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Fractional CO2 laser treatment in Antalya starts from €250 at Soraca Med for a small area, from €350 for acne scar resurfacing and from €650 for a full face. The CO2 laser is an ablative laser: it removes microscopic columns of skin and heats the deeper layers, which triggers new collagen and smoother, firmer skin. It is one of the most effective treatments for rolling and boxcar acne scars, fine lines and rough texture, but it also has real downtime: expect about one week of redness, swelling and peeling, and pink skin for some weeks after. This guide explains what CO2 laser can and cannot do, prices by area, how many sessions you may need, recovery day by day and who should be careful, especially people with darker skin.
CO2 Laser Treatment at a Glance
| Item | Typical detail |
| Laser type | Ablative fractional CO2 laser |
| Treats | Acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, rough texture, enlarged pores, some surgical scars |
| Anesthesia | Numbing cream; sometimes local anesthetic injections |
| Session time | About 30 to 60 minutes including numbing |
| Downtime | About 5 to 7 days of redness, swelling and peeling |
| Pinkness | Can last several weeks |
| Sessions | Often 1 to 3, spaced a few months apart |
| Starting price | From €250 at Soraca Med |
What Is CO2 Laser Treatment?
The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser uses light energy that is absorbed by water in the skin. In fractional mode, the laser makes thousands of tiny treatment columns while leaving the skin between them untouched. These untouched areas help the skin heal faster than with older, fully ablative lasers. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) describes laser skin resurfacing as a way to reduce wrinkles, scars and blemishes and improve skin tone and texture. Research reviews note that fractional CO2 generally has a shorter recovery than non-fractional ablative lasers, but a longer downtime than non-ablative lasers.
What Can CO2 Laser Treat?

| Concern | How well CO2 laser usually works |
| Rolling acne scars | Good improvement, often over 1 to 3 sessions |
| Shallow boxcar scars | Good improvement |
| Deep icepick scars | Limited; often need TCA CROSS or punch techniques first |
| Fine lines and wrinkles | Good, especially around eyes and mouth |
| Sun damage and rough texture | Good |
| Enlarged pores | Moderate improvement |
| Surgical or injury scars | Can soften texture and colour |
| Deep wrinkles and sagging skin | Limited; may need surgery or other treatments |
Studies on acne scars show that rolling and shallow boxcar scars respond well to fractional CO2 laser, while narrow, deep icepick scars respond poorly. For this reason CO2 laser is often combined with subcision, TCA CROSS or PRP.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment?
- Adults with acne scars, fine lines, sun damage or rough texture
- Lighter skin types tend to have lower risk of pigment changes
- People who can avoid sun exposure for several weeks
- People without active acne, active skin infection or cold sores at the time of treatment
- People who can accept about a week of social downtime
Be careful or postpone treatment if you have:
- Darker skin (higher risk of dark patches after treatment), unless settings and preparation are adapted
- A tendency to keloid scars
- Recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane) use; most clinics wait several months
- Active eczema, psoriasis or infection in the area
- A history of cold sores, which needs antiviral preparation
CO2 Laser Treatment Procedure Step by Step
- Consultation: skin type, scar type and medical history are checked.
- Cleansing: make-up and oils are removed.
- Numbing: a numbing cream is applied for about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Laser treatment: the laser passes over the skin in sections; you feel heat and prickling.
- Cooling: cool air or compresses calm the skin.
- Aftercare: a healing ointment is applied, and you receive instructions.
CO2 Laser Recovery Day by Day
| Time after treatment | What to expect |
| Day 1 | Redness and swelling like a strong sunburn; warmth |
| Days 2 to 3 | Swelling peaks; oozing and fine crusting |
| Days 4 to 7 | Peeling and flaking; new pink skin appears |
| Week 2 | Make-up usually allowed; skin still pink |
| Weeks 3 to 8 | Pinkness fades gradually |
| Months 3 to 6 | Collagen remodelling continues; final result |
Keep the skin moist with the recommended ointment, wash gently with cool water, do not pick flakes, avoid sun completely and use a high-protection sunscreen once the skin has healed. Avoid exercise that makes you sweat heavily, saunas and swimming in the first days.
CO2 Laser Treatment Cost in Antalya

| Area or treatment | Soraca Med starting price |
| Small area CO2 laser treatment | €250 |
| Acne scar CO2 laser resurfacing | €350 |
| Partial face resurfacing | €450 |
| Full face CO2 laser treatment | €650 |
| Advanced fractional CO2 packages | €850 and up |
The final price depends on the area, the depth of treatment, the number of sessions and whether it is combined with other treatments. You receive a written quote after your skin assessment. In the UK and Western Europe, a full-face fractional CO2 treatment usually costs considerably more per session.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Many people see a visible change after one session, especially for texture and fine lines. Acne scars often need two or three sessions, spaced about two to three months apart, because collagen builds up gradually. If you are travelling to Antalya, plan your sessions together with your doctor so that each trip has enough healing time before you fly.
CO2 Laser Treatment for Acne Scars and Wrinkles
For acne scars, the laser smooths the edges of scars and stimulates collagen to lift depressed areas. Results are best for rolling and shallow boxcar scars. Deep icepick scars usually need targeted treatment first. For wrinkles, CO2 laser works best for fine lines and crepey skin around the eyes and mouth, and less for deep folds caused by volume loss or sagging. Read our detailed guide to CO2 laser skin resurfacing.
Risks, Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Common, expected effects: redness, swelling, oozing, crusting, peeling and temporary pinkness.
Possible complications:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: dark patches, more common in darker skin and after sun exposure
- Hypopigmentation: lighter patches, which can be long-lasting
- Acne flare-ups and milia (tiny white cysts) during healing
- Infection, including reactivation of cold sores
- Scarring, rare with correct settings and aftercare
A careful skin assessment, adapted settings, sun avoidance and correct aftercare reduce these risks.
Why Choose Antalya for CO2 Laser Treatment?

