Texture, lines & pigmentation
CO2 Laser Melbourne
Smoother texture. Fresher tone. A plan built around your skin.
Fractional CO2 laser is our go-to for real change in skin quality. It's a form of CO2 laser resurfacing, and it's one of the most effective types of laser skin resurfacing for texture, sun damage and scarring. It's available at all four St James Aesthetics clinics: Camberwell, Moonee Ponds, Ormond and Geelong. Results vary between individuals, and your clinician will map out what's realistic for you.
From$499$1,550Save $1,051
- Duration
- 45–90 min
- Downtime
- 3 to 14 days, depending on depth
- Results
- After healing
Next available, tap to book
Not sure it's right for you? Take the 60-second skin quiz
$50 back off your first treatment · No obligation · Free rescheduling
CO2 Laser Resurfacing at a glance
3 depths
Light, Medium or Deep
you choose your downtime
3 to 14 days
Downtime
depends on your depth, age and lifestyle
Months
Results keep building
as collagen remodels
$499
From
Black Friday pricing
Before, during and after
CO2 healing diaries, day by day.
Light CO2
Medium CO2
Deep CO2
Real CO2 clients, shared with consent. Healing varies with your depth, age, lifestyle and aftercare.
Is CO2 laser right for you?
CO2 laser suits people who want a meaningful change in texture, tone or scarring and are happy to plan for some healing time. It's also a strong option if lighter treatments have stopped delivering.
It isn't for everyone, and that's why the consult matters. Your clinician will look at your skin, your goals, your health history, your medications and your schedule before recommending anything.
Who should wait
Tell us if any of these apply. You may need to wait, or we may suggest a different treatment:
- Active breakouts or skin infections in the treatment area
- A recent tan or lots of recent sun exposure
- Pregnancy
- A history of cold sores (we may recommend preparing in advance)
- Darker skin types, which need especially careful assessment because of pigmentation risks
This isn't a full list. Your clinician will go through your suitability properly at your consult.
CO2 vs Laser Genesis vs Pico
Three great lasers. Three different jobs.
- CO2 laser: The strongest resurfacer of the three. Best for texture, scarring, sun damage and lines. Comes with healing time.
- Laser Genesis: A gentle, feel-good option for tone, redness and everyday glow. Much lighter than CO2.
- Pico laser: Our pick for stubborn pigment and tattoo removal. It targets colour, not texture.
Not sure which one you need? That's what the consult is for. Sometimes the answer is one treatment. Sometimes it's a combination over time.
CO2 laser cost in Melbourne
It's the question everyone asks, so here's the honest answer. The cost of CO2 laser in Melbourne depends on a few things:
- Depth: Light, Medium or Deep.
- Area: Desired body areas suitable for treatment.
- Single session or a pack: Packs are designed for people planning a series.
As part of our current Black Friday sale, pricing starts from $499 for a single Light session. That's sale pricing and it can change. Your exact price is confirmed at your consult once your clinician has seen your skin and agreed a plan.
Your $50 consultation comes off your first treatment. For up-to-date pricing, see our prices page.
Resurface. Refine. Reveal.
Great skin isn't luck. It's a plan made for you. CO2 laser is for when serums, peels and lighter treatments have stopped moving the needle. You'll see the practical details below: how it works, how deep to go, how long you'll be healing and what affects the cost.
What is CO2 laser resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing uses focused light energy to renew the surface of your skin. In plain English: the laser creates controlled, tiny treatment zones. Your skin then clears the damaged tissue and rebuilds with fresh cells and new collagen. Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth.
It's a clinician-led treatment. That means a trained clinician assesses your skin, chooses your depth and looks after you through healing.
What CO2 laser can treat
CO2 laser is a flexible treatment. Depending on the depth you choose, it can help with:
- Uneven texture and rough-feeling skin
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Sun damage and uneven tone
- Pigmentation from the sun
- Fine lines around the eyes and mouth
- Acne scarring
- Skin that has plateaued after lighter treatments
- Surgical scars or scars in general
For texture, scarring and resurfacing, CO2 laser is usually the option we recommend. Your clinician will talk you through whether it's the right fit for your goals.
