CO₂ Laser – When the Skin Regenerates from Within

CO2 LaserInfo at a glance

AnesthesiaAnesthetic ointment
Painlow due to the anesthetic ointment
After the treatmentAvoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks. Use SPF 50.
Effectafter 4–8 weeks
RisksRedness, swelling, and scabbing
Socially acceptableafter 2–14 days
Costs€350.00 – €1,600.00

CO₂ Laser Treatment – Precise Skin Rejuvenation with the DEKA Tetra PRO

I am Dr. Juliane Bodo, a board-certified specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin-Charlottenburg. With the DEKA Tetra PRO, I use one of the most powerful CO₂ laser systems currently available in aesthetic medicine. It allows me to treat skin conditions and signs of aging with the utmost precision—tailored to your individual skin and your personal goals.

For years, the CO₂ laser has been considered the gold standard in aesthetic dermatology and plastic surgery. Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technology, I can now achieve results that were previously only possible with significantly more invasive procedures.

What I Treat with the CO₂ Laser

The strength of the CO₂ laser lies in its versatility. I use it for the following conditions:

Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging

  • Fine lines and wrinkles on the face, especially around the eyes and mouth
  • Sagging, tired-looking skin on the face, neck, and décolletage
  • Age spots, uneven skin tone, and sun damage
  • Enlarged pores, rough or uneven skin texture

Scar Treatment

  • Acne scars—including deeply indented ones
  • Stretch marks
  • Postoperative and Post-Traumatic Scars

Skin Resurfacing

  • Benign skin lesions such as seborrheic keratoses, fibromas, and warts
  • Xanthelasmas (fat deposits on the eyelids)

How does the CO₂ laser work?

The CO2 laser operates at a wavelength of 10,600 nm, which is absorbed by the water in the skin. This allows the laser to selectively ablate layers of skin while simultaneously stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis deep within the skin—without damaging surrounding tissue.

Three handpieces – three treatment approaches

What makes the CO₂ laser so precise isn't just the device itself—it's the specialized attachments I use with it. Depending on the indication and treatment area, I choose between three different scanning systems:

Scan DOT PRO — for fractional treatments and traditional resurfacing. The handpiece creates a uniform pattern of fine laser dots on the skin. Intact skin remains between the treated microzones, which accelerates healing. I use it primarily for skin rejuvenation on the face, neck, and décolletage, as well as for extensive acne scars.

Scan Scar 3 PRO — specifically designed for the treatment of deep scars. The smaller spot size allows for greater penetration depth at lower energy levels—this minimizes the risk of pigment changes and enables me to structurally remodel even stubborn, sunken scars.

DermaScan — for rapid, three-dimensional ablation of larger areas, as well as for the targeted removal of benign skin lesions. This handpiece operates with a 4- or 7-inch focal length and is particularly well-suited for applications that require both precision and efficiency.

Spot treatment or full-face treatment—which is right for you?

Depending on your specific situation, I recommend one of two treatment strategies:

In fractional laser treatment, the skin is treated in a grid pattern—the laser creates microscopically fine channels while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. As a result, healing is significantly faster than with earlier, full-surface procedures. At the same time, the treated areas stimulate intensive collagen production. This method is particularly well-suited for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, and stretch marks.

For patients who want a visible improvement in skin texture but cannot afford extended downtime, I offer the CoolPeel® mode. With this method, I treat only the outermost layer of the skin—using very short pulses that release virtually no heat into the surrounding tissue. The result is a fresher, more even complexion with downtime that’s usually only 2–4 days.

We’ll discuss how many sessions are appropriate during the consultation. For anti-aging treatments, it’s usually 1–3 sessions; for scar treatment, it’s often 3–5.

Preparation

Before treatment, I take the time to have a detailed consultation with you. I’ll analyze your skin, explain the procedure and what realistic results you can expect, and work with you to determine the treatment plan. Please let me know if you have any active herpes infections, skin conditions, or are taking any medications—especially blood thinners and isotretinoin. You should avoid intense sun exposure and self-tanning products in the weeks leading up to the treatment. On the day of your treatment, please arrive without any makeup, perfume, or creams on the treatment area. I will apply a numbing cream about 30 minutes before the procedure.

