What is a CO2 Laser?

It is a carbon dioxide laser used for removing moles, freckles, skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, and syringoma. It provides highly precise treatment, allowing selective removal of only the targeted tissue without damaging surrounding skin. There is no bleeding and no need for stitches—unlike surgical excision with a blade, which can cause bleeding and damage to surrounding tissues.

Will there be a scar after removing a mole with a CO2 LASER?

In general, wounds caused by carbon dioxide lasers have smooth edges and are very small. Most cases do not result in scarring.

How painful is the treatment?

Before the procedure, a numbing cream must be applied. If the treatment area is large, an anesthetic injection may be needed. During the procedure, the patient will feel minimal pain.

How many CO2 LASER treatments are needed?

More than one session may be required. Normally, one session is enough. However, for moles with deep roots, removing the entire root in one session might cause scarring. To avoid this, the mole may be removed gradually over multiple sessions. In contrast, skin tags usually fall off completely after just one treatment.

Is downtime required after treatment?

After the treatment, avoid getting the wound wet for about 24 hours and apply antibacterial ointment continuously for 7 days. The scab will fall off, revealing pink skin that will gradually return to normal.

Steps for CO2 Laser treatment

1. Consult with a doctor
2. Apply numbing cream for 45 minutes (or inject local anesthetic if needed)
3. Doctor performs laser treatment for 15–45 minutes, depending on the number and size of the lesions

Apply antibacterial ointment and follow doctor’s post-care instructions

What are the results after treatment?

Moles and skin tags will disappear. Areas treated for skin tags or warts will become smooth. Open wounds from sebaceous hyperplasia removal will heal within 7 days.