Acne scarring can affect the skin long after active acne has settled. For some people, it may appear as uneven texture, small indentations or changes in the skin surface. For others, scarring may be deeper, more widespread or combined with pigmentation and sensitivity.
Because acne scarring can vary so much from person to person, treatment often needs to be carefully tailored. CO2 laser may be considered as part of a treatment plan for certain types of acne scarring, depending on the skin and the nature of the scars.
Why Acne Scars Form
Acne scarring can occur when inflammation affects the deeper layers of the skin. When the skin is healing from inflamed acne, collagen production may become disrupted. This can lead to changes in the skin’s texture and structure.
Some scars form because the skin loses collagen during the healing process. These may appear as small dips, indentations or uneven areas. Other types of scarring may involve thickened or raised tissue.
The type of acne scarring present will influence which treatment approach may be most appropriate.
How CO2 Laser May Support Acne Scarring
CO2 laser works by creating controlled micro-injuries within the skin. This encourages the skin’s natural repair response and may support collagen remodelling over time.
For certain types of acne scarring, this process may help improve the appearance of uneven texture and support smoother-looking skin.
The treatment does not simply “erase” scars. Instead, it works by supporting the skin’s renewal response, which may help soften the appearance of textural irregularities over time.
What Types of Acne Scarring May Respond?
CO2 laser may be considered for some forms of textural acne scarring, particularly where the skin surface appears uneven or indented.
Examples may include:
- Shallow textural scarring
- Uneven skin surface
- Post-acne texture changes
- Some forms of atrophic acne scarring
- Skin roughness following previous acne
Not all acne scars respond the same way. Deeper scars, tethered scars or complex scarring patterns may require a different approach or a combination of treatments.
Why a Skin Assessment Is Important
Before considering CO2 laser for acne scarring, your clinician needs to assess the skin properly. This includes looking at the type of scarring, the depth of the scars, your skin tone, sensitivity, current skin condition and history of acne.
It is also important to assess whether acne is still active. In some cases, active breakouts may need to be managed before resurfacing treatments are considered.
At That Face Place, treatment recommendations are made after a personalised consultation so your clinician can determine whether CO2 laser is appropriate for your skin.
Can CO2 Laser Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Acne scarring is often best approached with a broader skin plan. This is because scarring can affect different layers of the skin in different ways.
In some cases, your clinician may recommend a combination approach to support texture, collagen, hydration and overall skin health.
This may include treatments that support skin quality and regeneration, depending on your skin needs and goals.
You can learn more about skin-focused treatment options on our Skin Regeneration Treatments page.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of treatments required can vary. Some people may notice improvement after one treatment, while others may require a more structured plan over time.
The outcome depends on factors such as scar depth, skin type, treatment intensity, healing response and consistency with aftercare.
Your clinician will guide you on what may be realistic for your skin during consultation.
Results Take Time
Changes in acne scarring are usually gradual. Because collagen remodelling takes time, the skin may continue to improve in the weeks and months following treatment.
It is important to have realistic expectations. CO2 laser may help improve the appearance of certain acne scars, but results can vary and complete removal of scarring is not guaranteed.
CO2 Laser for Acne Scarring on the Gold Coast
At That Face Place, acne scarring is assessed with care so your clinician can recommend an approach that aligns with your skin and goals.
If CO2 laser is suitable, your treatment plan will include preparation, aftercare and recovery guidance to support your skin throughout the process.
To explore whether this treatment may be suitable for your skin, visit our CO2 Laser Treatment Gold Coast page.
