CO2 Laser Resurfacing in London
Resurface the skin to soften deep lines, scarring and sun damage, with a doctor-led laser.
CO2 laser resurfacing uses a fractional carbon-dioxide laser to remove damaged surface skin and stimulate deep collagen, softening fine lines, wrinkles, acne and surgical scars, pigmentation and sun damage. At the West Hampstead clinic it is a doctor-led treatment under topical anaesthetic, with about 5 to 7 days of social downtime as the skin heals, and the full result building over about six months. Often a single session is enough. Treatment starts from £100 for a small scar.
CO2 laser is the most powerful resurfacing treatment offered at the clinic. Unlike treatments that work gently over a course, it removes damaged skin in a controlled way so fresher skin grows in its place. That power means real results for deeper lines and scarring, but also a genuine week of healing, so it is a considered treatment rather than a lunchtime one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 / 5
202 Google reviews
GMC
Registered Doctor
MRCS
Royal College of Surgeons
Every treatment
ABOUT CO2 LASER
What is CO2 laser resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing is an advanced, non-surgical treatment that uses a fractional carbon-dioxide laser to improve the skin. It removes damaged outer layers in tiny columns while leaving surrounding skin intact to speed healing, and at the same time heats the deeper skin to trigger collagen. New, smoother skin then grows in.
Because it reaches deeper than most resurfacing treatments, it is effective for concerns that lighter treatments struggle with: deeper fine lines and wrinkles, atrophic acne and surgical scars, pigmentation and sun damage, enlarged pores and uneven texture, and some skin laxity. It is a single powerful treatment rather than a gentle course, and a proper consultation decides whether it is right for your skin.
ABOUT CO2 LASER
How the treatment works
Treatment starts with assessment and a tailored plan. A topical anaesthetic is applied for comfort, then the fractional CO2 laser passes over the skin, delivering controlled pulses of energy that resurface the damaged layers and stimulate collagen. The body’s natural healing response then rebuilds the skin over the following days and weeks, improving texture, tone and firmness.
The settings, depth and the areas treated are adjusted to your skin and concern. A session is usually completed in one visit, and because the treatment is strong, the result of a single, well-judged session is often substantial.
“CO2 laser is the strongest resurfacing tool I use, and I am honest with patients that it asks for a week of healing in return. For deeper scarring and sun damage, that trade is often well worth it; for milder concerns, a gentler treatment is the better call.”
Dr Chiké Emeagi, MRCS, GMC 4418489
TREATABLE AREAS
What CO2 laser treats
Lines & Wrinkles
Deeper fine lines and wrinkles, including around the mouth and eyes
Acne Scars
Acne scars, surgical scars and chickenpox marks
Pigmentation
Sun damage, age spots and some pigmentation
Skin Texture
Uneven texture and enlarged pores
Skin Laxity
Mild skin laxity around the cheeks, jowls and neck
HONEST COMPARISON
How it compares to other resurfacing options
CO2 laser is the most intensive option. Where the concern is milder, a gentler treatment with less downtime may suit better.
| Treatment | Best For | Downtime | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Co2 Laser |
Deeper lines, scarring, sun damage |
5 to 7 days |
Strongest resurfacing, often one session |
|
Texture, scarring, early laxity |
1 to 2 days |
Moderate, a short course |
|
|
Glow, texture, mild scarring |
About 1 day |
Gentle, a course |
For pronounced scarring or sun damage where you can take a week of healing, CO2 laser gives the most in one go. For milder concerns or no downtime, RF microneedling or microneedling are better suited, and Dr Chiké will recommend honestly.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Results and what to expect
You will see an early improvement in texture and tone once the skin has healed, with the fuller result, smoother skin, softer lines and reduced scarring, developing over about six months as collagen rebuilds. Often a single session gives a strong result; deeper wrinkles or scarring may need two or three sessions spaced apart.
Results are long-lasting because the improvement is structural, though they do not stop the skin ageing, so good skincare and sun protection protect your investment. Dr Chiké will give you a realistic idea of how many sessions you need and what to expect at consultation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Recovery and the healing timeline
CO2 laser has real downtime, and knowing the timeline helps you plan. Expect roughly 5 to 7 days of visible healing.
You will be given detailed written aftercare and a direct route back to the clinic. Diligent aftercare and strict sun protection are essential to a good result.
Day 1
Skin feels tight, hot and sunburnt, with redness, swelling and sometimes mild oozing. Begin strict aftercare with cool compresses and the healing ointment provided.
Day 2
Swelling may peak, especially around the eyes, and redness persists. Avoid sun completely.
Day 3
The skin bronzes and forms a dry, crust-like layer. It may itch; do not pick or scratch.
Day 4-5
The old skin peels to reveal fresh pink skin underneath. Keep it well moisturised.
Day 6-7
Peeling slows and the skin looks smoother. It may stay slightly pink, but light makeup can usually cover it.
