Ablative CO₂ Laser in London — Rejuvenation & Lesion Removal
TikTok is right about one thing: ablative CO₂ can deliver meaningful change in texture, fine lines and scarring — but outcomes depend on skin type, settings, downtime capacity and aftercare. At Santi we use CO₂ in two main ways: (1) resurfacing for rejuvenation and (2) precise removal of suitable benign lesions.
We assess every case first. If a lesion is suspicious, we advise appropriate dermatology referral/biopsy rather than laser ablation.
Rejuvenation: why ablative CO₂ is the “gold standard” (for the right person)
- Texture + pores: improves roughness and uneven surface quality
- Fine lines: especially “etched” lines where milder devices underperform
- Scars: acne and surgical scars (often staged, sometimes combined with other approaches)
- Sun damage: for selected clients with realistic downtime planning
Not everyone needs full ablative resurfacing. Many clients do best with fractional plans or staged approaches to reduce risk and downtime. We’ll recommend the safest option for your skin and goals.
What to expect (rejuvenation)
- Consultation: skin type, medical history, pigment/scar risk, recent UV exposure
- Plan: fractional vs more ablative settings, passes, and whether to stage treatment
- Downtime: varies widely — we’ll map a realistic day-by-day recovery plan
- Results timeline: early improvements as healing completes, with longer-term collagen remodelling
If you’re comparing “TikTok transformations”, remember: lighting, filters, swelling and timing can distort expectations. We’ll focus on what’s realistic.
Safety & candidacy (especially important for darker skin tones)
- Parameters are tailored by Fitzpatrick type and pigment risk
- We screen for keloid tendency, delayed healing risk, and active infection
- History of cold sores? Prophylaxis may be advised for certain areas
- Strict SPF and aftercare reduce the chance of post-inflammatory pigmentation
We’ll discuss alternatives as part of consent (e.g., fractional resurfacing strategies, other energy devices, peels, or procedural options where appropriate).
How CO₂ works (plain English)
- CO₂ energy (10,600 nm) is absorbed by water in tissue
- That allows controlled vaporisation of targeted surface layers
- Heat can also create coagulation (useful for haemostasis)
- Fractional patterns leave bridges of intact skin to help recovery
Lesion removal: precise CO₂ “laser surgery” (selected benign lesions)
- Pyogenic granuloma, seborrhoeic keratosis, and suitable skin tags
- Selected warts/verrucae, small xanthelasma, milia clusters (case-dependent)
- High precision with haemostasis for tidy margins
Downtime for lesion ablation is usually more localised than full-face resurfacing. Expect a short period of crusting as the area re-epithelialises.
Related: Skin tag removal · Dermatology clinic · Laser clinic
Downtime & healing (lesion ablation)
- Immediately: pinpoint oozing/char that settles quickly
- Days 2–7: dry crust forms then sheds; keep moisturised
- Weeks 2–6: pink skin settles; protect with SPF
- Scarring: uncommon with correct technique & aftercare; risk varies by site
Aftercare essentials
- Cleanse gently; apply occlusive/healing ointment as directed
- No picking; avoid heat/saunas/vigorous exercise for 48 hours
- SPF 50 daily until pinkness settles; avoid acids/retinoids until healed
- Preparation: Before CO₂ guide
Red flags: worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or eye symptoms — contact us promptly.
FAQs
Is ablative CO₂ always the best option for rejuvenation?
No. It can be the most powerful resurfacing option, but “best” depends on skin type, pigment risk, scarring tendency, tolerance for downtime, and goals. Many clients do better with fractional or staged plans.
What’s the difference between resurfacing and lesion removal?
Resurfacing treats a broader area for texture/lines/scars. Lesion removal targets a specific growth with localised healing. Downtime and risk profiles are different, which is why we separate the plan at consultation.
Is CO₂ safe for darker skin?
It can be, but the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation is higher. We tailor parameters, prep, and aftercare carefully — and may recommend staged approaches depending on your skin and history.
Will I scar after lesion ablation?
Scarring is uncommon with appropriate technique and aftercare, but risk varies by lesion type and location. We explain personalised risk before proceeding.
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Further reading: CO₂ prep protocol · CO₂ aftercare