CO2 Laser Singapore

Dr. Liew Hui Min

accredited consultant dermatologist

CO₂ laser treatment is a dermatological procedure used to resurface skin and remove small benign skin growths. It works by delivering controlled beams of carbon dioxide laser energy to the skin, which removes targeted tissue, stimulates collagen production, and supports gradual improvement in skin texture. This procedure may be recommended by dermatologists for medically appropriate cases such as acne scarring, non-cancerous moles, skin lesions, and early signs of ageing.

Indications Benefits How it Works Techniques Preparation Procedure Recovery Risks FAQ

Indications for CO2 Laser

Acne Scarring

CO₂ laser treatment may be recommended for patients with thickened/keloid or depressed acne scars that have not responded to topical or other non-invasive treatments.

Benign Mole Removal

Used to treat clinically confirmed non-cancerous moles that require removal for aesthetic or functional reasons, such as irritation or friction.

Benign Skin Lesions

Appropriate for removing small, non-cancerous skin growths like seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, and selected warts after clinical assessment.

Additional Conditions Treated

In addition to the above, CO₂ laser may be considered for:

Surgical/traumatic and keloid scars
Sun damage and age spots
Fine lines and wrinkles
Skin texture irregularities
Hyperpigmentation

Benefits of CO2 Laser

Skin Resurfacing

Improves overall skin texture and tone by promoting epidermal renewal and stimulating collagen production within deeper skin layers. May support improvement in acne scarring and uneven skin texture over time.

Lesion and Mole Removal

Enables accurate, layer-by-layer ablation of targeted tissue, preserving healthy skin and minimising the risk of scarring.

How Does CO2 Laser Work?

Skin Resurfacing (Acne Scars)

During resurfacing, the CO₂ laser delivers energy into the skin in controlled micro-injury zones. This process removes portions of the outer layers and activates deeper layers of the skin healing, which may help improve the appearance of acne scarring over time.

Mole and Lesion Removal

For lesion removal, the laser energy is directed to the specific area requiring treatment. The affected tissue is gradually ablated while preserving surrounding structures. Dermatologists adjust the energy level based on lesion type and location.

CO2 Laser Treatment Techniques

Customised Ablation for Moles And Benign Lesions

Laser settings are customised to match the lesion’s size, depth, and skin location. The dermatologist applies the laser in a focused manner for controlled tissue removal.
Combination Depth Treatment With Fractional Co₂

In selected cases of deeper scarring (e.g. acne or keloid scars), fractional laser settings may be used to treat affected skin zones while leaving areas in between untreated. This can support a structured healing response.
Multiple Session Approach

While a single session may be sufficient for some lesions, conditions such as acne scarring or sun-damage skin may require several sessions over a longer period.

Preparing for CO2 Laser

Medical Evaluation

Your dermatologist will evaluate your skin type and assess the lesion or concern to confirm if CO₂ laser treatment is appropriate. All moles and skin growths will be reviewed to ensure they are benign.

Pre-Treatment Precautions

Medication review: Certain oral or topical medications (e.g. retinoids, antibiotics, anticoagulants) may need to be adjusted.

Sun protection: Avoid direct sunlight and tanning for at least four weeks prior.

Skincare routine: Your doctor may recommend preparatory topical products and advise on treatments to avoid in the weeks before your session.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Skin preparation

The treatment area is cleansed, documented, and marked if necessary.

Anaesthesia

Topical anaesthetic cream is applied before the procedure. For lesion removal, local anaesthetic injections may be administered to improve comfort.

Laser application

Your dermatologist will apply the laser in either a broad pattern for resurfacing or a focused pattern for lesion ablation, depending on your treatment plan.

Cooling and aftercare

Cooling techniques or topical calming agents may be used during or after the procedure to reduce discomfort and support skin recovery.

Dressing and ointment application

A protective ointment or dressing is applied to the treated area to maintain moisture and reduce infection risk.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

Immediate Care

Gently cleanse the area with a gentle wash and apply moisturiser
Mild discomfort can be managed with pain relievers if necessary
Avoid excessive heat, sweating, or sun exposure during the recovery period
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly when outdoors

Recovery Timeline

For Skin Resurfacing (Acne Scars)

Day 1–2: Redness and swelling, similar to sunburn
Day 3–7: Peeling and flaking as the skin begins to renew
Week 2–4: Redness gradually fades; surface irregularities may begin to improve
Month 1–6: Continued skin healing and improvement in treated areas

For Mole and Lesion Removal

Immediately after: Treated area may appear raw or red with scab
Day 1–7: Formation of a temporary scab
Week 1–2: Scab naturally falls off; skin continues healing beneath

Follow-Up Care

Review visits: Your dermatologist will assess healing and outcomes
Skincare: Resume your usual skincare routine only after downtime is over
Sun protection: Long-term sunscreen use is recommended to reduce recurrence and post-treatment pigmentation

Potential Risks and Complications

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Common temporary side effects include redness, swelling, and discomfort. Less commonly, changes in skin colour (darker or lighter areas) or scarring may occur, particularly if aftercare instructions are not followed.

There is a minor risk of infection if the area is not kept clean. For mole and lesion removal, recurrence is rare but possible. If a lesion appears atypical during treatment, a biopsy may be recommended.

Consult a qualified dermatologist to ensure proper assessment, accurate treatment, and safe post-procedure care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CO2 Laser treatments will I need?

For acne scars, most patients require multiple sessions, typically between three to four treatments depending on the severity and depth of the condition. Patients with keloid scars may require more than 4 sessions depending on the severity of the scar. In the case of benign mole or skin lesion removal, one to two sessions are usually sufficient to achieve the intended result, subject to the dermatologist’s evaluation and treatment response. However, not all moles can be treated successfully.

When can I return to work after treatment?

For skin resurfacing procedures, patients may require two to five days before comfortably resuming work or public activities, depending on their skin sensitivity and healing speed. For isolated mole or lesion removal, most individuals return to normal activities within one to two days as recovery is generally quicker and less extensive.

Will I need to change my skincare routine?

Yes, your skincare routine will need to be modified temporarily following CO₂ laser treatment. Your dermatologist will advise you on appropriate products and precautions during the healing period. Most patients can gradually return to their regular skincare routine within one to four weeks, depending on the area treated and the skin’s recovery progress.

Can this treatment be combined with others?

In certain cases, CO₂ laser treatment may be part of a broader dermatological plan involving other procedures. However, any combination of treatments will be spaced appropriately to ensure complete skin healing between sessions. Your dermatologist in Singapore will assess the suitability of combining therapies based on your skin condition and individual response to treatment.

Dr Liew Hui Min

Dually Accredited Dermatologist In Singapore and the UK

Dr. Liew Hui Min is an accredited consultant dermatologist from the Ministry of Health and the General Medical Council UK.

Her clinical interest includes:

Paediatric Dermatology,
Women’s Dermatology,
General Adult Dermatology.

Having trained in major London Hospitals, Dr Liew returned to Singapore in 2014 as a Consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) where she specialised in paediatric, women, obstetric and vulva dermatology. Currently, Dr Liew practices at The Skin Drs. clinic located at Gleneagles Hospital.

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