C02 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

A consultation is an essential part of your CO₂ Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment and is required before your first appointment. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your skin, discuss your concerns and determine whether CO₂ laser treatment is the most suitable option for your skin. We will review your: Skin type and current skin condition. Medical history and current medications. Previous skin and aesthetic treatments. Current skincare routine. Treatment goals and expectations. Your practitioner will explain how CO₂ Fractional Laser works, discuss the expected results, recovery time and potential risks, and answer any questions you may have. A patch test may also be carried out if appropriate to ensure your skin responds safely before treatment. For your appointment, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and arriving with clean skin, free from makeup, moisturisers and sunscreen on the treatment area. This allows your practitioner to assess your skin accurately and prepare you for treatment. Every person's skin is unique, which is why we create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual concerns. Whether you're looking to improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation, sun damage or overall skin texture, we'll ensure your treatment is designed to deliver the safest and most effective results

CO₂ Fractional Laser is an advanced skin resurfacing treatment that creates a controlled healing response within the skin. Following treatment, it is normal to experience: Redness, swelling, a sensation of warmth or heat, similar to sunburn, tightness of the skin, bronzing or darkening of the treated area, crusting, peeling or flaking as the skin heals, mild tenderness or discomfort. These reactions are expected and form part of the normal healing process. Redness may persist for several weeks, depending on the depth of your treatment. To promote healing and protect your skin: Apply the recommended healing balm or soothing ointment exactly as instructed by your practitioner. Keep the treated skin well moisturised at all times during the initial healing phase. A cool compress may be applied to help reduce heat and swelling if required, avoid touching, rubbing, scratching or picking the treated skin, drink plenty of water to support your body's natural healing process. Avoid wearing makeup until your skin has fully re-epithelialised (typically **5–10 days**, depending on the treatment depth). For the first 48–72 hours: Avoid hot showers, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs, avoid vigorous exercise and excessive sweating, avoid applying active skincare products, including retinol, retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, exfoliating acids or facial scrubs. Cleanse the skin gently using only products recommended by your practitioner. For the first 7–14 days: Do not pick, peel or scratch any flaking or crusting skin, as this may increase the risk of scarring or pigmentation changes. Continue using gentle cleansers and moisturisers only, avoid swimming pools, chlorinated water and hot tubs until your skin has completely healed. Do not undergo additional facial treatments, including chemical peels, microneedling or laser procedures. Protecting your skin from UV exposure is essential following CO₂ laser treatment: Avoid **sunbeds and sunbathing for at least 30 days, void prolonged direct sunlight whenever possible, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 every day, even on cloudy days, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat or other physical sun protection when outside. Failure to protect your skin from UV exposure significantly increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Continue using gentle, hydrating skincare products, once your skin has fully healed, gradually reintroduce active skincare products only as advised by your practitioner. Continue using daily SPF to protect your results and help prevent future sun damage, follow your personalised skincare plan to optimise collagen production and maintain long-term improvements. Depending on your skin concerns, some clients achieve excellent results following a single treatment, whilst others may benefit from 2–3 treatments, typically spaced 3–6 months apart. Annual maintenance treatments may also be recommended. Please contact Body Perfection Clinic if you have any concerns about your healing or experience: Severe or worsening redness lasting longer than 72 hours. Excessive swelling or increasing pain. Blistering. Delayed healing. Any unexpected or concerning reaction following your treatment. If you think you have developed an infection (such as increasing redness, excessive heat, pus, discharge or fever), or you feel generally unwell, please seek immediate medical advice from your GP, NHS 111 or your nearest emergency department if your symptoms are severe. Your practitioner will be happy to advise you and arrange a review appointment if required.

Avoid direct sun exposure, sunbeds and sunbathing for at least 30 days before your treatment, recently tanned skin significantly increases the risk of complications, including pigmentation changes. Do not apply fake tan or self-tanning products for 7 days before your appointment. Discontinue the use of retinol, retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C serums, exfoliating acids and facial scrubs for 2 weeks before treatment, unless otherwise advised by your practitioner. Avoid chemical peels, microneedling, dermabrasion or other laser treatments on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks before your appointment. Do not wax, thread, pluck or use depilatory creams on the treatment area for 2 weeks before treatment. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, hot yoga and excessive heat treatments for 48 hours before your appointment. Arrive with clean skin, free from makeup, moisturisers, sunscreen, perfume, deodorant, oils or other skincare products on the treatment area. Stay well hydrated before your appointment to support your skin's natural healing response. Please inform your practitioner of any changes to your medical history, medications or recent aesthetic treatments before your appointment. Inform your practitioner if you are taking or have recently taken Roaccutane (Isotretinoin), antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressants or photosensitising medication, as your treatment may need to be postponed. If you are prone to cold sores (Herpes Simplex Virus), please let your practitioner know before your appointment, as a preventative course of antiviral medication may be recommended. If you develop a skin infection, cold sore, open wound, sunburn or any irritation within the treatment area before your appointment, please contact the clinic as your treatment may need to be rescheduled.

