treatment extends to the delicate periocular skin to target fine lines, wrinkles, crepey texture and visible ageing around the eyes. Protective ocular shields are placed over the eyes during treatment for appropriate eye protection.
Fully ablative resurfacing involves more intensive downtime and recovery than fractional CO2 treatments but can achieve substantial improvement in skin texture, pigmentation, wrinkles and overall skin quality.
Deep resurfacing is generally performed as a single procedure, with collagen remodelling and skin improvement continuing for many months following treatment.
Recovery & Results
CO2 laser resurfacing is not a “no downtime” treatment. Downtime varies depending on treatment intensity.
Typical recovery periods include:
- CO2 Light: approximately 3–5 days
- CO2RE Intensive: approximately 7–14 days
- CO2 Deep Resurfacing: approximately 10–14+ days
During the initial healing phase, patients commonly experience redness, swelling, crusting, skin tightness, and peeling as the skin heals and regenerates.
Although the early healing phase can appear quite dramatic, most patients describe the recovery as uncomfortable rather than painful.
Following treatment, ongoing collagen remodeling continues for many months, with progressive improvement in:
- skin firmness
- fine lines and wrinkles
- pigmentation
- skin texture
- overall skin quality and rejuvenation
Patients commonly continue to notice improvement for up to 6–12 months following treatment.
EXPERT LED MEDICAL CARE
CO2 laser resurfacing is an advanced medical procedure requiring careful patient selection, structured aftercare, and close medical follow-up.
All patients receive:
- detailed pre-treatment preparation guidance
- comprehensive written and verbal aftercare instructions
- post-treatment recovery support
- scheduled telehealth follow-up during healing
- in-clinic review appointments throughout recovery
View our before and after gallery to explore typical treatment outcomes across different resurfacing intensities.
Pricing
Pricing varies depending on treatment intensity, treatment areas and whether additional or combination treatments are recommended.
All treatments include:
- Post-treatment recovery pack
- Structured aftercare guidance
CO2RE Intensive and CO2 Deep Resurfacing treatments also include:
- Synergie Skin daily cosmeceutical kit
- Pre-treatment consultation and assessment with your doctor
- Structured post-treatment reviews and follow-up with your doctor
- Complimentary LED facial treatment at 7 days post treatment
CO2 Light
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Face | $1,400 |
| Face + Neck | $1,500 |
20-30% savings available when purchasing a course of 2-3 treatments.
CO2RE Intensive
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Face (includes eye rejuvenation)
Full Face (excluding eye rejuvenation) |
$4,400
$3,500 |
| Full Face + Neck (includes eye rejuvenation)
Full Face + Neck (excludes eye rejuvenation) |
$4,600
$4,200 |
| Neck Only | $2,200 |
Subsequent Treatment Pricing
Available for treatments performed within 6 months of the initial treatment, where clinically appropriate.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Additional Full Face Treatment | $2,200 |
| Additional Face + Neck Treatment | $2,400 |
| Additional Neck Treatment | $1,800 |
CO2 Deep Resurfacing
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Face Deep Resurfacing (includes eye rejuvenation)
Full Face Deep Resurfacing (excludes eye rejuvenation) |
$6,000
$5,000 |
Neck treatment may be added for an additional $500.
Neck resurfacing is generally performed using the CO2RE Intensive treatment approach rather than Deep resurfacing, as aggressive ablative resurfacing is typically not indicated for the neck.
Medical consultation is required to determine the most appropriate treatment intensity and suitability.
CO2 laser resurfacing uses highly focused laser energy to create thousands of microscopic treatment zones within the skin.
The laser targets water within the skin tissue, allowing very precise treatment of both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. This process works in two main ways:
- resurfacing damaged outer skin layers
- delivering controlled thermal energy into the deeper skin to stimulate collagen remodelling and skin renewal
Most modern CO2 lasers are fractional, meaning only a percentage of the skin surface is treated during each laser pass. This helps support faster healing and recovery.
To achieve more significant rejuvenation, treatment may involve multiple laser passes across the skin. Higher-intensity treatments create greater resurfacing and collagen stimulation, but also involve increased downtime and recovery compared with lighter CO2 treatments.
We use the CO2RE® fractional CO2 laser by Candela Medical — an advanced medical-grade resurfacing platform designed to treat a broad range of age-related skin concerns.
CO2RE® treatments may help improve:
- wrinkles and fine lines
- sun damage and pigmentation
- skin texture and pores
- acne scarring
- skin laxity and crepey skin changes
Unlike lighter resurfacing treatments that often require multiple sessions, higher-intensity CO2RE® treatments can achieve more significant rejuvenation with fewer treatments, depending on the patient’s skin condition, treatment goals, and downtime tolerance.
Treatment intensity is individually customised during consultation, ranging from lighter maintenance resurfacing through to advanced deep resurfacing procedures.
