CO2 Laser

Improving Skin Appearance with CO2 Laser: Advanced Treatment in Glasgow

Over time, our skin can accumulate signs of ageing and damage from the sun, environmental factors, and conditions like acne. For individuals seeking a powerful and truly transformative rejuvenation, the CO2 laser treatment represents the gold standard in clinical dermatology. This advanced procedure can dramatically improve skin texture, tone, and firmness, addressing deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, and prominent scars. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, our expert dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer this sophisticated treatment with the highest level of medical skill and precision.

This page will explore what CO2 laser treatment is, the conditions it can resolve, common patient concerns, and what to expect from this advanced skin resurfacing procedure at our Glasgow clinic.

Improving Skin Appearance with CO2 Laser: Advanced Treatment in Glasgow

This page will explore what CO2 laser treatment is, the conditions it can resolve, common patient concerns, and what to expect from this advanced skin resurfacing procedure at our Glasgow clinic.

What is a CO2 laser? The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser is an “ablative” laser, meaning it works by delivering a precise beam of light that gently removes the thin, outer layers of damaged skin (the epidermis). The real innovation in modern dermatology is the “fractional” CO2 laser. Instead of treating the entire skin surface, a fractional laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment columns while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. This fractional approach provides two major benefits:

Deep Collagen Remodelling: The heat energy from the laser penetrates deep into the dermis, stimulating a powerful healing response and triggering the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin. This process leads to significant skin tightening and long-term improvements in firmness.
Rapid Healing: By leaving bridges of healthy tissue intact, the skin heals much more quickly and with a lower risk of complications compared to older, fully ablative laser technologies.

Conditions Treated by CO2 Laser

The power and precision of the CO2 laser treatment make it highly effective for a range of significant skin concerns. It is designed for correction, not just mild improvement. We use it to treat:

Deep Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Particularly effective for lines around the eyes (periorbital) and mouth (perioral).
Significant Sun Damage: Addresses sun spots, uneven pigmentation, and the rough, leathery texture associated with photoaging.
Acne Scars: One of the most effective treatments for atrophic (depressed) acne scars, including boxcar and rolling scars.
Surgical or Traumatic Scars: Can significantly improve the texture and appearance of old scars.
Uneven Skin Tone and Texture: Creates a smoother, more uniform and radiant complexion.

Common Questions & Concerns About CO2 Laser Treatment

Undergoing an advanced procedure like this naturally comes with questions. Here are the common concerns we address with our patients in Glasgow:

How can I speed up healing after CO2 laser? Diligent aftercare is the single most important factor for a quick and smooth recovery. This involves strictly following our bespoke aftercare plan, which includes keeping the skin constantly moist with a recommended ointment, gentle cleansing, and complete avoidance of sun exposure. These steps prevent scabbing and promote rapid regeneration of new, healthy skin.
Is the treatment painful? We take every measure to ensure your comfort. The procedure is performed using a combination of a powerful topical anaesthetic cream and cooling devices. Most patients report a feeling of significant heat during the treatment, which is manageable.
How much downtime is involved? CO2 laser is a significant resurfacing procedure and requires social downtime. You should expect your skin to be red, swollen, and peeling for approximately 7-14 days. After this initial period, your skin will remain pink for several weeks as it continues to heal and build new collagen.
Am I a good candidate? The ideal candidates are typically individuals with fair to light skin tones with moderate to severe skin concerns. The treatment may not be suitable for darker skin tones due to a higher risk of pigmentation changes. A thorough consultation is essential to determine if this is the right and safe choice for you.

Effective Skin Resurfacing: The CO2 Laser Process

A CO2 laser treatment is a meticulously planned clinical journey that begins long before the procedure itself. The process starts with an in-depth consultation where a specialist assesses your skin type, determines your candidacy, and creates a personalized treatment strategy to ensure safety and set realistic goals. This planning phase may include a pre-treatment skincare regimen to prepare your skin for optimal healing. On the day of the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied for comfort, and the dermatologist or surgeon precisely calibrates the laser’s intensity and depth to target your specific concerns, ensuring a safe and effective application.

The success of the treatment is critically dependent on the post-procedure healing protocol, which is an integral part of the overall plan. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions, which typically involve keeping the skin moist and strictly avoiding sun exposure. Adhering to this regimen is essential for preventing complications, promoting rapid and healthy skin regeneration, and ultimately achieving the maximum aesthetic results. This comprehensive approach, combining expert planning, precise execution, and guided recovery, defines a safe and effective CO2 laser resurfacing experience.

The Professional Treatment Process at Harley Street Medics, Glasgow:

The journey begins with an in-depth consultation to assess your skin, confirm your candidacy, and discuss your aesthetic goals. The procedure itself involves the application of a topical anaesthetic, followed by the precise delivery of the fractional laser energy across the treatment area. The session can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. After the procedure, we will apply a soothing ointment and review your aftercare instructions in detail.

Your Patient Journey: Towards Smoother, More Noticeable Skin

We guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to your follow-up appointments, ensuring you feel supported and informed.

Learn more about what to expect during your visit to Harley Street Medics.

Hear From Our Patients

Why Choose Harley Street Medics for CO2 Laser Treatment in Glasgow?

Multidisciplinary Expertise: A CO2 laser is a powerful medical device that should only be wielded by a highly trained expert. Our team is led by Dr. Vincent Kabeya (Dermatologist) and Dr. Khalil (Plastic Surgeon), whose combined expertise in skin science, laser physics, and aesthetic medicine ensures the highest standard of safety and care.
Personalised Treatment Plans: We carefully calibrate the laser settings based on your specific skin type, the condition being treated, and your desired outcome, ensuring a truly personalised treatment.
Advanced Technology: We invest in state-of-the-art, medical-grade fractional CO2 laser systems to deliver superior results while prioritising patient safety.
Focus on Safety and Results: Our clinical environment and rigorous protocols are designed to minimise risks and help you achieve the transformative results this treatment is known for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Co2 Laser Treatment

Let’s address some more common queries:

How much is CO2 laser treatment in the UK?

The cost is based on the size of the area being treated and the complexity of the condition. A full-face treatment will cost more than treating a smaller area like acne scars on the cheeks. We provide a detailed and transparent price quote during your consultation at our Glasgow clinic.

How many treatments will I need?

One of the main benefits of the CO2 laser is that many patients achieve dramatic and long-lasting results after just a single treatment session. However, for very deep scars or wrinkles, a second treatment may be beneficial.

When will I see the final results?

You will notice improvements in texture as the skin heals in the first few weeks. However, the most significant results appear gradually over the next 3-6 months as your skin produces new, healthy collagen, leading to continued tightening and smoothing.

Find Us in Glasgow

Address: 154 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4EX
Phone: 0141 488 8985
Email: hello@harleystreetmedics.clinic

Your Next Step: Book Your Consultation in Glasgow

If you are ready to invest in a powerful, clinically-proven CO2 laser treatment to dramatically improve your skin’s health and appearance, the specialists at Harley Street Medics in Glasgow are here to guide you.

Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive skin consultation and discover if you are a candidate for this transformative procedure.