Laser Skin Resurfacing CO2 (CO2RE)
We can resurface and rejuvenate skin, removing the signs of ageing and sun damage to restore it to a more youthful look using the CO2RE® CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment.
The CO2RE is innovative in the world of fractional carbon dioxide resurfacing lasers because it can target both superficial and deep layers within the skin to also treat deeper lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and tackle pigmentation from sun damage, as well as other skin blemishes, improving the overall complexion and tone of the skin on the face and neck for skin rejuvenation.
The CO2RE® device uses a fractional CO2 or carbon dioxide laser that emits infra-red light. This light energy is attracted to the water molecules within the skin and the heat created instantly vaporises a tiny portion of tissue. The ablative action of the laser removes very small areas of tissue – the size of a pixel – in the surface layers of the skin to a controlled depth, leaving unaffected skin around each spot in a grid pattern – this is the fractional element.
This action causes contraction and instant tightening to the depth targeted that stimulates a wound healing response in the body. Natural healing creates new collagen and elastin to repair and renew the whole area, tightening the underlying dermal layers and creating new skin cells to remove pigmentation and lines.
Fractional laser skin resurfacing with CO2 lasers is a popular method of laser skin resurfacing because it does not strip the whole surface, meaning there is less downtime, and recovery is much quicker.
A good result can be achieved with only one treatment session. The device has several different treatment settings that allow us to tailor the treatment and treatment programme to your skin concerns, using fractional ablative and fully ablative options. For more aggressive treatments, where there is significant underlying skin damage, the CO2RE allows for full ablation in certain areas. This allows for protocols that offer superficial fractional ablative treatments to stimulate new cell turnover for mild rejuvenation, through to deeper fractional ablative treatments that coagulate tissue deeper within the dermal layers to tighten skin and reduce skin laxity, or a combination of both, for a full facial and neck rejuvenation, or targeted to the hands or décolletage.
Treatment cost
Price From* After consultation the doctor will confirm the cost.
Treatment Summary at a glance
Approx. 30-60 mins
One
Topical numbing cream
Redness, tenderness, mild discomfort and swelling.
Immediate improvement in skin tightness and texture, increasing with time .
Annual maintenance recommended to maintain results.
-2 days, redness and flaking for up to a week.
7-10 days. Results in 3-6 months.
How does it work?
The CO2 laser energy within the CO2RE produces a controlled heating, coagulation and contraction in the tissue whilst also stimulating the body’s natural healing response to produce new collagen and elastin. The act of this targeted and fractional damage brings improved blood flow and growth factors to the area to tighten and rejuvenate.
CO2RE is FDA cleared in the USA to treat many dermatology conditions including aesthetic and gynaecology concerns and conditions. T
he fractional nature of the device means that small, pixel-sized points of laser damage are made in the tissue, leaving healthy skin around each spot to induce the healing process. This is a much safer and effective method of rejuvenation than fully resurfacing tissue. The complexities of the CO2 laser specifications make it different to other carbon dioxide lasers on the market meaning that it can be used to treat both superficial and deep skin layers at the same time, depending on the levels of tissue tightening required.
We offer interest FREE finance plans to patients. Please contact our experienced team to learn more.
FAQ's
Your suitability for CO2RE laser skin resurfacing will be assessed during a consultation with our doctor. A full medical history is taken before you can embark on any treatments at the clinic to determine if there are any medical or health reasons which may make you unsuitable.
If your skin has aged prematurely with lost elasticity creating mild laxity or deep lines and wrinkles, alongside sun damage or other pigmentation problems, or if you have acne or chicken pox scarring, the CO2RE may be an ideal option for you for full face and neck rejuvenation. It can also be used to treat ageing skin on the décolletage (chest area) and the hands.
If you are generally in good health, there should be few reasons why you would not be suitable for treatment.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding are not suitable for treatment.
CO2 laser resurfacing is a well-tolerated treatment with most patients finding it only moderately uncomfortable thanks to the application of topical anaesthesia or numbing cream beforehand.
You may feel a sensation like a mild sting as the energy is delivered; the settings on the device can be adjusted to suit each person and their tolerance, whilst also achieving an optimal result. More treatment sessions may be required if you need lower laser settings, even with anaesthesia.
Each treatment session takes approximately 30-60 minutes depending on whether you are having both the face and neck treated. Other areas of the body may take more or less time.
A good result can be achieved in one treatment session, but more than one treatment may be recommended for the best results, depending on the level of pigmentation or skin laxity.
There is minor downtime associated with the CO2RE laser skin resurfacing treatment and you can usually return to your normal activities and work almost immediately after the procedure, should you feel comfortable, but you may wish to take a day or two off.
Your skin will feel tight initially, with some tenderness, mild discomfort, minor crusting, and swelling for 24-72 hours. Redness will mean that your skin has a sunburnt appearance for up to a week, or longer if the treatment was more aggressive. Any pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol.
After 5-7 days you will notice that the skin begins to flake, it is important to avoid picking as this can cause infection and scarring.
You will be required to avoid sun exposure or wear a large, brimmed hat or light gloves and high protection sunscreen for several months as your skin will be extra sensitive to the UV radiation following treatment so must be protected to avoid further damage. Full aftercare advice will be provided, including how to wash your skin post-treatment.
An immediate improvement in tissue tightness and visible results will be noticeable after one CO2RE treatment session. This is due to the delivery of the laser energy which causes contraction in the tissue. As this treatment stimulates the production of new collagen over time and increases with subsequent treatment sessions (if required), results will improve over the following months after treatment. The body will continue to remodel and repair the targeted areas leading to improvements in tissue tightness, pigmentation, and tissue volume with a full result after approximately 6 months.
You can expect improvements in your overall skin texture, with tighter skin and a reduction in lines and wrinkles, sun damage including age spots, acne scars, and other blemishes.
You will be recommended to have a maintenance treatment on an annual basis to retain the optimal result and address future ageing.
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