CO2 Laser Before and After: Results, Timeline & What to Expect

Results develop over 3 to 6 months: CO2 laser stimulates your skin’s own collagen production. The final result is not visible at 2 weeks – most patients see their best outcome at 3 to 6 months after treatment.

Fully ablative produces more dramatic single-session results: One ablative session typically achieves more than multiple fractional sessions for deep wrinkles and severe acne scars. Understanding which is right for your concerns is the most important decision before treatment.

Acne scar improvements are generally permanent: The structural improvement in scar tissue does not reverse. New breakouts can cause new scarring but the treated scars do not return.

Sun protection is the single most important aftercare step: Patients who use SPF 50 daily after treatment consistently maintain results longer. Unprotected sun exposure is the fastest way to undo CO2 laser outcomes.

Results last 3 to 5 years with good aftercare: CO2 laser is not a permanent fix but it is one of the longest lasting non-surgical skin treatments available in the UK.

Treatment type: CO2 laser skin resurfacing (fractional or fully ablative)

Initial improvement: Visible within 4–6 weeks once skin has healed

Full results: Develop over 3–6 months as new collagen matures

Results duration: Typically 3–5 years depending on skincare, sun exposure and lifestyle

Factors affecting results: Treatment depth, skin type, concerns treated, aftercare quality, sun protection

Sessions typically needed: 1 session for fully ablative treatment, 1–3 sessions for fractional treatment

CO2 laser resurfacing can produce meaningful improvements across a wide range of skin concerns by removing damaged skin cells and stimulating new collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. Results vary depending on the type of CO2 laser used, the depth of treatment, the concerns being addressed and the patient’s skin type and aftercare.

Both fractional CO2 laser and fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing can achieve significant improvements, though the degree of improvement and the recovery required differ considerably between the two approaches. Fully ablative CO2 laser typically produces more dramatic single-session results, while fractional CO2 laser offers progressive improvement over multiple sessions with a shorter recovery period.

Common improvements patients report after CO2 laser resurfacing include:

• Smoother overall skin texture
• Reduced appearance of acne scars
• Softer fine lines and deeper wrinkles
• More even skin tone and reduced pigmentation
• Smaller appearing pores
• Improved skin firmness and elasticity. CO2 laser stimulates collagen contraction and new collagen production, tightening mild to moderate skin laxity. Fully ablative treatment produces more significant tightening than fractional, though neither replaces surgical procedures for significant skin laxity
• Reduced sun damage and age spots
• More radiant and youthful overall complexion

The before and after results of CO2 laser resurfacing differ significantly depending on whether fractional or fully ablative treatment is used. Understanding the difference in expected results helps patients choose the most appropriate treatment for their concerns and recovery tolerance.

For a full breakdown of the differences between fractional and fully ablative CO2 laser including recovery time, cost and suitability, see our Fractional vs Fully Ablative CO2 Laser comparison table.

CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments available for acne scarring and is widely regarded as a gold standard option for patients with moderate to severe atrophic acne scars. Before treatment, patients with acne scarring typically present with uneven skin texture, depressed scars and an irregular skin surface that can significantly affect confidence and appearance.

After CO2 laser resurfacing, most patients notice meaningful improvement in scar depth, skin texture and overall skin quality. Results develop gradually as new collagen forms beneath the skin surface, with significant improvement typically visible from 4 to 6 weeks and continued enhancement over 3 to 6 months.

What to expect from CO2 laser before and after for acne scars:

• Boxcar and rolling scars typically show significant improvement after one fully ablative session, or one to two fractional sessions
• Ice pick scars may require combination treatment including punch excision before laser resurfacing
• Skin texture becomes noticeably smoother and more even
• Overall skin quality and radiance improves as new collagen matures
• Results are long lasting but acne scarring may benefit from maintenance treatment over time

For severe acne scarring, fully ablative CO2 laser typically produces more dramatic before and after results than fractional treatment. For mild to moderate scarring, fractional CO2 laser offers meaningful improvement with shorter recovery.

CO2 laser resurfacing is highly effective for reducing the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth and across the forehead. Before treatment, patients typically present with etched lines, skin laxity and a loss of skin smoothness that develops with age and sun exposure.

