Treatment guide · Wilmslow

CO2 fractional laser

Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing may change selected scars, lines or skin texture. Assess suitability, realistic benefit, recovery and material risks before deciding.

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Compare current Single and Subscription prices, book an exact treatment directly, or add several treatments to one visit plan. Suitability is confirmed before treatment.

Skin Rejuvenation before and after result at Dr Sknn
Treatment planning

What treatment planning should establish.

These four points support treatment planning. The detailed guide below covers this treatment.

Dr Eddie Shaffu, Medical Lead at Dr Sknn
Dr Eddie Shaffu Medical Lead · Dr Sknn
The treatment explained

About CO2 fractional laser.

Read more about CO2 fractional laser Treatment details and clinical context

At Dr Sknn, fractional CO2 laser may be considered for selected concerns affecting the face, neck, décolleté and body. Treatment is not suitable for everyone: your skin colour, medical history and the area being treated affect suitability and risk. Fractional delivery treats microscopic areas of skin while leaving tissue between them untreated to support healing.

CO2 lasers use light at 10,600 nm. In suitable patients, fractional resurfacing can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture and selected scars. Other concerns, including pigmentation, enlarged pores, stretch marks and skin laxity, need assessment to decide whether CO2 resurfacing is appropriate and what improvement is realistic. It does not remove every scar or suit every pigmented lesion, and results vary.

The laser creates microscopic treatment columns in the skin. Their depth and the surrounding thermal effect depend on the device and treatment settings. This controlled injury can stimulate collagen remodelling. Leaving untreated skin between the columns supports healing; fractional resurfacing usually has a shorter recovery than fully ablative resurfacing, although redness and healing time still vary.

A consultation may conclude that a different treatment—or no treatment—is the safest and most appropriate recommendation.
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What to expect

Before, during and after your treatment.

Your exact experience and recovery are individual. Your clinician will explain what applies to you.

01 · Before How do I prepare for the treatment?

Preparation and aftercare depend on your skin, the treatment settings and how the treated area heals. Follow the written instructions given by your treating clinician, including when to pause and restart retinol, retinoids, exfoliating acids and other skincare products. Do not change prescribed medicines without advice from the clinician responsible for them.

02 · During What should I expect during the Consultation?

Discuss your history, the exact area, goals, alternatives, risks and recovery. The clinician should explain any assessment or test patch required by the device instructions and local protocol. Testing cannot guarantee suitability or exclude every complication.

03 · After Is there any downtime following treatment?

There is a recovery period after fractional CO2 treatment. Redness, swelling, dryness and flaking can persist beyond the first few days. The time before your skin heals and before you feel ready for normal activities varies with the area treated, the settings and your response. Your clinician will explain the expected recovery and when to restart skincare, work and exercise. Persistent marks or worsening symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be normal.

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Complete treatment guide

Questions before choosing a cosmetic approach

Consider the specific concern, realistic limits and the actual proposal.

What fractional treatment means

Fractional delivery treats small columns of skin and leaves tissue between them untreated. It still creates an injury that needs aftercare and time to heal.

Match the proposal to the concern

Scars, lines, pigment and loose skin are different concerns. No single laser setting or course addresses all of them. Ask why the exact device and approach are suitable for your skin and treatment area.

Preparation and consent

Discuss medicines, health conditions, previous procedures, healing or scarring problems, sun exposure and cold sores. The clinician should explain the device-specific preparation, any testing, alternatives and material risks before consent.

Recovery and warning signs

Possible effects include redness, swelling, discomfort, flaking and crusting. Other complications can include infection, reactivation of cold sores, persistent changes in skin colour and scarring or wound-healing problems. Pigment changes can be permanent, and risk varies with skin type and the treatment plan. Your clinician will discuss the risks relevant to you. Do not assume that every white bump or persistent grid mark is a normal healing response. Unexpected or worsening pain, heat, swelling, discharge or fever needs prompt advice from the clinic or another medical professional.

Use the written aftercare for your actual procedure. Do not assume that a fixed number of days applies to everyone; review unexpected or worsening symptoms.

Course, price and review

Agree the total proposed cost and review plan before treatment. Further sessions depend on healing and response; a course does not guarantee a particular result.

Clinic and consultation

Wilmslow is our primary clinic. Didsbury offers selected services only. Check the exact service, clinic and eligible practitioner in the live booking app; Leigh is closed.

Doctor consultations are free; a separate £50 reservation fee applies. Check the booking app for current terms.

