Laser & Skin Treatments
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Improving skin texture, scars, and fine lines with fractional laser
Overview
CO2 laser resurfacing uses focused laser energy to remove damaged outer skin layers and stimulate collagen production beneath, improving texture, tone, acne scarring, and fine lines.
Modern fractional CO2 lasers treat the skin in a grid of microscopic columns rather than the entire surface at once, which speeds healing compared with older full-field resurfacing techniques while still delivering meaningful improvement.
Treatment intensity is adjustable across a spectrum — lighter settings mean less downtime but require more sessions for the same cumulative effect, while a single deeper session can achieve more dramatic improvement at the cost of a longer recovery; the right balance depends on your specific concern and how much downtime you can accommodate.
Candidacy
Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing Right for You?
- Acne scarring, fine lines, or uneven skin texture
- Sun damage or age-related skin changes affecting tone
- Realistic expectations about improvement rather than a complete reset of the skin
- Ability to commit to sun protection during healing and for months afterward
- No active skin infections and a skin type suitable for laser treatment
What to Expect
Your Journey
- 01
Consultation
Assessment of skin type, the specific concerns being treated, and the resurfacing intensity best suited to your goals and downtime tolerance.
- 02
Procedure
Performed with topical or local anaesthesia, the laser is passed over the treatment area; a session typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the area and intensity.
- 03
Recovery
Redness and peeling for around a week with fractional treatment, or longer with deeper, more intensive settings.
Recovery
Recovery & Aftercare
Skin typically re-surfaces within 5–7 days for standard fractional settings, with redness fading over the following weeks. Sun protection is essential during healing and for months afterward, as newly treated skin is more sensitive to UV exposure.
Before & After
Real Cases
PRP and CO2 Laser Surfacing for Acne Scars
CO2 Resurfacing Result
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CO2 laser resurfacing painful?
Topical numbing is used beforehand, so most patients describe a warm, prickling sensation rather than significant pain during the procedure.
How many sessions are needed?
This depends on the intensity of treatment and the concern being addressed — some patients see meaningful results from a single deeper session, while lighter settings are often repeated in a series.
How long is the downtime?
Typical fractional treatment involves about a week of visible redness and peeling, though this varies with the depth of treatment chosen.
Why does sun protection matter so much afterward?
Freshly resurfaced skin is more vulnerable to UV damage and pigmentation changes for months after treatment, so consistent sun protection is essential to protect the result, not just an early-healing precaution.
Can CO2 laser help with acne scarring specifically?
Yes — this is one of its more established uses, working by stimulating collagen remodelling in and around scarred tissue, though the degree of improvement varies with scar type and depth.
Have Questions About CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
Every case is different. Get in touch to discuss your situation, or keep reading for more on candidacy, recovery, and what to expect.
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