Laser and energy-based treatments
Fractional CO2 laser for acne scars at Chamak Clinic, Chennai
Doctor-led laser resurfacing for scars, with conservative settings for Indian skin.
Not offered yet. The machine for fractional CO2 laser is not at the clinic yet, so sessions cannot be booked. You can still book a consultation to talk it through and hear the other options.
From ₹5,000. The doctor gives your exact price for the area and number of sessions after the skin assessment, before anything is done.
Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scars at a glance
- Sessions
- Usually 3 to 5, six to eight weeks apart
- Session time
- About 1.5 hours including numbing
- Downtime
- Redness, then darkening and flaking for 5 to 7 days
- Results last
- Long-lasting new collagen; improvement is gradual and rarely complete
- Starting price
- From ₹5,000
- What is it?
- A laser that makes thousands of tiny columns in the skin and leaves the skin between them untouched, so it heals quickly while new collagen forms.
- How many sessions?
- Usually 3 to 5, six to eight weeks apart. Deeper scars may need more or a combination of treatments.
- How long does it last?
- New collagen lasts, so the improvement is long-lasting, but it is gradual and scars rarely disappear completely. Skin continues to age as normal.
- Is it safe for Indian skin?
- It can be, with conservative settings, preparation of the skin and strict sun care. Darkening after the laser is the main risk on darker skin.
What is Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scars?
Fractional CO2 laser is a skin resurfacing treatment. A carbon dioxide laser is split into thousands of microscopic beams. Each beam vaporises a tiny column of skin, and the skin around it is left intact.
Because only a fraction of the skin is treated at a time, healing is much faster than with older, full-surface lasers. The body repairs the columns with new collagen, which gradually lifts and smooths pitted scars and rough skin.
It is one of the main treatments for acne scars, chickenpox scars and some surgical scars, and the doctor often combines it with other treatments such as subcision or microneedling.
Used for
What it can help with
- Treats pitted scars
One of the main options for boxcar and shallow acne scars.
- Collagen builds
New collagen keeps improving texture for months.
- Faster healing
Only part of the skin is treated, so healing is quicker than full resurfacing.
- Long-lasting change
The collagen that forms stays.
- Flexible
Depth and density are set for each scar type and area.
Areas we treat
- CheeksThe most common site for acne scars.
- Forehead and templesTreated with care near the hairline.
- Chin and jawlineScars here may need several sessions.
- NoseThick oily skin often responds well.
- Back and chestScars heal more slowly; the doctor sets low density.
- Stretch marksModest improvement; combined with other treatments.
How does it work?
- Micro-columns
The laser creates thousands of tiny columns of treated skin in the area.
- Healing
Untouched skin around each column helps it close within a few days.
- Collagen
Over the next weeks to months the skin builds new collagen in the treated areas.
- Smoothing
As the new collagen matures, the pitted scars raise and the surface becomes smoother.
- Repeat
Each session works on a further layer, so a course gives a gradual, cumulative change.
What happens during a session?
- Assessment
The doctor examines the scars, your skin tone, medicines and history of cold sores or keloids, and plans the settings.
- Numbing
Numbing cream is applied for 45 to 60 minutes. The face is then cleaned.
- Laser
The laser is passed over the scars. You feel heat and prickling, and the skin may give off a faint smell. Eyes are protected.
- Cooling
Cooling packs and a repair cream are applied to calm the skin.
- Instructions
You are given the cleanser and cream to use, and told what to expect over the next week.
Who is a good candidate?
- Pitted acne scars, especially boxcar and shallow rolling scars
- Chickenpox scars and some surgical or injury scars
- Rough skin texture and large pores
- Some stretch marks, though results are modest
- People whose acne is under control and have had no recent isotretinoin
Is fractional CO2 laser safe for Indian skin?
On darker skin the healing response can leave dark patches (post-inflammatory pigmentation), so the doctor takes more care than on lighter skin. Settings are kept conservative, with fewer passes and a lower density. Preparing the skin with a pigment cream and sunscreen beforehand, avoiding a recent tan and strict sun protection afterwards all reduce the risk. If darkening appears, it is treated and usually settles.
Who should delay or avoid it?
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Isotretinoin (acne tablets) in the last six months
- Active acne or infected pimples on the area
- A tendency to form keloids or thick scars
- An active infection, cold sore or open wound on the area
- A fresh tan or sunburn on the area
- A history of cold sores on the face, unless the doctor gives antiviral cover
The doctor checks your medicines and health before any procedure and may advise waiting or a different treatment.