After CO2 laser resurfacing, patients commonly notice significantly softer lines, improved skin firmness and a more youthful overall appearance. Because the laser stimulates new collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, results continue to improve over several months as the skin remodels.

What to expect from CO2 laser before and after for wrinkles:

• Fine lines around the eyes and mouth typically show significant improvement
• Deeper wrinkles improve considerably, particularly with fully ablative treatment
• Perioral lines respond exceptionally well to fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing
• Skin firmness and elasticity improve as collagen production increases
• Results develop gradually. Patience during the 3 to 6 month improvement period is important
• Sun protection after treatment is essential to preserve results

For deep wrinkles and perioral lines, fully ablative CO2 laser typically produces the most dramatic before and after results. For fine lines and early wrinkles, fractional CO2 laser offers effective improvement with less downtime.

CO2 laser resurfacing is effective for treating sun damage, uneven skin tone and pigmentation concerns including age spots, brown spots and sun spots (also known as solar lentigines which are flat pigmented spots caused by UV exposure) and overall skin discolouration caused by years of UV exposure. Before treatment, patients with significant sun damage typically present with an uneven, blotchy complexion, rough skin texture and visible pigmentation that makes the skin look older and more tired.

After CO2 laser resurfacing, patients commonly notice a significantly more even skin tone, improved skin clarity and a reduction in visible pigmentation. The procedure removes damaged outer skin cells containing excess melanin while stimulating healthy new skin cell growth, resulting in a clearer and more radiant complexion.

What to expect from CO2 laser before and after for sun damage:

• Uneven skin tone and blotchy pigmentation improves considerably
• Age spots, brown spots and sun spots typically fade significantly
• Overall skin clarity and radiance improves
• Skin texture becomes smoother as damaged cells are removed
• Sun protection after treatment is absolutely essential. New skin is highly sensitive to UV damage and unprotected sun exposure can cause new pigmentation to develop

Patients with darker skin tones should discuss pigmentation concerns carefully with their practitioner before treatment, as CO2 laser carries a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin types.

Understanding the timeline of CO2 laser results helps patients manage expectations during recovery and recognise that the final outcome takes several months to fully develop. Many patients feel concerned during the early recovery period when the skin looks raw and red – this is entirely normal and an expected part of the healing process.

The quality and extent of CO2 laser results vary between patients depending on a number of factors. Understanding what influences outcomes helps patients set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about treatment.

Key factors that influence CO2 laser before and after results:

• Patient suitability: Patients with fair to light brown skin tones (Fitzpatrick Types I to III) typically achieve the most dramatic results with the lowest risk of pigmentation changes. Non-smokers achieve better outcomes as smoking directly impairs wound healing and collagen production. Patients with specific treatable concerns such as acne scarring, wrinkles or sun damage respond better than those with generalised skin quality concerns.
• Treatment type: Fully ablative CO2 laser typically produces more dramatic results than fractional treatment in a single session
• Treatment depth: Deeper resurfacing produces more significant results but requires longer recovery
• Skin concerns treated: Deeper scars and more severe sun damage require more intensive treatment to achieve significant improvement
• Skin type: Patients with lighter skin tones typically achieve the most dramatic results with the lowest risk of pigmentation changes. Patients with medium or darker skin tones can still achieve meaningful improvement with careful assessment and appropriate treatment settings.
• Practitioner expertise: An experienced practitioner will select appropriate settings and technique for each patient’s specific concerns
• Aftercare quality: Patients who follow aftercare instructions carefully and use consistent sun protection achieve better and longer lasting results
• Sun protection: Ongoing daily SPF use after treatment is essential to preserve results and prevent new pigmentation
• Skincare routine: A good post-treatment skincare routine supports collagen production and maintains results over time
• Number of sessions: Some patients benefit from a series of fractional CO2 laser sessions to achieve their desired outcome

Patients who go in with realistic expectations about the gradual timeline and recovery period consistently report higher satisfaction than those expecting immediate results.

A thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner is the most important step in determining whether CO2 laser resurfacing is appropriate and what results are realistic for your specific skin concerns and skin type.

