Fractional CO2 Laser in London — deep resurfacing for scars, stretch marks and ageing
Fractional CO2 is the strongest resurfacing tool we offer. It creates controlled microscopic columns of injury deep into the dermis, triggering a substantial collagen response. It is best suited to Fitzpatrick I–IV, and we will tell you honestly if Erbium or Pico is the safer route for your skin.
Available at Blueness Swiss Cottage only
- Skin types
- Best suited to Fitzpatrick I–IV
- Course
- 1–3 sessions for most concerns
- Spacing
- Every 6–8 weeks
- Downtime
- 5–10 days of peeling and redness
How Fractional CO2 Laser works
A fractionated 10,600nm beam is split into a grid of microscopic treatment zones, leaving untreated skin between them to speed healing.
Each column reaches deep into the dermis, so the collagen and elastin response is stronger than with superficial resurfacing — which is why it performs on scars and wrinkles that gentler devices only soften.
That depth comes with heat, and heat is what drives pigmentation risk. On Fitzpatrick V–VI we generally recommend Erbium YAG or Pico instead rather than accepting that risk.
What Fractional CO2 Laser treats
- Deep acne scarring
Established boxcar and rolling scars restructured over a short course.
- Stretch marks
Older, textured striae on stomach, thighs and arms.
- Wrinkles and fine lines
Perioral and periorbital lines, plus general crepiness.
- Surgical scarring
Raised or textured scars flattened and blended.
- Skin texture
Full-face rejuvenation where tone and texture have both declined.
- Hyperpigmentation
Sun-damage pigment on lighter skin types, alongside resurfacing.
Who it's for
- —Your scarring or stretch marks are established and gentler treatments have plateaued
- —You are Fitzpatrick I–IV, confirmed at consultation
- —You can take 5–10 days of visible recovery
- —You want the strongest single-course result available to you
When it isn't suitable
- —You are Fitzpatrick V–VI — we will recommend Erbium or Pico instead
- —You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- —You have used oral isotretinoin in the last 6–12 months
- —You have active infection, or a history of keloid scarring, without assessment
Your treatment journey
- 01Consultation
Skin typing and suitability assessment. If Fractional CO2 is not right for your skin, we will say so. Consultations are chargeable.
- 02Patch test
Carried out where indicated, before any full-area treatment.
- 03Treatment
Numbing cream for 30–45 minutes, then 30–60 minutes of treatment depending on area.
- 04Recovery
Redness, swelling and grid-pattern peeling for 5–10 days. Occlusive barrier care, no actives, no heat, SPF 50 daily.
- 05Review
Reassessed at 6–8 weeks. Results continue developing for several months.
Fractional CO2 Laser — your questions
Fractional CO2 is best suited to Fitzpatrick I–IV. On deeper skin tones the heat involved carries a meaningful risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so we usually recommend Erbium YAG or Pico Laser instead. Your consultant will assess and advise.
Where we treat
Available at Blueness Swiss Cottage only.
Blueness by Oceania is a London laser clinic specialising in skin of colour, with VTCT Level 5 qualified practitioners and over a decade of clinical experience across every Fitzpatrick skin type. Read our story or get in touch.
Other laser treatments
Pico Laser in London for hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots and acne scarring. Safe across Fitzpatrick I–VI at our Swiss Cottage and King's Cross clinics.
Erbium YAG (Cool Laser) resurfacing at our King's Cross clinic for texture, scarring, pores and stretch marks — a controlled option for medium and deeper skin tones.