[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”50″ bottom_padding=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most powerful techniques used on the face to promote new skin whilst combatting issues associated with ageing, sun damage, texture and acne scarring.
Erbium YAG laser resurfacing is equally powerful at resurfacing the skin; this advice applies to fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing and fully ablative Erbium YAG laser resurfacing which are both offered at Midland Skin in Birmingham.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Extra-Color-2″ icon_family=”default_arrow” url=”/contact-us” text=”Make an appointment” margin_top=”45″][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”default_arrow” url=”tel:+441212854540″ text=”Call us now” margin_top=”45″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]
What is CO2 laser resurfacing?
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][image_with_animation image_url=”9432″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]A fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing procedure is among the most powerful and effective rejuvenation treatments. Fully ablative laser resurfacing is used to tackle issues such as:
- Ageing of the skin
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Etched in facial lines like forehead lines, 11’s and crow’s feet
- Lack of elasticity
- Solar elastosis (thickened yellow skin with a cobblestone appearance)
- Smokers’ lines (also called barcode lines) around the mouth
- Sun damage and precancerous change
- Sun-induced pigmentation and sun spots
- Ageing around the eyes for eye lift and eyelid tightening
- Acne scars
- Individual skin lesions can be treated with spot resurfacing such as xanthelasma, moles, scars
- Rhinophyma
CO2 stands for carbon dioxide. CO2 laser resurfacing is a significant procedure that delivers visible, lasting results. It is particularly effective for those looking to improve skin texture and stimulate skin regeneration, as the laser penetrates deeply to remodel and promote the growth of new, healthy skin.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]
How does fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing work?
The laser is used to peel the top layers of the skin, layer by layer. This eliminates aged and sun-damaged cells, forcing them to renew and regenerate. It also smoothes out any textural changes, caused by scars such as acne scars.
There is also heating of the skin, known as a thermal effect. This thermal effect tightens the skin and stimulates new collagen production.
This makes the skin appear healthier, tighter, smoother, fuller and brighter.
Fully ablative resurfacing is used on the face, including eyelids, to improve skin quality and stimulate tightening.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][image_with_animation image_url=”9431″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]
Full face fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing
The most common treatment is full face fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing. This procedure takes about 1 hour to perform. Fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing can be carried out under local anaesthetic or sedation at Midland Skin.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][image_with_animation image_url=”9429″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]
Eyelid fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing for
It is possible to have laser resurfacing on the eyelids to improve fine lines and wrinkles. CO2 laser resurfacing can also lift the eyelids and tighten the lower eyelids.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][image_with_animation image_url=”9598″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]
Fully ablative laser resurfacing for perioral lines
Another popular area for fully ablative laser resurfacing is perioral lines. These are also called smokers lines or barcode lines. This treatment is usually superior to fillers in this area especially if lines are etched in.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][image_with_animation image_url=”9425″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]
How does a fully ablative CO2 laser differ from fractional laser?
A fractional laser makes tiny holes in the skin at set distances apart. The skin between the holes is not treated. This means a proportion of the skin ranging from 5% to 40% of the skin’s surface area, is treated. As fractional laser only treats a proportion of the skin, the healing is much faster however treatment often needs to be repeated.
Fully ablative laser peels 100% of the skin layer by layer. This means that 100% of the skin is treated. Surface irregularities like acne scars and sun-damaged skin can be more effectively treated.
Fractional laser also penetrates deeper and therefore can be suitable for deep acne scars, complex scars and rejuvenation.
In many instances, fractional and ablative lasers are combined in one treatment.
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Which lasers for fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing do you offer at Midland Skin?
We harness the power and safety of the latest and best technologies available at Midland Skin. We are the only Centre in the Midlands with two types of fully ablative laser resurfacing technologies which means that we can tailor the resurfacing needs to the individual.
Lumenis Ultrapulse CO2 laser
The Lumenis Ultrapulse CO2 is considered the most powerful and effective CO2 laser available. Carbon dioxide lasers have a wavelength of 10600 nm. With a power of 240W, it is up to 6 times more powerful than comparative systems. The laser can delivery energy in short (ultra) pulses meaning energy is used to vaporise the skin rather than inadvertently heat the skin. Any heat produced is controlled and stimulates the skin to tighten and new collagen to form.
