The Fractional CO2 Laser makes small microscopic holes in the deeper layers of the skin. This process leads to the generation of new, healthy collagen to smooth out the acne scars.
Improvement in acne scars can be seen in as early as one week following the Fractional CO2 laser treatment. The number of treatments required really depends on the severity of your scarring. Improvements in acne scarring will continue for up to 6 months following your course of treatment.

Ablative means that the laser does intentionally penetrate/wound the skin and remove thin layers from the skin surface (whereas non-ablative lasers do not wound the skin).  Ablative lasers are more aggressive than non-ablative lasers, however, ablative lasers do produce much more dramatic results in comparison to non-ablative lasers.

Fractional in this context means that a large number of micro beamed columns of ablation are made through the skin per square cm, while leaving the surrounding skin protected and undamaged.  The targeted nature of the laser beam columns means this is delivered in a very precise and controlled way.  Fractional treatments can therefore be used by all skin types and allow for reduced downtime and side effects.

Results vary depending upon the individual and the area treated. We will discuss this at the initial consultation with you.

Results are noticeable from approximately two weeks following your treatment. After this, your skin will become smoother, tighter, lines and wrinkles reduced and pores tightened. The treatment is progressive, so a course is recommended for best results.

Laser treatment is not suitable for everyone. Some of the common contraindications where we would not conduct the treatment are listed below. However, we will go through this in your initial consultation.
⦁ Cellulitis (MRSA)
⦁ Psoriasis
⦁ Lichen Planus
⦁ Lichen Nitidus
⦁ Renal Failure (Acute or Chronic)
⦁ Malignancy
⦁ Multiple Sclerosis
⦁ Vitiligo
⦁ Immunosuppression
⦁ Keloids
⦁ Certain Medications (i.e.Accutane (if used within the last year))
⦁ Collagen Vascular Diseases
⦁ Pregnant or Lactating*

Downtime for CO2 fractional ablative laser treatment is typically anywhere between 2-10 days (depending on your skin type and the agreed laser intensity/power used during treatment), in the form of raised, red and very dry, flaky, scabby skin.  The laser leaves patterns of red squares where it has been targeted on your skin and these might be clearly visible for the first few days, eventually drying and flaking off, leaving your skin pink for a few more days.  If downtime concerns you, we can adjust the settings (strength and fractional aspect) of the laser but it will take much longer to see your results.

The recommended number of treatments depends entirely on your presenting concerns, your skin type, how quickly you want to achieve results and your appetite for downtime.  The laser is incredibly powerful and can produce dramatic results quite quickly, however, the downtime may be longer for certain cases.  It is possible to prescribe a treatment plan with a lower amount of downtime (as the laser strength and fractional aspect can be tailored to your bespoke requirements), it will just take a longer to achieve the results and involve a few more visits to clinic.