CO2 Laser Resurfacing in London
The recent developments with CO2 laser mean that we are now able to provide significant improvements without the long downtime traditionally associated with ablative lasers.
This advanced laser technology has revolutionised skin treatments, providing a highly effective solution for a range of concerns.
What does the CO2 laser do?
The SmartXide utilises a fractional CO2 laser, which delivers precise micro-pulses of laser energy to the skin’s surface. The laser creates microscopic channels in the skin, stimulating the natural healing response and triggering the production of collagen and elastin fibers. This process promotes skin regeneration, effectively reducing the signs of aging, improving skin texture, and enhancing overall skin quality.
As the SmartXide CO2 laser is so versatile, we are able to address many concerns by simply adjusting the settings. This means we can provide a customised treatment for you to address your skin concerns and minimising downtime.
Our most popular treatments are:
- The Cool Peel (details below)
- ‘Mummy Tummy’ Tightening and Firming
- Skin Rejuvenation including texture
- Pigmentation
- Improving the décolletage
- Eyelid and Under eye tightening
- Neck Tightening
CO2 laser for scar reduction
CO2 is considered the gold standard for reducing the appearance of scars, including self harm scars, acne scars and surgical scars. This fractionally ablative laser improves texture for both raised and indented scars.
How does CO2 reduce scars?
CO2 laser reduces scarring by ‘vaporising’ the top layers of skin, at the same time it creates micro-wounds, which promote collagen production and new healthy skin.
For extremely fibrous scars, CO2 can help soften the tissue so that cortisone injections can be performed
CO2 lasers can be used as a drug delivery system to further reduce scarring and skin conditions
CO2 for the abdomen ‘Mummy Tummy’
This procedure is one of our most popular and for good reason.
The abdomen can dramatically change following pregnancy, menopause and weight loss, this can often result in the skin looking crepey or loose as the skin struggles to tighten back.
Exercise and good diet will help the overall appearance but will not address the texture of the skin. Our CO2 Mummy Tummy treatment can help.
We use a less ablative setting to allow the heat of the laser to penetrate deeper into the tissue, this helps not only the dermis contract but the production of collagen and elastin .
Most patients see a difference after only one session.
If you are looking to lose inches as well as tighten then please check out our other body treatments here
CO2 Cool Peel
The Cool Peel is a versatile treatment that can benefit a wide range of individuals with different skin concerns. It is suitable for both men and women who are looking to improve the appearance and health of their skin. Here are some specific cases where the Cool Peel can be beneficial:
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What does the Cool Peel do?
- Aging Skin: The Cool Peel is excellent for individuals with signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. It stimulates collagen production, which helps to improve skin elasticity, firmness, and overall texture, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
- Sun-Damaged Skin: If you have sun-damaged skin with uneven pigmentation, sunspots, or discolouration, the Cool Peel can help restore a more even skin tone. It targets and reduces the appearance of sun damage, giving your skin a refreshed and rejuvenated look.
- Acne Scarring: The Cool Peel can be effective in reducing the appearance of acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It stimulates cellular turnover, promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells and helping to fade acne scars over time. For deeper scarring, we may want to consider hot CO2 treatments.
- Uneven Skin Texture: If you have rough or uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, or a dull complexion, the Cool Peel can help improve the overall texture and smoothness of your skin. It promotes exfoliation and encourages the growth of fresh, vibrant skin cells.
- Skin Rejuvenation Maintenance: Even if you don’t have specific skin concerns, the Cool Peel can still be a valuable treatment to maintain and enhance the health and appearance of your skin. It provides a deep exfoliation, removes dead skin cells, and promotes collagen production, resulting in a more radiant and youthful complexion.
Skin Tightening
Under eye treatment
Pigmentation Treatment
Stomach tightening
What is the treatment like?
For stronger treatments on the face and body and for darker skins we will first have a consultation which will include a patch test to check for any signs of pigmentation.
During the consultation, we will discuss your lifestyle and the downtime that you are able to work with.
The Cool Peel generally does not require a patch test
- The treatment is comfortable and we can apply a topical anaesthetic beforehand. It will feel like hot pins and needles and is very well tolerated
- The skin will feel warm after the treatment and will be red for 1-7 days depending on the settings. Ice packs can be applied afterwards to lessen the heat. Makeup can be applied from the second day to cover any redness
- The skin may be swollen for a few days, especially when working on the eyes
- You may notice a sandpaper feeling to the skin, this is simply the ablated skin working its way out to reveal fresh, rejuvenated skin underneath.
Can I have CO2 laser?
The best candidate is someone who is starting to lose elasticity in their skin and is showing signs of sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
For safety reasons, you may not be able to get this treatment if you have/are:
- Active inflammation and/or infection in the treatment area
- Current or history of cancer
- A degenerative neurologic disease or any other disease around the treatment area that’s triggered by heat (e.g., herpes)
- Darker skin tones or those who Keloid
- Metal implants (excluding dental) in the treatment area
- Uncontrolled thyroid gland disorder
- Varicose veins
- Pregnant & breastfeeding
- Skin-related autoimmune diseases
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PATIENTS RESULTS
CO2 Before and after
Commonly asked questions CO2 laser
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What does fractional CO₂ actually do?
It delivers micro-beams of light that create tiny controlled columns in the skin. As these heal, collagen and elastin are remodelled, improving texture, fine lines and some types of scarring. Settings are tailored to the area and concern.
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Who is a good candidate?
Adults with texture change, early laxity, enlarged pores, sun damage or acne/surgical scars. Suitability depends on skin type, medical history and recent sun exposure. We patch-test when appropriate and may recommend alternatives for darker skin types or keloid tendency.
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What happens during treatment?
After consultation and photos, we cleanse and (if needed) apply a topical anaesthetic. Treatment takes ~30–60 minutes depending on area and intensity.
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Does it hurt?
Most describe a warm “pins and needles” sensation. Deeper settings or peri-ocular work can be numbed for comfort.
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How much downtime should I expect?
Cool Peel: pinkness 1–4 days; makeup usually day 2.
Stronger fractional: redness and swelling 2–5 days, bronzing/sandpaper feel up to ~7–10 days. Eyes may swell for 24–72 hours. -
How many sessions will I need?
Face rejuvenation or “mummy tummy” tightening: often 1–2 sessions.
Established acne/surgical/self-harm scars: typically a series (e.g., 3–8+), sometimes combined with other modalities. -
How long do results last?
Texture/scar improvements are extremely long lasting, but skin will continue to age, sun exposure can reverse gains. Maintenance may be advised every 12–24 months depending on goals.
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What are the risks?
Expected: redness, swelling, bronzing, temporary “grid”/sandpaper feel, flaking, occasional pinpoint oozing.
Possible: bruising, infection, cold sore reactivation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more likely on darker tones), prolonged redness, rare scarring. We provide aftercare and sun-protection guidance to reduce risk. -
How much does it cost?
See our Prices page, or book a consultation for a tailored plan and quote.