Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Uneven Skin Tone and Texture

General aging and dull skin

Sun Damage

Open pores

Acne Scarring

Scars

Stretch Marks

CO2 lasers emits a beam of Carbon Dioxide laser light that is absorbed by water molecules within the targeted skin tissue. The energy from the laser light heats up and vaporizes the water in the cells causing the cells to break apart.

Resulting in

1. epidermal ablation: the removal of a fraction of the outermost layer of the skin, achieving resurfacing of the skin.
2. thermal energy delivery: which stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin’s firmness and elasticity.

CO2 laser treatments are commonly used for treating the face, however, it can be used to rejuvenate the neck, chest, hands and most body areas.

A test patch is essential before commencing treatment.

Depending on your medical history you may need a test patch 48 hours prior to your first treatment, or we may have to wait up to 4 weeks to ensure the skin heals appropriately before performing your first treatment.

Unfortunately, there are a number of contraindications for this treatment.

Clients who are not suitable for CO2 laser treatments:

Currently Pregnant or breast feeding. (must be 4 weeks post pregnancy or nursing)

Those who suffer from more than one Keloid Scar

Those who have a Heart condition, including Pacemakers

Those who have had Thrombosis or Thrombophlebitis

Those who take Anticoagulant Medication

Those with metal in the treatment area (not including dental work)

Those who use Photosensitive medications including non-prescriptive

Those who have Diabetes

Those who have had skin cancer in the treatment area

Those who have Epilepsy

Those who have an Auto Immune Condition

Those who have had Gold Injections

Those who have Haemophilia

Those with high blood pressure, that is not controlled

Those with suntanned skin

Those unwilling to stop active skin care (retinol and acids)

Those unwilling to stop using self tanning products or sun beds.

Those unable to accommodate the downtime.

Clients taking the following drugs are unsuitable until 6 months off these medications:

All Hypoglycaemic drugs

All Cancer Treatment Drugs

Oral Medication Used to Treat Skin Conditions

Oral Steroids: Prednisolone Dexamethasone

Anticoagulant Medication

Epilepsy Medication

Antidysrrythmic Drugs

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication

AIDS Medication

Antipsychotic Medication

St Johns Wort

Danazol medication

Any Medication that is a photosensitiser. E.g Accutane / Tetracyclene

You cannot receive treatment directly over area with:

Active inflammation or infection in the treatment area

Metal prosthesis or implants (teeth implants can be protected during treatment)

Common Viral Warts (can be worked around)

Moles (can be worked around)

Herpes Simplex or Cold Sores

Ingrown hairs (can be worked around)

Inflamed skin i.e. eczema, rashes etc.

Active lesions of acne

Clients who are using the following medications need a longer test patch period:

Hormonal Treatments – Contraceptive Pill, HRT

Anti-Depressants

Antihistamines

Diuretics (Water Tablets)

Steroid cream used in area

Antiparasitics (‘Malaria and Worms’)

The severity of the skin condition and the desired outcome will influence the recommended number of treatment sessions.

Skin rejuvenation generally needs 3-6 treatments.

Scar reduction generally needs 6+ treatments.

The week following treatment, as the skin continues to heal, you may begin to see some early improvements in terms of skin texture and tone. The treated areas might appear smoother and more even in colour.

The most significant improvements often become noticeable a few weeks to a couple of months after the treatment. This is because the production of new collagen, triggered by the laser treatment, takes time. Collagen helps improve skin firmness, elasticity, and overall appearance.

The full benefits of a fractional CO2 laser treatment are usually seen around 3 to 6 months after the procedure. This is when the collagen remodelling process is well underway, and the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance have undergone more noticeable improvements.

The longevity of results from CO2 fractional laser treatments can vary from person to person due to factors such as the individual’s skin type, the specific condition being treated, their skincare routine, sun exposure, and overall lifestyle.

In general, here’s what you can expect regarding the duration of results:

The most significant and longer-lasting improvements from CO2 fractional laser treatments come from the stimulation of collagen production and the remodeling of the skin’s structure. These effects can last for several months to a couple of years.

To maintain the results achieved with CO2 fractional laser treatments, many individuals opt for periodic maintenance sessions. These maintenance treatments can help extend the longevity of the improvements and address any new skin concerns that may arise.

It is important to note that while CO2 fractional laser treatments can provide significant improvements in skin texture, tone, and appearance, they do not halt the natural aging process. Over time, factors like genetics, lifestyle, and the natural progression of aging can influence your skin’s condition.

The treatment does cause some minor discomfort. A feeling of sunburn post treatment is expected.

Pre Treatment

Please do not do any exercise the day of your treatment.