Risks

CO₂ laser treatment is a well-established procedure—and, like all medical procedures, it is not without risks. In the first few days after treatment, redness, swelling, and scabbing are normal and part of the healing process. These symptoms will subside. Temporary changes in skin pigmentation are possible, especially in people with darker skin types. Scarring is very rare when the procedure is performed correctly. If you have a history of cold sores, I will take preventive measures to avoid a recurrence. I will discuss all risks relevant to you in detail during the initial consultation.

Follow-up care

After CO₂ laser treatment, your skin needs time and care. In the first few days, I recommend using soothing, moisturizing skincare products and consistently applying sunscreen with SPF 50+. You should avoid wearing makeup until the skin has fully healed. Exercise, saunas, and direct sunlight should be avoided for at least two weeks. The visible results will fully develop over 4–8 weeks—and will continue to improve for months afterward as new collagen forms.

Costs

Prices are based on the treatment area, the chosen method, and the number of sessions. A single zone—such as the eye area or a localized scar—starts at 350 €. A CoolPeel® treatment for the entire face starts at €600, a deeper fractional facial treatment at €800, and an intensive full-face resurfacing at €1,200. For scar treatments, I charge starting at €350 per session, depending on the size and location of the scar.

Since this is a private medical service, I will provide you with a personalized quote after our consultation—so that you have a clear understanding of the costs before you make your decision. Statutory health insurance generally does not cover these costs.

If you'd like to know whether and how the CO₂ laser can help you, I'd be happy to consult with you personally, with no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions – CO₂ Laser Treatment

Most patients find the treatment easy to tolerate. Before the procedure, I apply a numbing cream that effectively desensitizes the area. During the treatment, you may feel a slight warmth or tingling sensation—this is normal and not a sign that anything is wrong.

That depends on what we’re treating and how intensely. With the CoolPeel® mode, the skin is usually slightly red and sensitive for 2–4 days. For a deeper fractional treatment, you should realistically plan for 7–10 days during which the skin will peel and be red. I’ll discuss this openly with you beforehand—so you know what to expect and can plan your schedule accordingly.

The first improvements are often visible as soon as the skin has healed—the skin looks fresher and the complexion more even. However, the full results aren’t apparent until 4–8 weeks later, once collagen production has really gotten underway. With scar treatment, the appearance often continues to improve for several months after each session.

For skin rejuvenation and anti-aging, a single session is often sufficient—or we may schedule 2–3 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart if we’re aiming for more dramatic results. For acne scars or stretch marks, 3–5 sessions are usually recommended. I’ll be able to give you a specific recommendation during the consultation once I’ve examined your skin.

There are situations in which I advise against treatment: active herpes infections, inflammatory skin conditions in the treatment area, a recent tan or the use of self-tanning products, as well as taking isotretinoin within the past 6–12 months. Very dark skin types also require special caution and careful consideration. We’ll thoroughly discuss this during the initial consultation.

No—and that’s one of the most important aspects of aftercare. Direct sun exposure must be avoided at all costs during the first few weeks after treatment. Consistent sun protection with SPF 50+ is mandatory as long as the skin is still in the regeneration phase. By following this advice, you’ll protect your results and minimize the risk of pigmentation spots.

Yes, it’s often even a good idea. For example, CO₂ laser treatment can be easily incorporated into a more comprehensive treatment plan—supplemented by hyaluronic acid fillers to address volume loss, which I can’t treat with the laser, or by botulinum toxin for dynamic wrinkles. I’ll discuss with you individually which combination makes sense for you.

No. A chemical peel works by using acids that exfoliate the skin at a superficial or medium depth—the depth of penetration is harder to control and depends heavily on the treatment time. The CO₂ laser operates with physical precision: I control the depth and intensity precisely, area by area. This allows me to provide a treatment that is truly tailored to your skin and your specific concerns.

Single area (eyes, mouth, etc.)400–700 € Fractional facial treatment (one session) 600–1,000 € Intensive full-face treatment 1,200–1,800 € Scar treatment per session 350–600 € Single area (eyes, mouth, etc.) approx. 400–700 €

Fractional Facial (one session) approx. 600–1,000 €

Full Face Intensive: approx. 1,200–1,800 €

Scar treatment per session: approx. 350–600 €

Authorized by Dr. Juliane Bodo

Last updated on June 17, 2026

Content

Get advice

We are happy to provide you with detailed information about our treatments and answer your questions with no obligation. Contact us now and receive tailored, personal advice.

Reviews from our patients