- Prices from €250, with a clear quote per area
- Combination with other treatments such as PRP during the same trip
- Short transfers and hotel stays arranged
Important: Antalya is sunny for most of the year. Plan CO2 laser treatment at the end of your trip, and avoid beaches and direct sun while your skin heals.
Acne Scar Types and What Works Best
| Scar type | What it looks like | Typical treatment approach |
| Rolling scars | Wide, soft depressions with sloping edges | Fractional CO2 laser, often with subcision |
| Boxcar scars | Round or oval depressions with sharp edges | Fractional CO2 laser; deeper ones may need TCA CROSS |
| Icepick scars | Narrow, deep pits | TCA CROSS or punch techniques, then laser |
| Hypertrophic scars | Raised scars | Steroid injections, silicone, sometimes lasers |
| Red or brown marks | Flat discolouration after acne | Often fade on their own; other lasers or creams can help |
A 2022 retrospective study of 121 patients treated with fractional CO2 laser found that rolling scars responded better than icepick scars. This is why a combined plan often gives the best result for mixed scars.
Combining CO2 Laser With Other Scar Treatments
- Subcision: a fine needle releases the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars down
- TCA CROSS: a strong acid is applied inside icepick scars to build collagen
- PRP: platelet-rich plasma is sometimes applied after laser to support healing
- Fillers: can lift some depressed scars temporarily
Your doctor plans the order of treatments. Some are done in the same session, others weeks apart.
Preparing for CO2 Laser
- Avoid sun, tanning beds and self-tanners for several weeks before treatment
- Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids a few days before, as your doctor advises
- Tell your doctor about cold sores so antiviral tablets can be prescribed
- Tell your doctor if you have used isotretinoin in recent months
- Plan about a week without social commitments
Myths and Facts About CO2 Laser
| Myth | Fact |
| “CO2 laser removes all acne scars.” | It can greatly improve many scars, but deep icepick scars usually need other treatments too. |
| “One session is always enough.” | Many people need two or three sessions for scars. |
| “There is no downtime.” | Expect about a week of redness, swelling and peeling. |
| “Dark skin cannot be treated.” | It can sometimes be treated with adapted settings, but the risk of pigment changes is higher. |
Caring for Your Skin Long Term
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your result and prevents new pigmentation. Gentle skin care, avoiding picking at spots and treating active acne early all help prevent new scars. Your doctor may recommend a maintenance plan for texture and tone.
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Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Laser Treatment in Antalya
How much does CO2 laser cost in Turkey?
At Soraca Med in Antalya, CO2 laser treatment starts from €250 for a small area, €350 for acne scar resurfacing and €650 for a full face.
Does CO2 laser remove acne scars?
It can significantly improve rolling and shallow boxcar scars, often over one to three sessions. Deep icepick scars usually need other treatments as well.
How long is the downtime after CO2 laser?
Usually about five to seven days of redness, swelling and peeling, with pinkness that can last several weeks.
Is CO2 laser painful?
A numbing cream is used. Most people feel heat and prickling during treatment, and a sunburn-like sensation afterwards.
How many CO2 laser sessions do I need?
Many people need one to three sessions, spaced about two to three months apart, depending on the concern.
Can people with dark skin have CO2 laser?
Sometimes, but the risk of dark patches is higher. Settings, preparation and aftercare must be adapted, and a test patch may be advised.
When can I go in the sun after CO2 laser?
Avoid direct sun for several weeks and use high-protection sunscreen once the skin has healed.
Can I fly after CO2 laser treatment?
Yes, flying is usually fine, but keep the skin moisturised and protected and follow your aftercare.
Which acne scars respond best to CO2 laser?
Rolling and shallow boxcar scars usually respond best. Deep icepick scars often need TCA CROSS or punch techniques as well.
Can CO2 laser be combined with subcision?
Yes. Subcision is often combined with CO2 laser for rolling scars.
Should I stop retinoids before CO2 laser?
Usually yes, a few days before treatment, as your doctor advises.
Can I have CO2 laser if I still have active acne?
Active acne is usually treated first, because laser over active breakouts can increase irritation and infection risk.
Sources and Medical Information
This guide is general patient information. The medical details are based on published patient guidance and research, including:
- ASPS: Laser skin resurfacing
- Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences (2015): Fractional carbon dioxide laser in treatment of acne scars
- Retrospective study of fractional CO2 laser for atrophic acne scars in 121 patients (PubMed)
It does not replace a consultation: your doctor decides what is safe for your skin, and their personal instructions always take priority. Prices are Soraca Med starting prices and are confirmed in your written quote. Last updated: October 2026.
