CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 laser is the strongest resurfacing option we offer. It reaches deeper lines, sun damage and scarring than a light peel or a Cool Peel can — and it asks for real recovery in exchange. Your consultation will set that out plainly before you book anything.
Deeper resurfacing
What a full CO2
resurfacing does.
A fractional CO2 laser removes damaged surface skin in a controlled pattern of microscopic columns, leaving healthy tissue in between to speed healing. Below the surface, the heat prompts the skin to build new collagen.
Because the laser treats a fraction of the surface at a time rather than all of it, the skin repairs from the untreated tissue around each column. That is what makes a treatment this deep possible at all. New collagen continues to develop for months afterwards.
Between forty-five minutes and an hour and a half, depending on the area and the depth.
Topical numbing is applied beforehand. You will feel heat and prickling.
This is the honest part: expect redness, swelling and peeling for roughly five to seven days, and residual pinkness for several weeks. Plan around it.
Texture and tone improve as you heal, and continue improving for three to six months as collagen develops.
Downtime, comfort, and
who should not have it.
Is one session enough?
Often yes — the CO2 laser is a single deeper treatment, and that is part of why people choose it over a course of lighter ones. Results continue improving for three to six months as collagen develops, so the full picture is not visible when you heal. Your consultation will tell you honestly whether one will get you where you want to be.
How much downtime should I actually plan for?
For the CO2 laser, plan on five to seven days of visible healing where you would not want to be photographed, then several weeks of residual pinkness that makeup can cover. Expect redness, swelling and peeling in that first week. Do not book this the week before an event, and arrange the days off before you book rather than after.
Does it hurt?
For the CO2 laser, topical numbing is applied beforehand and, for deeper treatments, additional comfort measures are available. You will feel heat and prickling during the forty-five to ninety minutes it takes, and a sunburn-like sensation for the first few days afterwards. Depending on the comfort measures used, you may not be able to drive yourself home.
Who should not have this treatment?
The CO2 laser is not appropriate for anyone with an active skin infection, recent significant sun exposure, certain skin conditions, anyone on photosensitizing medication, and anyone pregnant. Accutane within the last six months and any history of cold sores must be disclosed. Darker skin tones need a careful assessment for pigmentation risk, and that conversation happens at the consultation.
What is the aftercare?
CO2 aftercare is gentle non-active cleansing, heavy occlusive moisturizing, absolutely no picking, and strict sun avoidance followed by SPF 30 or higher every day for at least three months. Picking is the most common cause of scarring and pigment change after resurfacing. You get written aftercare, and a number a person answers if anything feels wrong.
How much does it cost?
The CO2 laser is usually a single deeper treatment, so its cost follows the area covered and the depth your skin calls for rather than a session count. You will be given an exact figure at your consultation, before anything is booked or committed to. For a range in advance, call the practice and ask.
Reviewed by the Redefyn Aesthetics Medical Director · August 2026
Before and after
a CO2 resurfacing.
Before your appointment
- Stop actives Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants and acids for at least seven days beforehand.
- Sun No sun exposure or tanning for four weeks before. Recent colour in the skin raises the pigmentation risk and may mean the treatment is postponed.
- Medications and history Disclose everything, particularly Accutane in the last six months, photosensitizing medication, and any history of cold sores — antiviral cover is often prescribed before treatment.
- Plan the time off This is not a lunchtime treatment. Ask at your consultation how many days you should keep clear, and arrange them before you book.
- Arrange a lift Depending on the comfort measures used, you may not be able to drive yourself home.
After your treatment
- What to expect Heat, swelling and a sunburn-like feeling for the first few days, then several days of peeling and flaking as the surface renews. Your provider will tell you what is normal for the depth you had.
- Do not pick Let every flake come away on its own. Picking is the single most common cause of scarring and pigment change after resurfacing.
- Cleansing and moisture Gentle, non-active cleanser and heavy occlusive moisturizer, exactly as directed and as often as directed.
- Sun Strict avoidance while healing, then SPF 30 or higher every day for at least three months. Skipping this undoes the result.
- Pause actives No retinoids, acids or exfoliants until your provider says so.
- Call us Increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever or anything that feels wrong — call, do not wait for your next appointment.