Sciton Joule X
The Sciton Joule X Erbium YAG laser has a wavelength of 2940 nm. It is considered the gold standard for cold resurfacing. The Erbium YAG laser has an absorption 12-fold greater than the carbon dioxide laser for water. Because of this feature, a much higher percentage of targeted tissue is ablated rather than heated. This feature is harnessed in resurfacing perioral lines (smokers’ lines), deep lines, and certain types of acne scarring.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][image_with_animation image_url=”9423″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]
The laser resurfacing consultation
Before any procedure is organised, you will be invited for a skin consultation to evaluate the skin and assess your suitability for fully ablative CO2 laser or fully ablative erbium YAG laser resurfacing.
This consultation allows the doctor to go through the treatment and the recovery process with you. The doctor will also provide information on the risks and benefits of such a treatment.
If you are suitable for this treatment, a treatment estimate will be provided to you and you will be invited to book your procedure.
You can elect to have the procedure under local anaesthetic or with intravenous sedation.
If alternative treatments are suitable for you, these will also be discussed with you.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][image_with_animation image_url=”9433″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]
Can facial resurfacing be carried out on the same day as the consultation?
The consultation is your chance to learn about the procedure and determine if it’s the right choice for you. After the consultation, we encourage you to take at least two weeks to reflect on the information provided, known as the cooling-off period. When you feel prepared to move forward, you’ll be invited to schedule your procedure. Therefore, procedures like facial resurfacing cannot be performed without a prior consultation.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]
Who is not suitable for fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing
The following reasons mean you are unlikely to be offered laser resurfacing:
- Isotretinoin in the last 6 months
- Smoker
- History of inflammatory skin disease in the area being treated such as active acne
- If you are unlikely to be able to follow or cooperate with the aftercare instructions
- History of adverse scarring such as keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- Very sensitive skin or rosacea
- Melasma
- If you are immunosuppressed and prone to infection
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How much downtime will there be after fully ablative resurfacing and what does the healing look?
Most people require 3 weeks to fully recover from heavy resurfacing treatment. If you only require a light resurfacing, then two weeks is enough. You can usually wear make-up and return to work at this point.
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How do I prepare for fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing?
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- You should ensure that you have stopped smoking as this will cause poor wound healing
- You should ensure you have a healthy and well-balanced diet so you are in the best position to heal
- If your medical status has changed since your consultation, you should let the office know
- You should make arrangements to have enough time off work and from your usual duties to recover
- You should avoid tanning and the application of fake tan 4 weeks before resurfacing
- You will have received a preoperative prescription, and you should cash this in
- You should have adequate supplies of usual painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Ensure you have arranged a care giver to be with you for at least the first 24 hours after treatment, especially if you are having sedation
- Any areas where dynamic lines are present should be treated with Botox by our team – this will enhance your results
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- Stop any skin products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acid, retinoids, exfoliants
- Review the detailed information leaflet you will receive with a care giver who should ideally stay with you for the first 24 hours after resurfacing treatment
- Plan your meals for the first week after treatment as you will not be in a position to go out. You should consider generally soft food
- Minimise alcohol intake
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- Start your prescribed antibiotic and antiviral medications on the morning before your procedure
- Set up a comfortable area for you to relax and recover – where you have books, a TV, a footstool and comfortable cushions.
- Have a shower but do not apply any hair products or perfumes which may be inflammable
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- Make sure you have organized how you will get home – whether this is with a caregiver or in a taxi (you must not drive after treatment)
- Dress comfortably. Do not wear your best clothes please. Come in something relaxing and loose. Your top should have a low neck and be easy to zip or unbutton. Wear flat comfortable shoes.
- Do not wear any make up and this includes eye make up, moisturiser, or sunscreen
- Do not wear any jewellery
- Do not wear fragrances, skin care creams or any cosmetic product
- If you are having sedation follow the you must avoid eating solid food and milky drinks for 6 hours prior to your appointment for sedation. Water, squash and black tea or coffee can be consumed up to 2 hours before your sedation
- If you are not having sedation you can have a light meal a couple of hours before your treatment
- Do not wear contact lenses to your appointment
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- You will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions and medications
- Briefly, very basic skin care should be followed from day one and for the first month after treatment. This will consist of washing the face twice a day and applying a barrier ointment several times a day
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What should I do next?
Contact us here to arrange a consultation where you can discuss your needs and assess your suitability for resurfacing. Our fees can be reviewed here.
Author Details
Author: Dr Sajjad Rajpar
Date last reviewed: 1 May 2025
Conflict of interest and disclaimer
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