CO2 laser resurfacing produces long lasting results because the treatment stimulates the formation of new collagen and healthy skin cells rather than simply treating the surface. However results are not permanent – the natural ageing process continues after treatment and ongoing sun exposure, lifestyle factors and skincare habits all influence how long results are maintained.

Typical duration of CO2 laser results:

• Skin texture improvements: Typically last 3 to 5 years with good skincare and sun protection
• Acne scar improvements: Generally permanent as the structural improvement in scar tissue does not reverse, though new breakouts can cause new scarring
• Wrinkle improvements: Last 2 to 5 years depending on sun exposure, lifestyle and the depth of treatment
• Pigmentation improvements: Can be long lasting but new pigmentation can develop with unprotected sun exposure
• Overall skin quality: Maintained longer with consistent SPF use, a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle

Patients who invest in daily sun protection and a consistent skincare routine after CO2 laser resurfacing consistently report longer lasting results than those who do not. Many patients choose to have a follow-up fractional CO2 laser session to maintain results as the natural ageing process continues, either as part of an initial treatment plan or in subsequent years once full results have developed.

Patient reviews of CO2 laser resurfacing are overwhelmingly positive among patients who went in well informed, particularly those treating acne scars and deep wrinkles. Here is an honest summary of what patients consistently report across review platforms including Google and Trustpilot.

What patients love:

• Results that genuinely deliver where years of skincare products failed. Patients with longstanding acne scarring consistently report meaningful improvement that nothing else had achieved
• The longevity of results. Unlike treatments that need repeating every few months, a single CO2 laser session can produce improvements lasting several years
• A more natural result than surgery. Patients frequently describe the outcome as looking like themselves at their best rather than looking obviously treated
• Improvement continuing to develop for months after treatment, with many patients reporting their best results at three to six months rather than immediately after recovery

Common complaints:

• The recovery period is harder than expected. The first four to seven days after fully ablative treatment in particular are consistently described as more intense than patients anticipated, even when they had been warned
• Prolonged redness. Some patients experience pinkness lasting several weeks to months, which can be frustrating when they were expecting it to fade sooner
• Results for acne scarring rarely reach 100% elimination. Most patients report 50% to 70% improvement, which is significant but falls short of what some hoped for
• Cost. A single fully ablative session at a reputable London clinic can cost £2,000 or more, which is a significant investment for results that, while long lasting, are not permanent

The honest picture: CO2 laser delivers some of the most significant results available from any non-surgical treatment, but it is not a quick or comfortable process. Patients who research the recovery thoroughly, choose an experienced practitioner and follow aftercare carefully consistently report high satisfaction. Patients who underestimate the downtime or expect complete scar elimination are more likely to be disappointed.

Proper aftercare after CO2 laser resurfacing is essential not only for safe healing but for achieving and maintaining the best possible results. Patients who follow aftercare instructions carefully consistently achieve better outcomes than those who do not.

Key aftercare steps to protect your CO2 laser results:

• Follow your practitioner’s specific aftercare instructions precisely during the recovery period
• Keep the skin clean and moisturised using products recommended by your practitioner
• Apply a broad spectrum SPF 50 or higher sunscreen every single day once the skin has healed. This is the single most important step for maintaining results
• Avoid all direct sun exposure during recovery and minimise sun exposure for at least 6 months after treatment
• Do not pick or peel the skin during recovery, allow it to shed naturally
• Avoid harsh skincare products including retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs until the skin has fully healed
• Attend all follow-up appointments so your practitioner can monitor healing and results
• Once fully healed, typically from around 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment, incorporate a vitamin C serum and retinoid into your skincare routine to support collagen production and maintain results.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption accelerate skin ageing and reduce the longevity of results

Setting realistic expectations before CO2 laser resurfacing is essential for patient satisfaction. While CO2 laser can produce significant and long lasting improvements, it is important to understand what the treatment can and cannot achieve.