PRICING
Co2 Laser Pricing
| co2 laser resurfacing | price session |
|---|---|
|
Full Face |
£750 |
|
Full Face & Neck |
£900 |
|
Face, Neck & Décolletage |
£1350 |
|
Eyes or Mouth |
£450 |
|
Hands |
£500 |
|
Cheeks Only |
£300 |
|
Single Scar 5cm |
£100 |
CO2 laser at the West Hampstead clinic starts from £100 for a single scar area, with full-face and combined packages priced by area, and scar treatments quoted by size. Courses attract a saving. You can see the full price list online, and your plan is quoted clearly at consultation.
IS THIS FOR ME?
Am I a suitable candidate?
CO2 laser suits people with deeper lines, acne or surgical scars, sun damage or uneven pigmentation who want a powerful, non-surgical resurfacing result and can plan for about a week of healing. It works best on lighter to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I to III).
It is not suitable, or needs extra caution, for darker skin tones or anyone prone to keloid scarring, because of a higher risk of pigmentation change, and it is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over active infection, or on recently sun-tanned skin. A consultation with Dr Chiké confirms whether CO2 laser, or a different treatment, is right for your skin type and concern.
WHY US
Why choose Hampstead Aesthetics
CO2 laser is powerful, so it should be doctor-led with careful settings and honest selection. Dr Chiké Emeagi is Medical Director of Hampstead Aesthetics, a doctor on the GMC register (number 4418489) and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. He assesses your skin type and concern, sets the laser accordingly, and is candid about when CO2 is the right tool and when a gentler treatment will serve you better.
Every treatment is carried out by Dr Chiké in person, with a clear aftercare protocol and follow-up. The clinic is on West End Lane in West Hampstead, NW6, a short walk from West Hampstead station and easy to reach from Swiss Cottage, Camden, St John’s Wood and across North London.
TRUSTED BRANDS
Clinically validated products we use
We work exclusively with clinically validated, CE-marked brands across every treatment we offer, from Botox to dermal fillers, biostimulators and skin boosters. Every product is sourced from authorised UK distributors, so you get predictable outcomes, genuine ingredients and full regulatory traceability on everything that touches your skin.
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Medical Governance & Practitioner Verification
Dr Chike Emeagi - GMC Registration No. 4418489
At Hampstead Aesthetics, CO2 laser resurfacing is carried out to a medical protocol designed and overseen by Dr Chike Emeagi — a fully registered medical doctor whose qualifications and licence to practise are publicly verifiable. Every treatment begins with a face-to-face skin assessment and uses a medical-grade, CE-marked fractional CO2 laser
MRCS - Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MRCGP - Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners
MSc Aesthetic Medicine - Postgraduate master's degree in aesthetic clinical practice
GMC Licensed - Full licence to practise, verifiable on the public medical register
You are encouraged to verify Dr Chike’s registration directly on the https://www.gmc-uk.org/
DOCTOR LED CLINIC
Why Medical Oversight Matters
Fractional CO2 is an ablative laser. It works by removing microscopic columns of skin and heating the tissue beneath, which is why it achieves what gentler treatments cannot, and why it is the most demanding treatment we offer. It is not a lunchtime procedure. It involves a genuine wound and a real recovery, and in the wrong hands, or on the wrong skin, it can cause burns, scarring or a lasting change in pigmentation. Suitability is not a formality here: it is the treatment. In a medically-led clinic your skin type is properly assessed, you are screened for the things that make resurfacing unsafe, you are told honestly if you are not a candidate, and there is medical oversight if healing does not go to plan.
AM I THE RIGHT CANDIDATE?
Assessment, Safety & Suitability
- Fitzpatrick skin-type assessment — CO2 resurfacing carries a meaningful risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in deeper skin tones. We will tell you if your skin type makes this treatment a poor choice, and discuss gentler alternatives instead of proceeding anyway
- Contraindication screening before treatment — including recent oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane), a history of cold sores, active skin infection, a tendency to keloid or hypertrophic scarring, recent sun exposure or a tan, certain autoimmune conditions, and pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Cold sore prophylaxis where indicated — resurfacing can reactivate the herpes simplex virus, so antiviral cover is prescribed in advance where appropriate
- Test patch where appropriate — particularly where skin type or history makes the response less predictable
- Certified laser eye protection — worn by you and by the operator throughout, with controlled access to the treatment room while the laser is in use
- Written aftercare and a wound-care plan — including strict sun avoidance and daily SPF while the skin heals, which is what protects your result
- Medical oversight on site — Dr Chike is available where healing or a reaction needs a medical approach
We carry full professional indemnity insurance covering all treatments performed at this clinic.
CONSENT
Consent, Privacy & Your Rights
Before treatment you will receive a full consultation covering your medical history, contraindications, realistic outcomes, the expected downtime and all associated risks, including the risk of pigmentation change and scarring. Treatment will not proceed without your informed, documented consent.
If you have a concern about your treatment, you are entitled to raise it directly with the clinic and, if it concerns Dr Chike’s professional conduct as a doctor, to escalate to the General Medical Council.
