How effective is CO2 laser resurfacing for acne scars?

A fractional or fully ablative CO2 laser removes or heats controlled areas of skin, prompting new collagen formation during healing. This can smooth uneven texture and soften the edges of certain depressed scars. Deep, narrow scars, raised scars and active acne may need a different or combined approach. The treatment does not erase every scar, and the final appearance develops as redness settles and collagen remodels. Skin tone, sun exposure, aftercare and the clinician’s settings all influence the result.

Have active acne, cold sores, medicines and past pigment changes assessed before treatment. Follow the clinic’s cleansing, ointment and dressing instructions closely after the procedure. Do not pick peeling skin or apply irritating products until the surface has healed. Protect the area from sunlight and use the recommended sunscreen once suitable. Plan recovery around visible redness, sensitivity and peeling, and return for review if healing is slower than expected.

Seek prompt advice for increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, worsening swelling or blisters. Contact the clinic if darkening or lightening of the treated skin is developing, especially if it continues after the surface heals. Emergency help is needed for breathing difficulty or rapidly developing facial swelling. A new cold-sore cluster near the treatment area should be reported early because antiviral treatment may be time-sensitive.

Ask which scar types you have, whether acne must be controlled first, what laser depth is proposed, how your skin tone affects pigment risk and what recovery care is required. Ask whether subcision, microneedling or another treatment would address any scars the laser cannot reach.