Increase in Burn Injuries from CO2 Laser Treatments Sparks Safety Concerns in Sweden
Rising reports of burn injuries from CO2 laser treatments in Sweden raise safety concerns.
Key Points
- • CO2 laser treatments have surged in popularity but are linked to increased burn injuries.
- • Reported cases rose from 3-7 annually to 24 last year, highlighting a safety crisis.
- • No specific registration or training requirements exist for beauty salons performing these procedures.
- • Calls for stricter regulations and heightened consumer awareness are intensifying.
The popularity of CO2 laser treatments in Sweden's beauty industry has coincided with a dramatic surge in reported burn injuries, leading to growing safety concerns among skincare professionals and regulatory bodies. Recent data from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority indicates a sharp rise in burn injury reports—jumping from three to seven cases annually several years ago to a staggering 24 incidents last year (SVT, 2025-05-29).
Currently, there are no specific requirements for beauty salons to be registered with the Radiation Safety Authority, nor is there any mandatory training for practitioners performing these laser treatments. This lack of oversight has raised alarms regarding the safety and efficacy of procedures that can cause severe injuries, potentially affecting muscle and tissue underneath the skin.
Augusto Zúñiga Bazán Cerdán, an inspector at the authority, emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and better monitoring of salons, highlighting a significant number of cases that likely go unreported. The concern is echoed by influencer Julia Franzén, who recently underwent a CO2 laser treatment and urges clients to seek qualified providers to prevent lasting damage. Despite the associated risks, CO2 laser treatments remain in high demand, reflecting a pressing need for enhanced consumer awareness and industry oversight (SVT, 2025-05-29).