BonBoz Clinic

Acne Treatment

Fractional CO2 Laser

Fractional CO2 laser delivers thousands of microscopic treatment zones into the skin; the surrounding intact tissue promotes rapid healing, while the micro-injuries stimulate collagen production to elevate the scar base. It is ideal for shallow to moderate boxcar and rolling scars on skin free of active inflammatory acne. The treatment typically requires 3–5 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart, with redness and peeling lasting 5–7 days.

Medically reviewed by BS.Ths.CKI Kim Kha — BonBoz Clinic

Mechanism of Action

The CO2 laser is absorbed by water within skin cells, vaporizing microscopic columns of tissue several hundred micrometers deep while creating surrounding zones of thermal damage. The body responds through a natural wound-healing cascade: contracting existing collagen and stimulating neocollagenesis over the course of 4–12 weeks. Because only 10–30% of the skin surface is treated in a single session, the skin recovers within approximately one week, unlike the multi-week downtime required by fully ablative lasers.

Which Types of Scars Benefit Most?

Best candidates: shallow to moderate boxcar scars, rolling scars (following subcision), uneven skin texture, and enlarged pores. Limitations: deep icepick scars (require combination therapy with TCA cross), keloid or hypertrophic scars (contraindicated — may worsen the condition), and active inflammatory acne.

Why Are Multiple Sessions Necessary?

Each session targets only a fraction of the skin's surface, and collagen remodeling takes time. Results are cumulative; shortening the intervals between sessions does not accelerate improvement, but rather increases the risk of hyperpigmentation. Your dermatologist will estimate the required number of sessions following a skin analysis and adjust the plan based on your skin's actual clinical response.

Darker Skin Tones and PIH Risks

Vietnamese skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) compared to lighter skin types. Consequently, energy parameters, microbeam density, and post-procedure care must be strictly personalized. Rigorous sun protection for at least 4 weeks following each session is mandatory, not optional. For very dark skin tones or patients with a history of persistent pigmentation, our dermatologists may recommend microneedling RF as a preferred alternative.

The BonBoz Approach

Our dermatologists conduct a thorough skin analysis, classify scar types, evaluate active acne and medical history, customize laser parameters for each facial zone, apply topical anesthesia, and provide a day-by-day post-treatment care protocol. All procedures are performed directly by dermatologists—never delegated to technicians—with follow-up assessments scheduled before proceeding to subsequent sessions.

Technique variants

1

Mức năng lượng thấp

Hồi phục nhanh hơn, cần nhiều buổi hơn; hợp da dễ tăng sắc tố.

2

Mức năng lượng cao

Tác động sâu hơn mỗi buổi, thời gian hồi phục dài hơn.

3

Laser phối hợp

Kết hợp bóc tách đáy sẹo hoặc chấm TCA trong cùng phác đồ.

When should you see a doctor?

  • Da đang có mụn viêm hoạt động hoặc nhiễm trùng vùng định làm.
  • Cơ địa sẹo lồi, hoặc tiền sử tăng sắc tố sau viêm rõ.
  • Không thể tránh nắng nghiêm ngặt trong thời gian hồi phục — đây là điều kiện bắt buộc, không phải khuyến nghị.
  • Vừa dùng isotretinoin hoặc thuốc bôi mạnh gần đây — cần khoảng nghỉ, bác sỹ sẽ xác định.

How is it performed?

Cleanse the face, apply topical anesthesia for 30–45 minutes, and thoroughly remove the numbing cream. The doctor performs the laser treatment zone by zone using customized parameters (density, energy, depth) — taking 15–30 minutes for the entire face; patients may experience a tolerable warm, prickling sensation. Afterward, the skin is cooled, followed by the application of a recovery cream and physical sunscreen.

Before the procedure

Discontinue topical retinoids 5–7 days prior and avoid exfoliating for 1 week beforehand; inform your doctor if you are taking oral retinoids or anticoagulants, or if you have a history of oral herpes or keloid scarring; avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2 weeks prior; arrive with clean skin and no makeup.

After the procedure

Days 1–2: Skin may be red, warm, and show mild oozing; Days 3–7: Skin may darken with micro-crusting/flaking — do not pick or scratch; apply prescribed post-procedure recovery products, cleanse with physiological saline solution, and apply SPF 50 sunscreen every 2–3 hours when outdoors. Avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and swimming pools for 1 week; schedule a follow-up visit before your next session (4–8 weeks).

