Treatment guide · Wilmslow

CO2 fractional laser

Learn about CO2 fractional laser at Dr Sknn, including suitability, treatment planning, the procedure, recovery, material risks, aftercare and frequently asked questions. Your clinician will confirm whether this treatment—or another treatment—is appropriate for you.

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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?

At Dr Sknn, the consultation includes discussion of your medical history, an examination of the area and, with appropriate consent, photographs. You can ask questions about your concerns, expectations and possible outcomes. The proposed treatment, alternatives, risks and aftercare are discussed before you decide whether to consent. A small test patch is required before treating a new area. This helps assess a small area’s response but cannot guarantee that a full treatment will be suitable or free of complications. If preparation products are recommended, your clinician will specify the product and how to use it, taking your skin and medical history into account.

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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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?
At Dr Sknn, the consultation includes discussion of your medical history, an examination of the area and, with appropriate consent, photographs. You can ask questions about your concerns, expectations and possible outcomes. The proposed treatment, alternatives, risks and aftercare are discussed before you decide whether to consent. A small test patch is required before treating a new area. This helps assess a small area’s response but cannot guarantee that a full treatment will be suitable or free of complications. If preparation products are recommended, your clinician will specify the product and how to use it, taking your skin and medical history into account.
Can I have the Treatment Immediately?
A consultation and test patch are required before treatment. When the test patch should be reviewed and when treatment can proceed depend on your skin, medicines and proposed laser plan. A satisfactory test patch is one part of the assessment and does not automatically mean that treatment can go ahead. Your clinician will explain any preparation and confirm the timing.
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?
Treatments last anywhere between 15 to 45 minutes dependingon which treatment you have.
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
The area being treated will be thoroughlycleaned, marked and photographed, you will be provided with googles forprotection, an anaesthetic cream can be applied prior to the treatment.
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