How fractional CO2 laser works
Fractional CO2 laser is a skin resurfacing treatment designed to improve texture, pigmentation, fine lines, scarring and overall skin quality.
The word fractional refers to the way the laser treats the skin. Instead of resurfacing the entire area at once, the laser creates thousands of precise microscopic treatment channels while leaving surrounding skin intact.
This fractional approach allows the skin to begin healing from the untreated tissue around each treatment zone. In the days following treatment, damaged and pigmented cells are gradually shed as the skin renews itself. You may notice tiny dark dots or areas of bronzing during this process, often referred to as MENDS.
At the same time, the controlled thermal energy stimulates a deeper healing response, encouraging the production and remodelling of collagen.
This means the treatment does not stop working when you leave the clinic. Skin renewal begins in the days after treatment, while collagen production and remodelling can continue developing over the following weeks and months.
One treatment begins the resurfacing process. Your recommended treatment plan will depend on your skin concerns, treatment depth and desired outcome.
Choose your depth: Light, Medium or Deep
Fractional CO2 laser can be performed at different treatment depths. The depth selected will influence both the intensity of the treatment and the expected recovery period.
Your clinician will assess your skin, concerns, treatment area, lifestyle and previous treatments before recommending the most appropriate depth for you.
Light
Ideal for: early texture concerns, dullness, uneven tone and a refreshed appearance.
Light CO2 offers a more conservative approach to resurfacing and can be a suitable starting point for clients who are new to fractional laser treatments.
Typical downtime: approximately 3-5 days.
Healing time can vary depending on the treatment area, skin response and individual healing process. Your clinician will provide more specific guidance during your consultation.
Medium
Ideal for: fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage, uneven texture and more noticeable skin rejuvenation.
Medium CO2 delivers a stronger level of resurfacing than a light treatment and is commonly selected for clients wanting a more significant improvement in skin texture and tone.
Typical downtime: approximately 5-7 days.
Healing time can vary depending on the treatment area, skin response and individual healing process. Your clinician will provide more specific guidance during your consultation.
Deep
Ideal for: deeper lines, scarring, advanced sun damage, significant texture concerns and more intensive resurfacing.
Deep CO2 is the most intensive level of fractional resurfacing and creates a stronger treatment response within the skin. Because of this, it requires more preparation, aftercare and recovery time.
Typical downtime: approximately 10-14 days.
Healing time can vary depending on the treatment area, skin response and individual healing process. Your clinician will provide more specific guidance during your consultation.
Treatment time
Treatment time is generally 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area, the selected depth and the individual treatment plan.
Your appointment may also include preparation, numbing and aftercare instructions, so your total clinic time may be longer than the laser treatment itself.
Level 1
Light
Early texture, dullness, uneven tone and a refreshed look
Downtime
Approx. 3–5 days
Explore CO2 LightLevel 2
Medium
Fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage and uneven texture
Downtime
Approx. 5–7 days
Level 3
Deep
Deeper lines, scarring, advanced sun damage and major resurfacing
Downtime
Approx. 10–14 days
Why we build up, not go deepest first
Deepest first sounds bold. It's not always smart.
At St James Aesthetics we like to start at Light or Medium, see how your skin responds, then step up if it makes sense. For many people, a series of Medium treatments gives the most balanced result. You get real improvement without a long stretch of hiding at home.
It's your skin, your timeline, your call. We just make sure you know what each step involves.
Your healing timeline, day by day
Every person heals a little differently. Here's the general picture:
- Days 1 to 5: Redness and warmth. Your skin may feel tight or sandpapery. MENDS appear. With a Light treatment, things typically settle within approximately 3 to 5 days.
- Days 7 to 14: Fresh skin is revealed. Redness fades and tone looks more even.
- Weeks to months: Collagen keeps remodelling, so skin quality can keep refining over time.
Want to see what healing really looks like? Check our healing diaries, which follow skin from before treatment through to day 10.