Reviewed July 2026. Dr Chike Emeagi — GMC No. 4418489.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does CO2 laser cost in London?
At the West Hampstead clinic CO2 laser starts from £100 for a single scar. Your exact plan is quoted at consultation.
What results can I expect from CO2 laser?
You will see improved texture and tone once the skin heals, with the fuller result, smoother skin, softer lines and reduced scarring, developing over about six months as collagen rebuilds. Often a single session gives a strong result, while deeper concerns may need two or three sessions.
Is CO2 laser painful?
The treatment is generally well tolerated thanks to a topical anaesthetic applied beforehand. Afterwards, the skin feels like sunburn, with mild swelling and redness for a few days. Itching and crusting can occur for up to about ten days, which is a normal, temporary part of healing.
How much downtime is there?
Expect roughly 5 to 7 days of visible healing. The skin is red and swollen at first, then bronzes, crusts and peels to reveal fresh skin underneath. It is not a lunchtime treatment, so it is best planned when you can take a week of social downtime. Strict aftercare and sun protection are essential.
How many sessions will I need?
One session often gives an excellent result, which is part of CO2 laser’s appeal. For deeper wrinkles or more pronounced scarring, two or three sessions spaced apart may be recommended. Your plan is agreed at consultation based on your skin and concern.
Is CO2 laser safe for all skin tones?
No, and this is important. CO2 laser works best on lighter to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I to III). For darker skin tones, or anyone prone to keloid scarring, the risk of pigmentation change is higher, so an alternative such as RF microneedling is usually safer. Dr Chiké assesses your skin type honestly at consultation.
How is CO2 laser different from RF microneedling?
CO2 laser ablates and resurfaces the skin surface and is the strongest option for deeper lines, scarring and sun damage, with around a week of downtime. RF microneedling works with needles and radiofrequency heat, with far less downtime, and suits texture, scarring and early laxity. The right choice depends on your concern and how much downtime you can take.
Can CO2 laser treat acne scars?
Yes, it is one of the most effective treatments for atrophic acne and surgical scars, because it resurfaces and remodels the skin at depth. Deeper scarring may need more than one session. Where downtime is a problem or the skin tone is darker, RF microneedling is an alternative, sometimes used alongside.
What aftercare is needed?
Aftercare is strict and important: cool compresses and the healing ointment provided in the first days, gentle cleansing, plenty of moisturiser as the skin peels, and absolutely no picking. Avoid sun completely while healing and use a high SPF afterwards. Following the aftercare closely is a big part of the result.
When can I wear makeup again?
Usually around day 7, once the surface has healed and peeling is complete, light mineral makeup can be applied to cover any residual pinkness. Applying makeup over broken or peeling skin earlier than that risks irritation and infection, so it is best to wait until the skin has closed.
Will the results last?
Yes, results are long-lasting because the improvement is structural new collagen and resurfaced skin. However, CO2 laser does not stop ageing, so the skin continues to mature over time. Good skincare and daily sun protection protect the result and extend it.
Is there much risk of complications?
In trained, doctor-led hands with correct settings and patient selection, serious complications are uncommon, but CO2 laser is a powerful treatment. Risks include prolonged redness, infection if aftercare is poor, and pigmentation change, particularly in darker skin. Careful assessment and aftercare are exactly why it should be doctor-led.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. CO2 laser can be combined with PRP to support healing, or planned alongside injectables and skin boosters with sensible spacing. It is not usually done at the same visit as other resurfacing. Dr Chiké will set out a safe sequence at consultation.
Who should not have CO2 laser?
It is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over active infection or cold sores, on recently tanned skin, or for those prone to keloid scarring. Darker skin tones are usually better suited to a different treatment. A consultation rules out any contraindication before treatment.
How soon before an event should I have it?
Allow at least three to four weeks before an important event, rather than only the 5 to 7 days of peeling. Although the surface heals within a week, residual pinkness can take a little longer to fade fully, so giving yourself a few weeks means you look your best on the day.
Arrange your consultation
If deeper lines, scarring or sun damage bother you and you can plan for a week of healing, a consultation is the place to start. Dr Chiké will assess your skin type and concern, explain honestly whether CO2 laser or a gentler treatment suits you, and agree a plan with no pressure. If you have searched for CO2 laser or skin resurfacing near me, the West Hampstead clinic welcomes patients from across North London. You can arrange a consultation online or call the clinic on 0203 196 7222.
VISIT US
Our London Clinic
- Hampstead Aesthetics West Hampstead, London NW6
- Call us 020 3196 7222
- WhatsApp 07869 730 159
- Email: info@hampsteadaesthetics.com
- Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sunday closed
Reviewed by Dr Chiké Emeagi, MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS, GMC No. 4418489. Last reviewed June 2026.
This page is for information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. CO2 laser is a resurfacing treatment with associated downtime and risks, which will be discussed in full before any procedure. Hampstead Aesthetics, 269 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1QS.
Book Your Consultation