Suitable candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing are typically patients looking to improve:
- wrinkles and fine lines
- sun damage and pigmentation
- skin texture and enlarged pores
- acne scarring
- skin laxity and crepey skin changes
- overall skin quality and rejuvenation
Treatment suitability depends on several factors including:
- skin type
- degree of sun damage
- healing capacity
- medical history
- downtime tolerance
- treatment goals
Patients with recent sun exposure, active skin infections, certain inflammatory skin conditions, or a history of abnormal scarring may require modified treatment plans or may not be suitable for aggressive resurfacing procedures.
Treatment intensity is individually selected during consultation, ranging from lower-downtime maintenance resurfacing through to advanced deep resurfacing procedures.
Careful patient selection and structured aftercare are important parts of achieving safe healing and optimal results.
CO2 laser resurfacing is not a single treatment. Different treatment intensities and levels of ablation can be selected depending on the patient’s skin condition, downtime tolerance and rejuvenation goals.
CO2 Light — Light Fractional Resurfacing
A lower-intensity fractional CO2 treatment, treating approximately 5–10% of the skin surface per treatment while leaving surrounding skin intact to support faster healing.
Designed for:
- early skin ageing
- mild texture irregularities
- enlarged pores
- maintenance treatments
- lower-downtime rejuvenation
These treatments generally involve shorter recovery and are often performed as a series for progressive improvement.
CO2RE Intensive — Intensive Fractional Resurfacing
A higher-intensity fractional CO2 treatment, typically resurfacing approximately 15–30% of the skin, while retaining areas of untreated skin between treatment zones.
This greater level of fractional ablation allows for deeper and more intensive resurfacing and collagen remodelling and is commonly used for:
- early–moderate skin laxity
- neck rejuvenation
- crepey skin
- deeper textural change
- skin firmness and density
CO2RE Intensive is designed to provide meaningful rejuvenation while offering more manageable downtime than fully ablative deep resurfacing.
CO2 Deep Resurfacing — Fully Ablative (100%)
Our highest-intensity treatment, involving fully ablative (100%) resurfacing of the treated skin surface, rather than treating the skin fractionally.
It is typically reserved for:
- advanced sun damage
- deeper wrinkles
- significant textural change
- advanced skin ageing
Fully ablative resurfacing involves longer recovery and more intensive downtime than fractional treatments but can achieve substantially greater resurfacing and collagen remodelling, particularly when significant skin ageing is present.
Comfort management varies depending on the intensity of the treatment being performed.
CO2 Light
Lower-intensity treatments are typically performed using topical numbing cream only.
CO2RE Intensive
Intensive resurfacing treatments are generally performed using topical anaesthetic combined with local anaesthetic and regional nerve blocks to maximise comfort throughout the procedure.
CO2 Deep Resurfacing
Deep resurfacing treatments involve more comprehensive comfort management, including topical anaesthetic, local anaesthetic blocks, sedation, pain relief medication, and anti-nausea medication where appropriate.
Downtime and recovery vary significantly depending on treatment intensity.
Higher-intensity treatments involve more swelling, redness, crusting, and social downtime compared with lighter resurfacing treatments.
During the first several days following treatment, patients commonly experience:
- heat and redness in the skin
- moderate to significant swelling
- skin tightness
- oozing and crusting during healing
- dryness and itchiness as the skin recovers
Although recovery can appear quite dramatic during the early healing phase, most patients describe the process as uncomfortable rather than truly painful.
Post-treatment discomfort is generally manageable with prescribed and over-the-counter medications depending on treatment intensity.
Pain Relief & Medications
Your doctor will discuss pain relief and medication options with you prior to treatment so you understand what to expect and how your comfort will be managed during and after the procedure.
The level of pain management required will vary depending on the type and intensity of CO2 resurfacing being performed, as well as your individual needs and medical history.
Any medications used before, during or after treatment are determined in consultation with your treating doctor following an individual clinical assessment. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding any medications prescribed as part of your treatment and recovery plan.
CO2 laser resurfacing is not a “no downtime” treatment. Recovery varies depending on treatment intensity, with deeper treatments involving longer healing and more visible downtime.
Most patients can expect approximately:
- CO2 Light: 3–5 days
- CO2RE Intensive: 7–14 days
- CO2 Deep Resurfacing: 10–14+ days
During the first week following treatment, patients commonly experience:
- redness and swelling
- skin tightness
- shedding and crusting of old skin
- dryness and itchiness as new skin heals
Higher-intensity treatments generally involve more swelling, crusting, and prolonged redness compared with lighter resurfacing treatments.
Although the early healing phase can appear quite dramatic, most patients describe the recovery as uncomfortable rather than painful.
Residual redness may persist for several weeks following treatment and gradually fades over time. In most patients, redness can be comfortably covered with makeup once the skin barrier has adequately healed.