Packages & pricing · Black Friday Sale · Limited time
Choose your package, save more.
Love it already? Buy a single treatment, your intro treatment or a pack now, and redeem it at your chosen clinic. Packs bring your price per session down. Intro price applies to your first treatment only.
CO2 LightDowntime approx. 3–5 days
CO2 MediumDowntime approx. 5–7 days
CO2 DeepDowntime approx. 10–14 days
Before & after
The results you're paying for.
Individual results vary. Your clinician recommends your depth and number of sessions at your consultation.
Your $50 comes off your first treatment. No obligation, no pressure.
CO2 laser before and after
Photos only tell part of the story. What you really want to know is what the in-between looks like.
Our before and after page includes real healing diaries, tracking skin from before treatment through to day 10. Results vary between individuals, so treat any photo as an example of one person's experience, not a promise.
CO2 laser near you
Looking for CO2 laser near me? You've got four options. Each clinic offers the full range of depths and a clinician-led consult.
Camberwell
Our Camberwell clinic is the closest option if you're in Melbourne's inner east. Explore CO2 laser in Camberwell or see the Camberwell clinic.
Moonee Ponds
Living or working in Melbourne's inner north-west? Moonee Ponds makes it easy to fit a consult and treatment into your week. See CO2 laser in Moonee Ponds or visit the Moonee Ponds clinic page.
Ormond
Ormond is the pick if you're based in Melbourne's south-east and want a clinic close to home. Find out about CO2 laser in Ormond or see the Ormond clinic.
Geelong
Based in Geelong? You don't need to head into Melbourne for resurfacing. Our Geelong clinic offers the same clinician-led approach. Read about CO2 laser in Geelong or see the Geelong clinic.
CO2 laser aftercare
Great healing is half the result. Before you leave, you'll get clear aftercare instructions and a Skin Cosmetica routine matched to your treatment. In general:
- Keep skin clean, gently, using the products we recommend.
- Keep skin moisturised and protected.
- Wear sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun while you heal.
- Don't pick or scrub at MENDS or flaking skin. Let it shed naturally.
- Follow your clinician's advice on makeup, exercise and heat.
- Contact your clinic if something doesn't feel right.
Your clinician will tailor this to your depth and skin.
Google reviews
Loved by clients
“Amazing service, my skin looks so good after co2 laser, I’m really happy. It’s taken years off my face!”
“Had Co2 laser treatment with Chelsea and Bree, very informative before the treatment, can’t fault my experience. All the girls are lovely.”
“Had my first treatment with Bree and Chelsea. Very happy with how they made me feel. Very relaxed. Bree was very informative about the procedure and aftercare. Experience was great.”
“I had my CO2 laser treatment with Montana and she was absolutely amazing. She was very kind, professional and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed before the treatment. She explained everything clearly and really helped calm my nerves. I felt very well looked after throughout the whole experience. I’m so excited to see my results and I honestly can’t wait! Thank you so much, Montana!”
“I had such a great experience at St James Aesthetics today! The whole process was professional, friendly and reassuring from start to finish. I felt really comfortable throughout the treatment, and everything was explained clearly. I’m really excited to see the results as my skin heals and improves over the coming weeks. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone considering fractional CO₂ laser!”
“I am so happy that I have come here, and had treatments done to get the results I have been wanting for so long. Love this place!”
“From my very first appointment to the end of my co2 journey my whole experience was excellent. Nothing was overlooked, every question answered, every minute detail discussed and ensured I completely understood exactly what would happen and what was happening. Thank you to everyone.”
“Great experience! The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the treatments they offer. I had the CO2 laser treatment and was looked after by Bree, who was exceptionally skilled and professional throughout the entire process. She handled the laser equipment with confidence, explained everything clearly, and did a fantastic job managing my comfort level and pain tolerance during the treatment.”
“What a fabulous experience! I was greeted at reception by Bree who took me through for a consultation. After deciding on CO2 treatment I was introduced to Georgia who did my treatment. Both girls were very knowledgeable and extremely professional. Thank you so much girls! I will be back.”
