CO2 Laser for Moles Solar Lentigo Skin Tags Milia Clinical Guide

First published: 2026-05-17 / Last reviewed: 2026-05-17

This is a guide to CO2 laser compiled by Dr. Choi Byeong-geun of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk (3 minutes' walk from Konkuk Univ. Station, Exit 1).

When we receive a request in the consultation room like, "I want to remove some moles," we always ask for clarification. This is because not all "moles" are the same. Seborrheic keratosis, skin tags, milia, syringomas, and flat warts are all commonly referred to as "moles" in everyday language, but they differ in depth and structure, and the way they are treated in the clinic also varies. Here's how we differentiate them with CO2 laser.

The small bumps and dark marks visible in the mirror can take various forms.

• Pigmented moles (nevi) — Benign tumors formed by an accumulation of melanin cells. Can be flat or raised.
• Seborrheic keratosis (solar lentigo) — Pigmented lesions on the epidermis due to cumulative UV exposure.
• Skin tags (acrochordons) — Small skin growths that often appear on the neck, armpits, and around the eyes.
• Milia — Tiny keratin cysts trapped within the epidermis, primarily around the eyes.
• Syringomas — Small bumps originating from sweat glands, often appearing in multiples under the eyes and on the cheeks.
• Flat warts — Bumps caused by the HPV virus. Can spread in multiples.
• Lesions suspicious for malignant changes — Moles with changes in color, shape, or size.

Some of these can be treated with CO2 laser, some require additional evaluation before treatment, and some may even follow an antiviral treatment course rather than the procedure itself.

SHINE U Clinic Konkuk also offers full-face CO2 laser treatment (Filial Piety Package, up to 50 lesions) as a separate option.

Moles with the following signs require additional evaluation before immediate CO2 laser treatment:

• Moles that have recently become darker or lighter.
• Moles with an asymmetrical shape or blurred borders.
• Moles that have grown larger than 6mm.
• Moles with bleeding, scabbing, or irritation symptoms.
• Moles on individuals with a family history of skin cancer.

We directly check these in the clinic to rule out the possibility of malignant changes.

CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser is a laser with a 10,600nm wavelength that is absorbed by water molecules. It precisely heats and vaporizes the skin's water content, targeting and progressively removing lesional tissue.

• Epidermal lesions (seborrheic keratosis, skin tags) — Only the epidermis is removed, with a low risk of scarring.
• Lesions extending to the dermis (raised moles, syringomas) — The depth is worked on in stages, and scarring is evaluated after recovery.
• Deep moles — Rather than strong removal in one go, proceeding in stages tends to reduce the risk of scarring.

Send a photo and consult via chat now

Q1. "Can't I have them all removed at once?" This depends on whether it's possible and recommended. For pigmented moles scattered across the entire face, it's possible to remove many in one session with the Filial Piety Package (up to 50 lesions). However, for deep, raised moles or multiple syringomas, removing them all strongly at once increases the risk of scarring, so proceeding in stages is better for stable results.

Q2. "Will there be scars?"

• Epidermal lesions — If performed appropriately, the risk of scarring is low.
• Deep lesions — Temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or subtle scars may remain, but they often fade over time.
• Keloid predisposition — The risk of scarring is higher than in general cases, so this is checked in the clinic beforehand.

Q3. "I have new skin tags in other areas." Skin tags are benign lesions that can reappear in other areas even after removal. They often develop in areas prone to hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, or friction (neck, armpits). It's common to periodically remove new ones.

Q4. "Why does it take longer for syringomas to recover?" Syringomas are small tumors located in the dermal layer, so removing only the epidermis carries a high risk of recurrence. Since they are progressively removed down to the dermis, recovery is longer, and staged removal is recommended rather than removing them all at once.

The two most important things after CO2 laser are sun protection and protecting the scabs.

• Self-cleansing of the treated area is possible (initial treatment at the clinic).
• Use sunscreen daily (to prevent pigmentation in the treated area).
• Do not forcibly remove scabs until they naturally fall off (usually 5-14 days).
• Avoid saunas, swimming, and strenuous exercise for one week.
• Avoid irritation to the treated area (rubbing, strong soaps).
• Makeup can be applied after the scabs have fallen off.

If sun protection is not diligently maintained, PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) may remain in the treated area. Therefore, sun protection is considered the most important care for one month after the procedure.

SHINE U Clinic Konkuk offers a full-face CO2 laser treatment (Filial Piety Package, up to 50 lesions) option.

Common scenarios often recommended in the clinic:

• For those who want to remove scattered seborrheic keratosis and skin tags on their parents' faces all at once.
• For those who want to treat multiple lesions in one clinic visit.
• For those with many small seborrheic keratosis lesions that have newly appeared due to cumulative UV exposure.

We first check the type and depth of the lesions in the clinic and proceed with a safe intensity.

Q. How is anesthesia performed? We apply topical anesthetic cream before the procedure. In some cases, local injection anesthesia may be added depending on the area and depth of the lesion.

Q. Can I return to daily life immediately after the procedure? After facial procedures, scabs usually remain for about 7-14 days. While makeup can cover them to some extent, we recommend avoiding procedures right before weddings or important events and allowing 1-2 weeks for recovery.

Q. Can a mole reappear in the same spot after removal? For deep pigmented moles, staged removal is performed, so it's common for residual pigment to remain after the first treatment and then fade. If pigment reappears after some time, additional treatment is possible.

Q. The treated area looks red after mole removal. Is this normal? It's common for the treated area to appear pinkish or slightly red for a few days to a few weeks after the procedure. Over time, the tone will naturally blend with the surrounding skin. If it remains distinctly red after two months, please check with the clinic.

For moles, seborrheic keratosis, skin tags, and milia, it is most important to accurately identify the type and depth of the lesion before determining the treatment method. We recommend that you do not decide based on a single photo, but rather have it checked directly in the clinic. You can get an initial direction by sending a photo and consulting via chat.

Authored by: Dr. Choi Byeong-geun (Chief Director of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk / Member of the Korean Academy of Laser Dermatology and Hair, Korean Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Medicine) Last Reviewed: 2026-05-17

This article provides general information about procedures and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. The suitability and results of procedures may vary by individual.