Strict sun protection and adherence to a medical-grade skincare regimen are extremely important before and after treatment.
We generally recommend:
- daily SPF 50+ sun protection
- avoiding excessive sun exposure
- consistent use of recommended skincare products before and after treatment
Sun protection remains important long-term to help minimise future photoageing and protect treatment results.
Careful aftercare is extremely important following CO2 laser resurfacing to support healing, optimise results, and minimise the risk of complications.
We recommend a structured post-treatment care regimen during the initial healing phase, particularly following Intensive and Deep resurfacing treatments.
This generally includes:
- regular application of a protective occlusive healing cream
- keeping the skin clean during healing
- strict sun avoidance
- avoiding unnecessary irritation or trauma to the treated skin
- adherence to a prescribed skincare regimen
On the day of treatment, our dermal therapist will carefully guide you through the aftercare process to ensure you feel confident managing your skin at home.
Your post-treatment pack includes:
- detailed written aftercare instructions
- recommended skincare products
- healing and recovery guidance
Following treatment, your doctor will monitor your recovery closely through scheduled follow-up care, including:
- regular telehealth check-ins during the early healing phase
- in-clinic review appointments
- ongoing assessment of healing and treatment progress
This structured aftercare process is an important part of achieving safe healing and optimal long-term results following CO2 resurfacing.
CO2 laser resurfacing works differently from treatments that gradually dissolve or wear off over time.
Rather than temporarily adding volume or creating short-term change, CO2 laser treatments stimulate your skin’s own collagen remodelling and renewal processes.
Fractional CO2 resurfacing improves the skin by:
- resurfacing damaged outer skin layers
- stimulating collagen remodelling within the deeper layers of the skin
- improving skin texture, firmness, and overall skin quality over time
Collagen remodelling continues for many months following treatment, with ongoing improvement often seen for up to 6–12 months after resurfacing.
Higher-intensity treatments such as CO2RE Intensive and CO2 Deep Resurfacing generally produce more significant collagen stimulation and longer-lasting rejuvenation compared with lighter resurfacing treatments.
Although the skin will continue to age naturally over time, results can often be maintained for many years with appropriate long-term skin maintenance.
To help preserve results, we generally recommend:
- consistent daily SPF 50+ sun protection
- minimising excessive sun exposure
- ongoing use of active skincare where appropriate
- regular skin maintenance treatments tailored to your skin condition
Maintenance treatments may include lighter resurfacing, pigment treatments, vascular laser, IPL, or other collagen-supporting procedures depending on your individual skin concerns and long-term goals.
CO2 laser resurfacing can help improve mild to moderate skin laxity by stimulating collagen remodelling within the deeper layers of the skin.
As collagen remodels over time, patients may notice:
- improved skin firmness
- smoother skin texture
- better skin density
- reduction in crepey skin changes
In general, higher-intensity CO2 treatments produce greater collagen stimulation and firmer skin tightening effects. Treatments such as CO2RE Intensive and CO2 Deep Resurfacing typically deliver more significant rejuvenation compared with lighter resurfacing treatments, although they also involve increased downtime and recovery.
In selected patients, CO2 resurfacing may also be combined with regenerative collagen-stimulating treatments to support the deeper structural layers of the skin. This combination approach may further improve skin firmness, dermal support, and long-term treatment longevity.
However, CO2 laser resurfacing is not a surgical lifting procedure and does not replace procedures designed for significant facial sagging or excess skin.
As with any advanced resurfacing procedure, CO2 laser treatment carries potential risks and side effects. In general, the likelihood, severity, and duration of side effects increase with treatment intensity.
Common and expected temporary effects include:
- redness
- swelling
- crusting and peeling
- skin sensitivity
- prolonged pinkness during recovery
These effects are part of the normal healing process and are usually temporary, although redness may persist for several weeks following higher-intensity treatments.
Less common complications may include:
- prolonged redness
- pigmentation changes
- acne or milia flare-ups
- delayed healing
- infection
Rare but more serious risks include:
- scarring
- persistent pigmentary change
- delayed wound healing
For treatments performed close to the eyes, protective corneal shields may be required. While uncommon, risks associated with corneal shields may include eye irritation or corneal injury.
During your consultation, your doctor will discuss:
- the expected downtime and recovery process
- potential risks and complications
- the relative likelihood and seriousness of these risks
- how risk varies depending on treatment intensity and treatment area
Patients also have the opportunity to review typical healing and downtime images before deciding whether to proceed with treatment.
Careful patient selection, structured aftercare, and close medical follow-up are important parts of reducing risk and supporting safe healing.
Not Sure What Treatment Is Right For You?
Book a free expert consultation now.
Our friendly and highly experienced team of doctors, nurses and dermal therapists are here to answer your questions and help you achieve the results you desire.