“Over the last six weeks I have had two CO2 laser treatments to my face. I was understandably a little anxious initially about what the procedure entailed but it was explained well at my first meeting with all my questions answered! Chelsea has performed both procedures & I couldn’t recommend her highly enough! All staff are extremely professional & I’m excited about the results! Thank you.”
Every dollar back
Your $50 comes straight off your first treatment.
Zero obligation
Leave with a plan, not a sales pitch.
Free rescheduling
Life happens. Move your time with one call.
Clinician-led
Assessed by a qualified clinician, every time.
The St James aftercare kit
Heal beautifully after CO2 Laser Resurfacing.
The Skin Cosmetica essentials our clinicians recommend while your new skin settles in. Gentle, barrier-loving and ready when you get home.
$445.00 for 4 products
Collect at your appointment, free.
Step 1 · Cleanse
Gentle Clean
$79.00
Step 2 · Repair
Rapid Repair Rx
$129.00
Step 3 · Hydrate
Pure Hyaluronic Acid
$109.00
Step 4 · Protect & nourish
Rejuvenating Moisturiser
$128.00
CO2 laser Melbourne FAQs
You'll find our eight most common questions below. Anything else? Ask at your consult.
How much does CO2 laser cost in Melbourne?
It depends on the depth (Light, Medium or Deep), the area treated (face, face and neck, or face, neck and hands) and whether you choose a single session or a pack. Our current sale pricing is shown in the cost section above, and your exact price is confirmed at your consult. Your $50 consultation comes off your first treatment.
How long is CO2 laser downtime?
It depends on depth. Light is typically approximately 3-5 days, Medium 5-7 days and Deep 10-14 days. Healing time can vary depending on the treatment area, skin response and individual healing process, so your clinician will give you more specific guidance at your consultation.
How many CO2 laser sessions will I need?
It depends on your skin, your goals and the depth you choose. Some people start with one session. Others plan a series, and a series of Medium treatments often gives the most balanced result. Your clinician will suggest a plan at your consult.
Does CO2 laser hurt?
You'll usually feel warmth and a prickly sensation during treatment, and the skin can feel hot and tight afterwards. Comfort measures are discussed at your consult so you know what to expect. Everyone's tolerance is different.
When will I see results from CO2 laser?
Fresh skin is typically revealed around days 7 to 14, once the initial redness and MENDS have settled. Collagen keeps remodelling for months, so skin quality can keep refining over time. Results vary between individuals.
Is CO2 laser good for acne scars?
CO2 laser is usually our recommended option for acne scarring and texture. It can help improve the look of many scars, but results vary and deeper scars may need a series of treatments. Your clinician will assess your skin and set realistic expectations.
What's the difference between CO2 laser and fractional laser?
'Fractional' describes how the laser is delivered: in thousands of tiny columns, with skin left untouched in between. 'CO2' describes the type of laser. Fractional CO2 combines both, which is what we offer for resurfacing. There are also gentler fractional lasers, but CO2 is generally the stronger resurfacing option.
What are MENDS?
MENDS are the tiny dots that appear on your skin in the days after fractional CO2 laser. They're damaged tissue your skin is pushing out as it replaces it with fresh cells and new collagen. They can make your skin feel rough for a few days. Don't pick at them, and let them shed naturally.
All treatments begin with a consultation with a qualified clinician, who will tailor your plan to your skin, body and goals. Individual results vary.
Ready to resurface? Book your $50 consult
Skin that's smoother, fresher and more even is a plan away. Your $50 consultation comes off your first treatment. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy, so if plans change, let us know in good time.
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Picture this
A few weeks from now, your skin feels brand new.
Smoother, softer, fresher skin, with your depth and downtime planned around your life. It starts with one relaxed conversation with your clinician.
- Three depths, tailored to you
- Downtime planned around your calendar
- Results keep building for months
- $50 consult, taken off your treatment
No obligation, free rescheduling. Individual results vary.
