_CO2 laser in Waterloo

At our aesthetic dermatology practice in Waterloo, the ablative fractional CO₂ laser is used to improve skin quality, reduce certain scars and stimulate skin renewal.

What is the ablative fractional CO2 laser?

The CO2 laser is a medical device emitting a light beam with a wavelength of 10,600 nm. It targets intracellular water, the main chromophore absorbing at this wavelength. Its main function is to vaporize water-containing tissues by rapid thermal effect. It thus induces skin remodeling by increasing the production of type I and III collagen and elastin.

Fractional CO2 laser means that only part of the skin is treated, not all of it. Thin columns of skin are vaporized (ablative), leaving healthy skin to heal faster.

What are the indications for ablative fractional CO2 laser?

The CO2 laser is used to treat wrinkles, age spots, scars, acne scars and other skin conditions.

How many fractional CO2 laser sessions are required?

The procedure may require several successive sessions (2 to 3 sessions) spaced 2 to 3 months apart, depending on the problem being treated.

Is there a post-treatment social eviction period?

The results depend on the strength of the treatment.

For a superficial ablative effect (light scars, pigmentation problems, fine lines), the after-effects are minimal: redness and peeling effect lasting 3 to 7 days.

For deeper treatments (marked wrinkles, scars), the after-effects can last up to 2 weeks (redness, swelling, scabs).

Important: Social exclusion applies mainly to facial treatments. No medical certificate can be provided as this is a cosmetic procedure.

What are the contraindications to ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment?

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Pathologies at risk of scarring (keloids, collagenoses, unbalanced diabetes, heavy smokers, retinoid use, etc.).
• Herpes active on the day of the session
• Active dermatosis (eczema, psoriasis, rosacea…)
• Vitiligo
• Recent tan
• Melasma tendency
• Taking isotretinoin
• Dark phototypes (risk of hyperpigmentation)
• Recent application of self-tanner (less than one month)

How should the skin be prepared for CO2 laser treatment?

• Apply SPF50+ sunscreen daily 1 month before and 3 months after the session
• Use a depigmenting cream 1x/d from 4 weeks before treatment
• Take anti-herpes prophylaxis if full-face or perioral treatment is required
• Apply Emla® 40 minutes before the session
• Paracetamol 1g possible before treatment

How does the session work?

The eyes are protected (goggles or ear muffs). Treatment is performed on clean skin. Micro-impacts cause scabs to form, which should not be rubbed.

Healing takes a few days to 10 days, giving way to a rosy, make-up-able appearance. Improvement can continue for up to 6 months.

Duration: a few minutes to 40 minutes, depending on the surface. In general, 1 to 3 sessions at 2-month intervals are required.

What happens after the session?

Apply a healing cream and use a gentle cleanser. Make-up is permitted from day 5 post-treatment. No sun cream before day 5.

The higher the laser parameters, the more pronounced the signs (baking, edema, crusting, pinkness) and the longer they take to disappear.

SPF50+ mandatory for as long as there is redness. A depigmenting agent is systematically prescribed to limit post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Complications (scars, infections, etc.) are possible if these instructions are not followed.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• Pain: tingling, burning during or after the session
• Redness: may last several weeks
• Swelling: 1 to 2 weeks
• Pigmentation: hypo- or hyperpigmentation, sometimes permanent
• Scars: rare but possible
• Bleeding: punctual or oozing for 1 to 3 days
• Blisters and scabs: may lead to scarring or blotching
• Infection: requires local antibiotic treatment
• Insufficient results: several sessions may be required

⚠️ Let us know immediately if you have been exposed to the sun recently (less than 4 weeks).

How much does an ablative fractional CO2 laser session cost?

• Full face: €1,000 ex VAT (€1,210 inc VAT)
• 2 cheeks (acne scars): €500 excl. VAT (€605 incl. VAT)
• Lower eyelids: €450 excluding VAT (€544.50 inc. VAT)
• Perioral region: €600 excl. VAT (€726 incl. VAT)

For all other requests, we will provide you with a personalized quotation.

How much does ablative CO2 laser treatment cost for non-HPV-induced lesions?

• Syringomes: €200 excl. VAT (€242 incl. VAT)
• Milia: €150 excl. VAT (€181.50 incl. VAT)

Your fractional CO₂ laser treatment in Waterloo

Each treatment is preceded by a consultation to assess the condition of your skin and define a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

The treatment is carried out at the Candide aesthetic dermatology practice in Waterloo, Walloon Brabant.

Reference page on the ablative fractional CO₂ laser.