Advanced fractional laser resurfacing to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and treat scars with minimal downtime.
30-60 minutes
Topical / Local
None (clinic-based)
5-7 days
2-4 weeks
Years (with care)
CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for skin rejuvenation. Using advanced fractional technology, the laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones in the skin, stimulating your body's natural healing response and collagen production.
Unlike older ablative lasers that removed entire layers of skin, fractional CO2 lasers treat only a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding tissue intact. This dramatically reduces recovery time while still delivering impressive results.
While CO2 laser can be used on various body areas, it is most commonly requested for:
Treatment begins with thorough cleansing of the skin, followed by application of a topical anaesthetic cream. For more extensive treatments, local anaesthetic injections may be used to ensure complete comfort.
The laser handpiece is then passed over the treatment area, delivering precisely controlled energy. You may feel a warm sensation and hear the laser pulsing. Treatment of the full face typically takes 30-45 minutes.
The intensity of treatment can be adjusted based on your concerns and tolerance for downtime. More aggressive settings produce more dramatic results but require longer recovery.
Immediately after treatment, the skin appears red and may feel hot, similar to sunburn. Over the following days, the skin will feel tight and may develop a bronze discolouration as it heals.
Key recovery milestones:
Strict sun protection is essential during recovery and for several months afterwards to prevent pigmentation changes.
You will notice improvement in skin texture and tone within 2-3 weeks of treatment, with continued improvement over the following months as collagen remodelling occurs. Many patients describe their skin as looking "refreshed" and more youthful.
Results can last for years, though the natural ageing process continues. Maintenance treatments every 1-2 years can help preserve results. A good skincare regimen and sun protection will significantly extend the benefits of treatment.
Ideal candidates for CO2 laser treatment are those with:
Those with darker skin tones may be at higher risk of pigmentation changes and should discuss alternative treatments during consultation.
While CO2 laser is generally safe when performed by an experienced practitioner, potential risks include:
If you have a history of cold sores, antiviral medication will be prescribed before treatment to prevent reactivation.
CO2 laser can be combined with other procedures for enhanced results:
The cost depends on the areas being treated and the intensity of treatment required. Full face treatment typically ranges from £1,500 to £3,000. I'll provide a detailed quote after your consultation.
With proper topical or local anaesthesia, the treatment is well tolerated. Most patients describe a warm, prickling sensation. Post-treatment discomfort is similar to sunburn and is easily managed with prescribed care products.
Many patients achieve excellent results with a single treatment. However, those with deeper wrinkles or significant scarring may benefit from 2-3 treatments spaced several months apart.
CO2 laser is an ablative laser, meaning it removes thin layers of skin. This produces more dramatic results than non-ablative lasers (like Nd:YAG or fractional non-ablative devices) but requires more recovery time. It's considered the gold standard for skin resurfacing.
You should avoid makeup for the first 7-10 days while the skin is healing. After this, mineral makeup can usually be applied. I'll provide specific guidance based on your individual healing progress.
Book a consultation to discuss your skin concerns and find out if CO2 laser treatment is right for you.