Fractional CO₂ resurfacing
10,600 nm ablative fractional laser
- Sessions
- 2
- Gap between
- 8 weeks
- Downtime
- 7 days
- Clear at
- Day 21
- Price
- £600–£950
£600–£950 per session. A full course of 2 is £1200–£1900. A consultation is £45 and comes off your first treatment.
What it is
A fractionated carbon-dioxide laser removes microscopic columns of skin and deliberately leaves the tissue between them intact to heal from. It is the strongest thing in this clinic for scar depth and skin texture, and it has the recovery to match. We say that plainly because people arrive expecting a lunchtime treatment.
How it feels
Injected local anaesthetic or a strong topical, plus cold air throughout. Heat and a snapping sensation during. The two days afterwards feel like a bad sunburn and you will want the ointment we send you home with.
What it treats
Deep acne scarring, sun-damaged texture, fine lines around the mouth and eyes.
Where it leaves you
Shedding is long finished, but the skin is still pink and will be until roughly week six. Foundation covers it; daily SPF 50 is not optional.
Who this is not for
We would rather you read this now than hear it after paying.
This list is not exhaustive and it is not a substitute for the consultation — it is what most commonly means no, or means wait.
Everything we turn away- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Isotretinoin within the last 12 months
- A history of cold sores without antiviral cover started the day before
- Deeper skin tones — Fitzpatrick IV to VI carry a real risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation and we assess this individually rather than treating by default
- Sun exposure or a tan within the last four weeks
- A history of keloid scarring
- Immunosuppressant medication
If there is not enough time before your date
Not this time, and we would decline to try. CO₂ needs three clear weeks before you look presentable and closer to six before you look like nothing happened. A hydrating facial the day before is the honest answer.
Read about Medical hydrating facial →Next
Whether fractional co₂ resurfacing is right for you is decided in the room.
Bring your date if you have one. A consultation is £45, comes off your first treatment, and about one in six ends with us recommending nothing at all.