If textured skin, lines or scarring are what bother you most, CO2 fractional laser is one of the advanced resurfacing options your practitioner may discuss with you. This page explains what it is, how it works and what to expect, so you can come to your consultation informed.
Quick answer
CO2 fractional laser is an ablative resurfacing treatment that works on tiny columns of skin at a time, prompting the skin to repair itself and remodel collagen. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is used for concerns such as fine lines, acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores and sun-related ageing, following a consultation.
CO2 fractional laser is an ablative resurfacing laser. Ablative means it removes a very small amount of skin tissue in a controlled way. Fractional means it treats the skin in a pattern of tiny columns rather than across the whole surface at once.
At the clinic it sits alongside Er:YAG laser as one of two advanced resurfacing technologies. It is used for texture, lines and scarring rather than as a routine facial, and it is always recommended on the basis of an assessment of your skin.
The CO2 laser works at a wavelength of 10,600 nm. It creates microscopic columns of ablation in the skin, each surrounded by a zone of heat effect.
Your skin responds to these controlled micro-injuries by starting its natural repair process, which includes collagen remodelling. Because the change depends on your own skin's repair, it is not instant, and the degree of improvement varies from person to person.
The settings used are clinical decisions made by your practitioner for your skin and your concern. They are never a one-size-fits-all recipe.
CO2 fractional laser may be considered for the concerns below. For each one, your practitioner will explain whether CO2 is the right route for you or whether another treatment would suit you better.
CO2 is an advanced treatment and it is not the right choice for everyone. Whether it suits you depends on the concern you want to improve, your skin type, your medical history and how much recovery time you are able to allow.
At your consultation your practitioner assesses your skin, which may include a skin scan, and talks you through the alternatives. For some people a different option, such as Er:YAG laser, RF microneedling or Thulium laser, will be a better fit.
Everything starts with a consultation, where your skin is assessed and your goals, medical history and expectations are discussed. If CO2 is recommended, your practitioner explains the plan, how your skin should be prepared and how comfort will be managed on the day.
During the appointment the laser is passed over the treatment area in a planned pattern, using settings chosen for your skin. Before you leave, you are talked through your aftercare.
Because CO2 is ablative, your skin needs time to recover afterwards. How long that takes depends on your skin and your treatment plan, so we do not quote a fixed downtime. Your practitioner will explain what to expect before you book, so you can plan around it.
You will be given aftercare to follow at home. The main principles are:
CO2 and Er:YAG are both ablative resurfacing lasers, but they are not identical. The table sets out how they differ. Neither is best for everyone: the right choice depends on your concern and your skin, and is made at consultation.
Results from CO2 resurfacing vary from person to person, and we do not promise complete removal of scars or wrinkles. Your practitioner will talk you through what realistic improvement could look like for your skin.
Where we show before and after photographs, they are of real clients, not stock or manufacturer images.
The cost of CO2 fractional laser depends on the area being treated and the plan agreed at your consultation. Current prices are listed on our prices page, and your practitioner will confirm the cost of your plan before any treatment goes ahead.
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about CO2 resurfacing. If yours is not covered here, bring it to your consultation.
If you are weighing up resurfacing options, these pages explain the alternatives your practitioner may discuss with you.
| Feature | CO2 fractional laser | Er:YAG laser |
|---|---|---|
| Type of laser | Ablative fractional resurfacing | Ablative resurfacing |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 2940 nm |
| Absorption by water | Less strongly absorbed than Er:YAG | More strongly absorbed by water |
| Residual heat effect | Generally more than Er:YAG | Generally less, depending on settings |
| Main uses | Lines, acne scarring, texture, pores, photoageing and selected scars | Texture, fine lines, photoageing, pores and selected scarring |
CO2 fractional laser is an ablative resurfacing laser that treats the skin in tiny columns, leaving untreated skin in between. The controlled injury prompts your skin's repair process, including collagen remodelling. At Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster it is used for concerns such as fine lines, acne scarring, texture, enlarged pores and sun-related ageing, always after a consultation. It is one of two ablative resurfacing lasers at the clinic, alongside Er:YAG.
How treatment feels varies from person to person and depends on the area and the plan. Your practitioner will explain what to expect and how comfort is managed before you commit to anything. If you are worried about discomfort, mention it at your consultation so it can be planned for. Because CO2 is an ablative treatment, it is more involved than a routine facial, and your consultation covers what that means for you.
There is no fixed number. It depends on the concern being treated, how your skin responds and the goals you agree with your practitioner. Your practitioner will recommend an approach at your consultation and review it with you as your skin heals and responds. Whatever the number of sessions, we do not promise complete removal of scars or wrinkles.
Yes, you should expect some recovery time, because CO2 is an ablative treatment. How long it lasts varies with your skin and your plan, so we do not quote a fixed figure. Your practitioner will explain what your recovery is likely to involve before you book, and you will be given aftercare to follow at home.
CO2 is not suitable for everyone, and suitability for any skin type is never assumed. Before recommending it, your practitioner reviews your medical history, medications, skin type, recent sun exposure and the concern you want treated. If CO2 is not right for you, they will explain the alternatives, such as Er:YAG laser or RF microneedling.
The price depends on the area treated and your agreed treatment plan. Current prices are listed on our prices page. Your practitioner will confirm the full cost of your plan at your consultation in Lancaster, before anything is booked. Suitability is confirmed at the same consultation, so the plan and price you are given are specific to your skin.
Tell us your goals. We'll tell you exactly what's possible and build a plan to get you there.