Do not use products containing retinol or strong AHA or BHA acids on the treatment area for 5 days prior to your co2 laser treatment.

Do not sunbathe or use sunbeds 4 weeks prior to co2 laser treatments.

Please ensure all fake tan is fully removed from the treatment area.

To prevent Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) it is recommended for skin types III, IV, V and VI to use melanin inhibiting products, such as our Mesoestetic pigmentation skin pack.

If you are prone to cold sores, anti-viral creams/medication is recommended at least 2 days prior to treatment and recommended for at least 1 week after treatment.

Post treatment

We recommend keeping the skin dry for at least 24 hours, 3 days is ideal, post treatment.

No hot baths or showers – tepid only. Use cooled boiled water on the skin if needed.

Anti inflammatory medication can be used if necessary.

Flaking may occur over the following days, do not pick or scratch the skin as this may result in infection or scarring

Please do not exercise for 48 hours post treatment.

Please avoid humid or dirty environments for 48 hours post treatment.

No heat treatments i.e. saunas and steam rooms whilst healing.

No deodorant, perfumes or scented body lotions/creams on treatment area whilst healing.

No swimming or Jacuzzis whilst healing.

Do not sunbathe or use sunbeds 4 weeks post co2 laser treatments.

SPF 50+ must be worn on exposed skin daily to avoid post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Fractional CO2 laser treatments are very effective, but do require some downtime.

Immediate after treatment:

your skin will likely be red, swollen, and have a sensation similar to a sunburn. This can be uncomfortable and may last for a few hours to a few days

Initial Recovery Phase (Days 1-3):

Over the first few days after treatment, the redness and swelling will gradually start to subside. The skin may appear slightly bronzed and ‘dotty’ in texture.

Swelling will vary depending on the area and the depth of the treatment, and individual client response. You might also experience mild itching or discomfort during this phase.

Peeling and Flaking (Days 3-7+):

Around day 3 to 7, you might begin to experience peeling and flaking of the treated skin. This is a natural part of the healing process as the damaged skin is shed to make way for new, healthier skin to emerge. The intensity of peeling can vary, but it’s generally manageable with gentle skincare practices.

Continued Healing (Weeks 2-4): By the second week, most of the visible peeling should have subsided, and your skin’s appearance will gradually improve. A pink hue might still persist but should continue to fade. Some individuals might notice subtle improvements in skin texture and tone during this period.

It’s imperative to follow post-treatment care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of adverse effects.

As with any treatment, there are a number of risks to consider, some being more severe than others.

The likelihood of these adverse effects happening is very low, and following proper treatment pre and after care can minimise the risks even further.

Localised bacterial infection, candida, or staphylococcal skin infection

Scarring

Fibrosis when treating neck or on an extremity

Hypo and hyper pigmentation

Contact dermatitis to topical agents post treatment

Reactivation of herpes

Rosacea or prolonged redness

Milia

Full Face rejuvenation or resurfacing of scarring: £250 per treatment

Scar reduction on a small area (for example cheeks): £150 per treatment

Scar Reduction on a large area (for example tummy stretch marks): £300 per treatment

The fundamental principle of laser treatments involves the interaction between the laser light and the target tissue in the skin.

CO2 lasers emits a beam of Carbon Dioxide laser light that is absorbed by water molecules within the targeted skin tissue. The energy from the laser light heats up and vaporizes the water in the cells causing the cells to break apart.

Instead of treating the entire skin surface, the laser beam is divided into thousands of tiny, closely spaced treatment zones. These zones are referred to as fractional microscopic treatment zones or MTZs.

The fact that only a fraction of the skin is treated is why the treatment is called fractional CO2 laser treatment. One of the key benefits of fractional CO2 lasers is that they spare areas of healthy skin between the MTZs. This preservation of unaffected skin helps speed up the healing process and reduces the risk of complications.

Each MTZ creates a controlled micro-injury in the skin, resulting in epidermal ablation.

Performing epidermal ablation resurfaces the skins surface, improving the appearance of the skin. Addressing various concerns such as wrinkles, scars, pigmentation irregularities, open pores, and creating a more even skin tone and texture.

Following the epidermal ablation, the lasers’ energy pulse then spreads into the dermal tissue as thermal energy. This thermal energy causes contraction of collagen and stimulates the production of collagen and initiating collagen repair.

Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s structure, firmness, and elasticity. When collagen production and remodeling are stimulated, the skin shows visible improvement in texture, tone, and overall appearance. Wrinkles and fine lines can become less prominent, and the skin may appear smoother and more youthful.

See what Healthline has to say about Fractional CO2 lasers treatments here.