Fraxel (CO2) — Fractional Laser Resurfacing, Central Hong Kong
Fraxel CO2 is an ablative fractional laser used to resurface skin and treat deep acne scars, sun damage, and advanced textural concerns. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to improve skin texture, tone, and appearance by removing layers of damaged skin and stimulating collagen production.
The CO2 laser is called “fractional” because it treats only a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing. It vaporises damaged tissue in targeted columns while leaving healthy skin untouched for rapid regeneration.
What Fraxel CO2 Addresses
Fraxel CO2 is appropriate for concerns that milder treatments cannot shift:
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines through collagen remodelling in deeper skin layers
- Improves acne scars — icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars that sit below the skin’s surface
- Minimises pores by tightening the tissue around each pore opening
- Treats sun damage and age spots — removes photodamaged skin cells
- Smoothes uneven skin texture
- Tightens loose skin through controlled thermal injury and new collagen formation
- Improves surgical scars and stretch marks
For a full overview of scar treatment options, see the acne and acne scars page. Fraxel is part of the acne repair and pigmentation, tone, and texture categories. The team will determine during consultation whether Fraxel is appropriate for individual concerns.
How Fraxel CO2 Works
The CO2 laser delivers short pulses of light energy in a fractionated (grid-like) pattern. The laser creates tiny microthermal zones (MTZs) that vaporise damaged skin cells while leaving healthy tissue untouched. This controlled injury triggers the body’s natural healing process, promoting collagen and elastin production.
The vaporised tissue is replaced by new, healthy skin as it heals. The intact skin between the columns provides a reservoir of cells that migrate into the treated areas, allowing rapid regeneration.
The depth and density of the treatment can be adjusted based on the severity of the scarring and the area being treated. This customisation is essential for achieving the right balance between results and downtime.
Treatment Experience
Fraxel CO2 requires genuine downtime. This is not a lunchtime treatment.
Duration: 30-60 minutes depending on the treatment area.
Downtime: 5-10 days (redness, swelling, peeling).
Full results: Visible after 2-3 months as collagen rebuilds.
Number of sessions: One to three sessions, spaced three to six months apart.
Immediately after treatment, the skin is red, swollen, and feels like a sunburn. A protective ointment is applied. Days 1 to 3 involve bronzing and peeling; the skin looks visibly treated. Days 4 to 7: peeling continues as new skin appears underneath. Most people return to social activities around day 7, though some pinkness may remain. Day 10 onward: most visible signs of treatment have resolved. The skin continues to improve over the following months as collagen remodels.
Results vary by individual.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Results vary by individual. A consultation with The Skin Oracle is required to determine suitability for any treatment. Fraxel is a registered trademark of Solta Medical.