Possible risks — your doctor explains them before treatment

  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (temporary dark spots) — higher risk in darker skin tones and individuals with inadequate sun protection
  • Prolonged erythema lasting several weeks in sensitive skin
  • Infection or herpes reactivation due to improper aftercare / a prior history
  • Spotty hypopigmentation or new scarring if the settings are too aggressive — which is why treatment parameters must be set by a physician
  • Partial scar improvement, not complete scar removal

Who should NOT have this?

  • Active inflammatory acne or cystic acne in the treatment area
  • History of keloids or active keloids on the face
  • Currently taking oral retinoids or recently discontinued without completing the required waiting period specified by a doctor
  • Currently pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data — defer treatment)
  • Recently sunburned skin, active dermatitis, or active herpes infection
  • Unable to adhere to strict sun protection for 4 weeks following each session (e.g., continuous outdoor work)

How BonBoz uses it

Bóc tách đáy sẹo (subcision)

Bóc tách đáy sẹo dùng kim chuyên dụng luồn dưới da cắt các dải xơ kéo đáy sẹo xuống — bước cốt lõi cho sẹo đáy tròn, thường kết hợp laser hoặc lăn kim để làm đều bề mặt sau đó.

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Chấm TCA trị sẹo rỗ (TCA CROSS)

Chấm TCA đưa acid nồng độ cao vào đúng đáy từng lỗ sẹo để kích thích tái tạo từ dưới lên — kỹ thuật thường dùng riêng cho sẹo đáy nhọn và đáy vuông sâu mà laser bề mặt không với tới.

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Lăn kim vi điểm (microneedling)

Lăn kim tạo hàng nghìn kênh vi tổn thương để da tự sinh collagen — ít xâm lấn, hồi phục nhanh, hợp sẹo rỗ nông và bề mặt da sần. Với sẹo sâu, lăn kim đơn thuần thường chưa đủ và cần phối hợp.

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Điều trị mụn

Trang dịch vụ: bác sỹ chuyên khoa thăm khám, chọn phương án phù hợp và báo chi phí trước khi bạn quyết định.

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Want a cost range for your own case?

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Cost guidance

Chi phí phụ thuộc diện tích vùng điều trị, mức năng lượng và số buổi bác sỹ đặt ra, và có phối hợp bóc tách hoặc chấm TCA hay không.

The final price follows the doctor’s recommendation after an in-person exam. A confirmed quote has no hidden extras.

Inside the BonBoz clinic

Bác sỹ BonBoz Clinic soi da cho khách hàng trước điều trị
Bác sỹ BonBoz Clinic thực hiện điều trị laser cho khách hàng
Hệ thống thiết bị laser và ánh sáng tại BonBoz Clinic

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Frequently asked questions

Is Fractional CO2 Laser painful?

Topical anesthesia is applied beforehand, so you will mostly feel a warm, prickling sensation that is well-tolerated. Afterwards, the skin may feel warm and stinging for a few hours, similar to a mild sunburn.

How soon can I return to work?

Redness and peeling typically last 5–7 days. Many clients return to work by day 3–4 with slightly pink skin, provided they apply proper sun protection. If your job requires public appearance, taking a 1-week break is recommended.

How many sessions are needed?

Usually, 3–5 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart are recommended for moderate scarring; severe scars may require more. The doctor will estimate the required sessions after a skin examination and adjust based on your skin's response.

How long does it take to see results?

Skin becomes smoother after 2–3 weeks. Visible scar improvement is noticeable after 2–3 sessions, as collagen remodeling requires 1–3 months.

Does it cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Temporary hyperpigmentation can occur, especially in darker skin tones. Strict sun protection and prescribed topical treatments significantly reduce this risk. Any dark spots that do appear usually fade over several weeks to months.

How does it differ from traditional CO2 laser?

Traditional CO2 lasers ablate the entire skin surface, requiring 2–4 weeks of recovery and carrying higher risks. Fractional CO2 targets microscopic treatment zones, allowing the skin to heal within 1 week.

What can it be combined with for better results?

Subcision for rolling scars, TCA Cross for ice pick scars, and PRP to accelerate recovery. The doctor will customize the treatment sequence based on your specific scar types.

What is the best season to undergo this treatment?

It can be performed year-round. However, periods with less sun exposure are more favorable, as post-procedure sun protection is a critical factor.

Can thin, sensitive skin undergo this treatment?

Yes, using gentler settings, or the doctor may prioritize microneedling RF depending on the clinical assessment.

Is maintenance needed after completing the treatment course?

Maintenance laser sessions are not required for treated scars. However, active acne control and daily sun protection are essential to prevent new scars from forming.

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