Fractional CO2 laser vs microneedling vs subcision
| Fractional CO2 laser | Microneedling | Subcision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Laser creates tiny columns that trigger new collagen | Fine needles create small channels in the skin | A needle releases the bands that tether rolling scars |
| Suited to | Boxcar, shallow scars and rough texture | Shallow scars, texture and pores | Rolling scars that move when the skin is stretched |
| Downtime | 5 to 7 days of redness and flaking | 1 to 2 days of redness | Bruising and swelling for several days |
| Sessions | 3 to 5, six to eight weeks apart | 4 to 6, four weeks apart | 1 to 3, four to six weeks apart |
| Pigmentation risk on Indian skin | Higher; needs careful settings | Lower | Low |
Side effects and risks
Common and short-lived
- Redness and swelling for a few days
- A sunburnt feeling for several hours
- Fine brown dots and flaking for 5 to 7 days
- Dryness and tightness
Uncommon
- Darkening of the skin (post-inflammatory pigmentation), usually settles in weeks to months
- Infection or a cold sore flare
- Acne flare in the days after
- Scarring or light patches, especially with strong settings or poor aftercare
Call the clinic on +91 90434 09465 if anything worries you after a session.
Results: what to expect
The skin looks red and rough at first, then darkens and flakes over about a week. Texture and scars improve gradually over the next two to three months as new collagen builds. Most people notice a smoother surface and shallower scars after the course, but scars are rarely removed completely. Results depend on the type and depth of the scars, your skin, and how well you follow aftercare.
Does it hurt?
With numbing cream most people feel heat and a prickling or stinging sensation. It is tolerable but definitely felt, more so on bony areas such as the forehead and temples. Cooling afterwards eases the burning, which can last a few hours.
Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scars cost in Chennai
The cost depends on your skin and your plan. What decides it:
- The size of the area, from the cheeks alone to the whole face.
- The depth and number of scars, which decides how many sessions you need.
- Whether other treatments such as subcision or microneedling are added.
- Skin preparation and repair creams.
At Chamak Clinic, Kandigai
From ₹5,000
Starting price; yours depends on the plan
- Consultation ₹500, paid at the clinic
- Your full price and number of sessions are told to you before treatment
- Treatments are billed at the clinic
Who does it
Dr Rohini K
How to prepare
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks before.
- Use the pigment cream and sunscreen the doctor prescribes in the weeks before.
- Stop retinoids, peels and waxing on the face as the doctor advises.
- Tell the doctor about cold sores, keloids and any medicines, including isotretinoin in the last six months.
- Plan a week with few social commitments, and arrange to avoid the sun.
Aftercare
- Only the repair cream and gentle cleanser the doctor gives you for the first week.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50) every morning, reapplied outdoors.
- Do not pick at the fine crusts or flaking skin.
- Keep the face out of the sun, heat and steam until the skin has healed.
- Avoid make-up until the doctor says the skin has healed.
- Call the clinic if you notice pus, increasing pain or blisters.
Home care: Scars & stretch marks on Chamak
Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scars: questions
Is there a risk of darkening on Indian skin?
Yes. Some darkening (post-inflammatory pigmentation) can follow laser on darker skin. The doctor uses conservative settings, may prepare your skin with a cream beforehand and treats the darkening if it appears.
Can it remove acne scars completely?
Rarely. It can make scars shallower and the skin smoother, but some mark usually remains. The doctor tells you what is realistic after seeing your scars.
Which scars respond most?
Boxcar and shallow scars respond most. Rolling scars often need subcision first, and very narrow ice-pick scars may need other methods.
Should my acne be gone before the laser?
Yes. New pimples cause new scars and the laser can flare active acne. The doctor treats active acne first.
How long will my face look red?
Redness usually lasts 3 to 7 days. Some pinkness can persist for a few weeks, and make-up can cover it once the doctor says the skin has healed.
Can I go to work after the session?
Most people stay home for 2 to 3 days because of redness and swelling, and prefer to avoid public places for about a week.
Can it be done on the body?
Yes, on scars of the back, chest, arms or legs, and some stretch marks. The skin heals slower here, so settings are gentler.
Can I get it done in summer?
It can be done in any season if you can avoid the sun and heat during healing. Many people choose the cooler months, but the doctor decides with you.
Why do I need a cold sore tablet?
The laser can trigger an outbreak in people who carry the cold sore virus. If you have had one before, the doctor may give you an antiviral tablet as cover.
What if I have keloids?
Tell the doctor. A tendency to form keloids or thick scars means the laser may not be advised for you, or only a test spot is done first.
Do I need a consultation before a treatment?
Yes. Every treatment starts with a consultation. The doctor examines you and advises a procedure only if it suits you; many can be done the same day.
Related treatments
All treatments- MicroneedlingFine needles for acne scars, open pores and texture; with PRP where advised.
- Subcision for acne scarsReleases the bands that pull depressed acne scars down.
- Radiofrequency skin tighteningRadiofrequency heat for loose skin, fine lines and scars on the face and body.
- Chemical peelMedical-grade peels for acne, marks, uneven tone and dull skin.
Not sure if fractional CO2 laser is right for you?
A consultation comes first: Dr Rohini K examines you, explains the options that suit you, and tells you the plan and the price before anything is done.
Far from Chennai? Consult a skin doctor online: photos and a chat, and a prescription when one is right.