Buy a CO2 Laser: Buying Guide for CO2 and Thulium Lasers

Buying a CO2 laser means investing in the most intensive form of skin renewal: the fractional, ablative laser for wrinkles, pores, scars and sun damage. Whether that is the right step for your practice, clinic or salon depends on your clients, your qualifications and the downtime you can ask them to accept. This buying guide compares the fractional CO2 laser with the non-ablative thulium laser and covers the buying criteria, the additional costs and the typical mistakes.

Ablative or non-ablative: CO2 or thulium?

The 10,600 nm CO2 laser is strongly absorbed by water in the tissue and removes tissue in microscopically fine zones. From the intact skin bridges in between, regeneration with new collagen begins. The thulium laser does not remove the surface, works more gently and has less downtime. Which method is ahead for which indication is explained in Thulium laser or CO2 laser. For the buying decision, the differences in the table count.

Feature FRACO CO2 XL TULIX
Mode of action fractional ablative fractional non-ablative
Wavelength 10,600 nm 1927 nm thulium and 1550 nm erbium glass
Laser source RF-excited CO2 laser, 100 W 5–30 W, pulse energy 0.5–300 mJ
Pulse 0.1–100 ms 1–25 ms
Spot and scan field Spot up to 20 × 20 mm Spot 50–200 µm, scan field 1 × 1 to 20 × 20 mm
Scan modes sequential, random, center-out Line, Random Single, Random Continuous
Special features 5 heads: Fractional, Cool Peel, Cutting, Mixed Cutting, Intimate Motion tracking, IR thermal sensor, cloud software with documentation
Typical indications Wrinkles, pores, sun damage, acne and surgical scars, stretch marks, warts, keratoses, feminine lift Melasma, hyperpigmentation, age spots, acne scars, fine lines, pores
Downtime classically 10 to 14 days, with CoolPeel® often 3 to 4 days depending on the starting situation low
Example leasing rate from approx. €800/month from approx. €600/month

What to look for in a fractional CO2 laser

  • Laser source and power: Ask about the type of source and its power. The FRACO CO2 XL works with an RF-excited 100 W source.
  • Scanner: Several scan modes distribute the energy evenly and avoid heat build-up. Large spots shorten treatments of large areas.
  • Pulse width: A wide range allows tuning between strong resurfacing and gentle procedures with short healing time.
  • Interchangeable heads: Check whether heads for surgery, warts and the intimate area are included or cost extra. With the FRACO CO2 XL, the accessory for vaginal treatment is included.
  • Procedure with short downtime: With the CoolPeel® procedure, the FRACO CO2 XL works with ultra-short, high-energy pulses and hardly any residual heat. That is a strong argument for clients who cannot be out of action for two weeks.
  • Training: CO2 treatments require experience. The SIAC Akademie trains, among other things, on CoolPeel®, scar treatment and feminine lift.

CO2 laser in cosmetics: what to clarify before buying

Ablative procedures go deeper than most other laser treatments. Who may perform which treatment is regulated differently from country to country; in Germany, the NiSV regulates this. Clarify the requirements for exactly the treatments you want to offer in each individual case and before ordering. Also plan the room: for ablative treatments, a smoke evacuator belongs in the treatment room, plus fire protection and safety goggles for 10,600 nm. Details are under Laser protection and safety. If you are looking for a procedure with low downtime that is easier to fit into everyday schedules, the TULIX is the alternative.

Buying a thulium laser: when the TULIX is the better choice

The TULIX fits if your clients mainly bring pigment, melasma, skin tone, pores and fine lines. With two wavelengths it treats two skin layers in one session, is designed for all skin types and manages a full face in under 8 minutes thanks to the galvo scanner. It works without consumables and without a shot limit. Many practices combine both devices: the FRACO CO2 XL for deep resurfacing, the TULIX for pigment and treatments with short downtime. More on this: Thulium laser, non-ablative and CO2 laser and skin rejuvenation.

Costs and monthly rate

The example leasing rates, net over a 60-month term: FRACO CO2 XL from approx. €800 and TULIX from approx. €600 per month. Financing is arranged through our house bank as leasing, rent-to-own, loan or purchase, with no down payment if you wish and also for business start-ups, subject to credit approval (Financial services).

Example with assumptions: If a resurfacing treatment brings you, say, €200 net after deducting materials and aftercare products, 4 treatments a month cover the example rate of the FRACO CO2 XL of approx. €800. Include smoke evacuation, safety goggles and aftercare as additional costs, for example the SIACSKINCARE care line matched to CO2 treatments from the Aftercare collection. You can check your own values in the price calculator.

Common mistakes when buying a CO2 laser

  • Not planning for downtime: Clients who are out of action for two weeks after classic resurfacing book less often. Clarify whether the device masters a procedure with short healing time.
  • Buying ablative although pigment is the main concern: For melasma and diffuse pigment, the non-ablative TULIX is often more suitable.
  • Forgetting smoke evacuation and fire protection: Both belong in the budget and in the training from the start.
  • Not thinking about aftercare: The result also depends on the care afterwards.
  • Clarifying qualifications too late: Check the requirements before buying, not after delivery.
  • Wrong safety goggles: Goggles for a hair removal laser do not protect at 10,600 nm.

You will find further answers about the device under FRACO CO2 XL: questions and TULIX: questions. You can view both devices by appointment at the showroom in Düsseldorf.

View FRACO CO2 XL Calculate leasing rate from €800/month Free consultation

View TULIX Calculate leasing rate from €600/month Free consultation

Frequently asked questions

What does a fractional CO2 laser cost per month?

The FRACO CO2 XL is available on leasing from approx. €800 net per month over 60 months, subject to credit approval. The non-ablative TULIX from approx. €600 per month.

CO2 laser or thulium laser: which should I buy?

For deep resurfacing, scars, warts and feminine lift, the ablative FRACO CO2 XL is the choice. For pigment, melasma, pores and fine lines with low downtime and all skin types, the TULIX fits.

How long is the downtime after a CO2 treatment?

With classic fractional CO2 resurfacing, 10 to 14 days is usual. With the CoolPeel® procedure of the FRACO CO2 XL, the skin is often presentable again after just 3 to 4 days, depending on the starting situation.

What do I need in addition to the CO2 laser?

A smoke evacuator, safety goggles for 10,600 nm, fire protection in the treatment room and suitable aftercare products. Training and instruction are included with SIACSKIN.

Who may treat with a CO2 laser?

This is regulated differently from country to country; in Germany, the NiSV regulates it. Clarify the requirements for your treatments in each individual case before buying.

All rates net, example calculation over a 60-month term, subject to credit approval. As of October 2026.