A patch test for CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing costs £50. Unlike standard laser patch tests, the £50 patch test fee is deducted from the cost of your treatment when you proceed with your CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing appointment. Your patch test and consultation allow our practitioners to assess your skin, review your medical history and determine the most appropriate treatment settings to ensure the safest and most effective results. Patch testing is an essential part of the treatment process and must be completed before your first CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing session. Patch tests carried out by another clinic cannot be accepted. For your safety, Body Perfection Clinic requires all clients to undergo a patch test performed by one of our practitioners before treatment.

For your CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing appointment, we recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area. If you are having treatment on the face, neck or chest, choose a loose top with a wide neckline or buttons to avoid rubbing the skin afterwards. Please arrive with clean skin free from makeup, fake tan and heavy skincare products where possible. Avoid wearing tight collars, high-necked clothing or wool fabrics that may irritate the treated area following your procedure. As the skin may feel warm, sensitive and tight after treatment, soft and breathable fabrics are recommended. If you are having treatment on the body, wear loose clothing that will not rub against the treated area during the healing process. Your comfort and privacy are always our priority, and disposable headbands, towels and gowns are provided when required.

Treatment is not suitable for clients with: Active skin infections or infections within the treatment area. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, current or recent use of Roaccutane (Isotretinoin), photosensitive medications, history of keloid scarring or abnormal wound healing, chronic inflammatory skin conditions affecting the treatment area, immune disorders or immunosuppression, uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, significant heart conditions, active cancer or those currently undergoing cancer treatment. Cardiac pacemakers or implanted defibrillators. Treatment should be postponed if: There has been recent sun exposure or tanning, the skin is sunburnt, irritated or inflamed, there is an active infection within the treatment area. An abortion has occurred within the previous 3 months, active vaginitis or vaginal infection is present. Treatment may not be suitable for clients who: Have unrealistic expectations regarding treatment outcomes, show signs consistent with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), require further assessment to determine treatment suitability. Clients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI may require an extended patch test period and additional assessment to minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and ensure treatment safety.

Many clients see noticeable improvement after one treatment, but deeper scars often require multiple sessions for optimal results.

Yes, temporarily. Redness, swelling and peeling are normal parts of the healing process before the skin begins to reveal smoother, fresher-looking results.

CO2 Fractional Laser can significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles, but no treatment can completely eliminate every line or fold.

Probably not. CO2 Fractional Laser requires downtime, and your skin may appear red, swollen and flaky while healing. It is best to schedule treatment well in advance of important events.

No. During the healing process, the skin may become red, dry and flaky as it renews itself, but your face will not peel off. These changes are a normal part of the skin resurfacing process.

CO2 Fractional Laser can dramatically improve skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, but it cannot stop the natural ageing process or completely reverse decades of skin changes.

If more than one session is required, treatments are typically spaced several months apart to allow full collagen regeneration and skin recovery. This is not a frequent or monthly treatment due to its intensity and depth.

CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment uses focused laser energy to create thousands of microscopic treatment zones within the skin. These controlled micro-channels stimulate collagen and elastin production while resurfacing damaged outer layers. As the skin heals, it becomes smoother, firmer and more even in tone and texture.

Results can last several years, particularly when supported by: Good skincare, sun protection, maintenance treatments if required. Collagen regeneration provides long-term structural improvement.

Makeup should be avoided until the skin has fully healed. For most facial treatments, mineral makeup may be worn after 7 days — subject to practitioner approval.

Please contact us immediately if you experience: Increasing pain, signs of infection (pus, spreading redness, fever), severe swelling, unexpected blistering, any symptoms that concern you. We provide direct contact details for post-treatment support.

Temporary side effects may include: Redness, swelling, peeling, sensitivity, temporary darkening of treated areas. Rare complications include infection, prolonged redness, or pigmentation changes. You will receive clear aftercare instructions to minimise risks.

CO2 laser is generally most suitable for fair to medium skin tones. A consultation is essential to determine suitability.

Yes. CO2 fractional laser can be used on areas such as: Abdomen, upper arms, thighs, buttocks and breasts. It helps improve stretch mark texture, tighten mild skin laxity, and improve overall tone. Body treatments may involve slightly longer recovery compared to facial treatments.

Some clients achieve noticeable improvement after one session. For deeper wrinkles, stretch marks, or scarring, 2–3 treatments spaced 6–8 weeks apart may be recommended. Your treatment plan will be tailored during consultation.

Initial improvements are visible once the skin has healed. However, collagen regeneration continues beneath the surface for several months. Most noticeable improvements occur between: 4–12 weeks post-treatment. Peak results around 3–6 months. Skin can continue improving for up to 12 months.

Recovery varies depending on the treatment intensity and area treated. You may experience redness, swelling, tightness, peeling, and dryness. Facial treatments typically involve 5–10 days of visible recovery, while body or deeper scar treatments may take longer. Mild redness can persist for several weeks in some skin types. Full aftercare guidance is provided.

A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to minimise discomfort. Most clients describe the sensation as warmth or a prickling feeling. After treatment, the skin may feel similar to a strong sunburn for several hours. Discomfort typically settles within 24–48 hours.