What CO2 laser resurfacing can achieve:

• Significant improvement in skin texture, tone and overall quality
• Meaningful reduction in acne scarring, particularly atrophic scars
• Softening of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
• Improvement in sun damage and pigmentation
• Enhanced skin firmness and elasticity
• Mild to moderate skin tightening with fractional CO2 laser, and more visible tightening around the eyes, mouth, neck and mild jowl laxity with fully ablative treatment, though significant jowl laxity requires surgical intervention
• Long lasting results with proper aftercare and sun protection

What CO2 laser resurfacing cannot achieve:

• Complete elimination of all acne scars. Improvement is significant but perfection is not a realistic outcome
• Permanent prevention of new wrinkles forming as the ageing process continues
• Surgical results such as a facelift. CO2 laser improves skin quality but does not address significant skin laxity or volume loss
• Instant results as the healing process takes weeks and full results take 3 to 6 months to develop
• The same results in all skin types. Darker skin tones carry higher risks and may achieve less dramatic results

A thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential to understand what results are realistic for your specific skin concerns, skin type and the treatment being considered.

Choosing the right clinic is one of the most important factors in achieving good CO2 laser before and after results. The quality of outcomes depends heavily on practitioner expertise, the equipment used and the thoroughness of the consultation and aftercare process.

When choosing a CO2 laser clinic for best results:

• Look for practitioners with specific and extensive experience in CO2 laser resurfacing. Ask how many procedures they perform each year
• Ensure the clinic uses appropriate laser equipment for the type of treatment being performed. Fully ablative resurfacing requires surgical-grade CO2 laser technology
• Choose a clinic that provides a thorough consultation including skin type assessment, medical history review and realistic expectation setting
• Ask to see real before and after photos of patients treated by the same practitioner for similar concerns, not generic stock images
• Check statutory registration. General Medical Council (GMC) for doctor-led clinics, General Dental Council (GDC) for dentist-led clinics, or the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for nurse-led clinics. These can be verified directly on each regulator’s website
• Look for professional membership of British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) for doctor and dentist-led clinics, or British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN) for nurse-led clinics
• For non-medically-led clinics, look for an Ofqual-regulated Level 4 qualification in Laser and IPL at minimum, Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) or Save Face accreditation, and confirmation of a named medical oversight arrangement
• Check voluntary Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration where held, the independent government regulator of health and social care in England.
• Check local authority licensing.  In London and certain other areas of England, clinics operating CO2 laser equipment are required to hold a Special Treatments Licence from their local council. Requirements vary by borough. Ask your clinic whether they hold this licence where it applies in their area.
• Check professional indemnity insurance.  Confirm the clinic holds insurance that explicitly covers CO2 laser treatments. A general aesthetics policy that does not specifically include laser treatments is not sufficient
• Ensure the clinic provides comprehensive aftercare support and follow-up appointments

Before booking your consultation, review our list of questions to ask at your CO2 laser consultation.

Clinics on The Aesthetic Standard are led by either statutorily registered medical practitioners or non-medically registered practitioners who meet additional qualification, accreditation and oversight criteria. You can see which applies on each clinic’s profile.

Every Fractional and Ablative CO2 laser clinic listed on The Aesthetic Standard has already been verified against these criteria by our editorial team. We verify practitioner statutory registration or equivalent Ofqual-regulated qualifications for non-medically-led clinics, professional body membership, professional indemnity insurance covering CO2 laser treatments specifically, and local authority licensing where required. We speak directly with the lead practitioner at every clinic, and where possible we also speak with patients who have undergone treatment there. We review independent patient feedback across Google and Trustpilot. Where available, clinic profiles include before and after photos of real patients treated by the same practitioner.

The UK Government is currently developing a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England. Under proposals being consulted on, fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing may in future be restricted to regulated healthcare professionals operating from CQC-registered premises. This scheme is not yet law and no start date has been confirmed. The Aesthetic Standard will update its criteria when any new requirements come into force.

The Aesthetic Standard has reviewed and verified CO2 laser clinics across major UK cities.

Each city guide covers local pricing, how we select clinics in that area and verified practitioners offering both fractional and fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing:

• CO2 Laser Clinics in London
• CO2 Laser Clinics in Manchester
• CO2 Laser Clinics in Birmingham

For more information about the different types of CO2 laser treatment, read our guides to fractional CO2 laser and fully ablative CO2 laser, or visit our full CO2 laser treatment guide.

For other treatments browse our full treatments guide or explore our clinic directory to find verified practitioners and clinics across the UK