CO2 Laser Resurfacing: What It Is, Cost and What to Expect

If you have noticed fine lines, uneven texture or scarring that skincare alone cannot shift, you may have come across CO2 laser resurfacing as an option. It is one of the most established treatments for renewing the skin’s surface and has been used by dermatologists and cosmetic doctors for decades, with modern fractional technology making recovery far more manageable than older versions of the treatment.

In this guide, we explain what CO2 laser resurfacing involves, who it suits, what recovery looks like and how much it typically costs in the UK.

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide laser to deliver controlled, short pulses of light energy into the skin. This energy removes damaged outer layers of skin while heating the deeper tissue, which triggers the body’s natural healing response and stimulates fresh collagen production.

Most modern treatments use a fractional CO2 laser, meaning the laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones across the skin rather than resurfacing the entire area at once. This leaves areas of untouched skin between each treatment zone, which speeds up healing considerably compared with older, fully ablative techniques.

What Can CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treat?

CO2 laser resurfacing is a versatile treatment and is commonly used to address:

• Fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and eyes
• Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
• Acne scarring and other textural scars
• Enlarged pores
• Overall dullness and loss of skin tone

Because it works beneath the surface to rebuild collagen, results tend to continue improving for several weeks after treatment, rather than being visible only immediately afterwards.

How Does It Compare to Other Skin Treatments?

Patients often ask how CO2 laser resurfacing compares with other collagen-stimulating treatments such as microneedling or Renuvion skin tightening. In general, CO2 laser resurfacing is better suited to surface concerns like texture, pigmentation and fine lines, whereas Renuvion is typically used where there is looser or more lax skin, for example following liposuction or significant weight loss. Dr Fasano will assess your skin during a consultation and recommend whichever treatment, or combination of treatments, is most appropriate for your goals.

What to Expect During Treatment

Before your treatment, a topical anaesthetic is applied to numb the skin, and more extensive treatments may be carried out under light sedation. The laser is then passed over the treatment area in a controlled pattern. Most sessions take between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on how much of the face or body is being treated and the intensity of the settings used.

You will notice warmth or a mild stinging sensation during treatment, but this is generally well tolerated, especially with numbing cream in place beforehand.

Recovery After CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Recovery time depends on the strength of the treatment. Lighter settings may only cause redness for a day or two, similar to mild sunburn, while deeper resurfacing can take a week or more to heal fully. During this time, you can expect:

• Redness, swelling and warmth in the treated area for the first few days
• Skin that feels tight, then begins to flake or peel as new skin emerges
• A need to keep the area clean, moisturised and protected from the sun
• Full results becoming visible over the following weeks as new collagen forms

Following your practitioner’s aftercare advice closely gives the best results and reduces the risk of complications such as prolonged redness or pigmentation changes. If you are combining CO2 laser resurfacing with a surgical procedure, our post-operative treatments are designed to support your skin through every stage of healing.

How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost in the UK?

At Health Excel, CO2 laser resurfacing starts from £799, though the final price depends on the size of the treatment area, the depth of resurfacing required and whether more than one session is needed. A face-to-face consultation, from £150, allows Dr Fasano to assess your skin properly and give you an accurate, personalised quote before you commit to treatment.

It is worth being cautious of clinics offering CO2 laser resurfacing at unusually low prices, as this treatment requires precise calibration and an experienced hand to avoid scarring or uneven results.

Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing Right for You?

CO2 laser resurfacing tends to suit people who want a noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone and fine lines and who are prepared for a period of visible downtime. It is not usually recommended for very dark skin tones without careful settings adjustment, or for anyone who is pregnant, has active skin infections, or has taken certain acne medications recently. A thorough consultation is essential to check the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

Book a Consultation with Dr Fasano

Dr Leonardo Fasano offers CO2 laser resurfacing and a full range of skin rejuvenation treatments at Health Excel’s clinics in London and Birmingham. If you would like to find out whether CO2 laser resurfacing, or an alternative treatment, is the right choice for your skin, get in touch to book your consultation today.