Questions before booking

Frequently asked questions.

Preparation, treatment, recovery, suitability and aftercare guidance to support your consultation.

How Does the CO2 Laser Work?
CO2 laser light is absorbed by water in the skin. This releases heat, removing tiny columns of tissue and creating a surrounding thermal effect that can stimulate collagen remodelling. Fractional treatment leaves untreated skin between the columns to support healing. The depth of treatment and amount of heat depend on the device, delivery mode and settings. Fluence describes energy delivered per unit area, measured in J/cm². Pulse duration and other laser settings depend on the device and the individual treatment plan.
What should I expect during the Consultation?
Discuss your history, the exact area, goals, alternatives, risks and recovery. The clinician should explain any assessment or test patch required by the device instructions and local protocol. Testing cannot guarantee suitability or exclude every complication.
Can I have the Treatment Immediately?
Do not assume treatment can proceed immediately. Assessment, preparation and any required testing must be completed and reviewed before the clinician confirms whether to proceed.
How do I prepare for the treatment?
Preparation and aftercare depend on your skin, the treatment settings and how the treated area heals. Follow the written instructions given by your treating clinician, including when to pause and restart retinol, retinoids, exfoliating acids and other skincare products. Do not change prescribed medicines without advice from the clinician responsible for them.
What is the after care advice?
Aftercare depends on the area treated, the treatment settings and how your skin heals. Follow the written instructions given by your treating clinician about cleansing, moisturising, sun protection and when to restart skincare products. Contact the clinic if you are unsure about your instructions or develop unexpected or worsening symptoms.
How many treatments are required?
More than one session may be recommended. The number of treatments depends on the concern being treated, the laser plan, your response and how your skin heals. Your clinician will discuss a proposed course and review whether further treatment is appropriate. A course cannot guarantee a particular result.
What can I expect immediately after the treatment?
The treated area may look red or swollen and feel sore or warm. Flaking or crusting can occur as the skin heals. The degree and duration depend on the treatment and your skin; redness can last longer than the first few days. Do not pick or scratch the area, and follow your written aftercare instructions. Contact the clinic if symptoms are unexpected or worsening.
Who is unsuitable for the treatment?
This treatment is not offered to people under 18, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, following recent pregnancy, or on suntanned skin. A consultation is still required to assess other factors, including your medicines, previous procedures, healing or scarring problems, active skin problems and a history of cold sores. A new or changing skin lesion needs assessment before cosmetic laser treatment. Your clinician will explain whether treatment should be delayed, avoided or replaced with another option.
Am I suitable for the treatment?
Suitability depends on your skin concern, medical history, medicines, skin type and the risks and likely benefits of the proposed treatment. Being over 18 or having none of the conditions listed on this page does not by itself establish suitability. A consultation is required, and another treatment or no treatment may be the better recommendation.
How long does the treatment take?
Appointment length depends on the area, the planned settings and any preparation or anaesthesia. The clinic will confirm the expected appointment time for your individual plan.
What will I feel during the treatment?
You may feel heat, stinging or pain during treatment. Sensation varies with the area treated, the settings and your individual sensitivity. Anaesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort; your clinician will explain the plan before treatment. Tell the clinician if you are uncomfortable.
Are there any side effects?
Possible effects include redness, swelling, discomfort, flaking and crusting. Other complications can include infection, reactivation of cold sores, persistent changes in skin colour and scarring or wound-healing problems. Pigment changes can be permanent, and risk varies with skin type and the treatment plan. Your clinician will discuss the risks relevant to you. Do not assume that every white bump or persistent grid mark is a normal healing response. Unexpected or worsening pain, heat, swelling, discharge or fever needs prompt advice from the clinic or another medical professional.
Is there any downtime following treatment?
There is a recovery period after fractional CO2 treatment. Redness, swelling, dryness and flaking can persist beyond the first few days. The time before your skin heals and before you feel ready for normal activities varies with the area treated, the settings and your response. Your clinician will explain the expected recovery and when to restart skincare, work and exercise. Persistent marks or worsening symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be normal.
Every how long can I have the treatment:
The interval between sessions depends on the concern being treated, the settings and how your skin heals. Your clinician should review the response and confirm that further treatment is appropriate before setting the next date.
What to expect during the treatment
Appropriate eye protection is required during laser treatment. If treatment is suitable, the clinician will explain how the area will be prepared and any comfort measures used for your individual plan.
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