CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser
Norwich
CO₂ Fractional Laser Norwich; From Light Resurfacing To Aggressive Fractional Reconstruction
CO₂ fractional laser is a laser skin resurfacing treatment, not an injectable. Nothing is being added to the skin and nothing is being injected. Instead, the laser uses heat energy to create controlled injury in the skin so that your body repairs and rebuilds it.
That is why CO₂ can do two very important things at once:
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Surface ablation; meaning it removes damaged/wrinkled outer skin
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Deep dermal remodelling; meaning it triggers repair and collagen rebuilding deeper down
The balance between those two effects depends on the level chosen.
A lighter treatment leans more toward surface refresh and refinement.
A stronger treatment creates a much more significant repair response deeper in the skin, which is why it can tackle more advanced wrinkles, acne scarring, and textural damage.
CO₂ is one of the most established resurfacing treatments we have. It has been studied and used for decades, and the biology behind it is extremely well understood. When delivered properly, it reliably creates a real tissue response. In other words, it is not hype, and it is not guesswork. The skin responds because biology is biology.
At Alison Mary Aesthetics, CO₂ is not treated as one generic procedure. We offer different levels of fractional CO₂ resurfacing, because not every face needs the same intensity.
Some clients need a light surface reset. Some need deeper structural repair. Some are actually in full-field or surgical territory and need to understand that before they book.
That distinction matters, because many clinics simply say they offer “fractional CO₂” without explaining what level they are actually working at.
That is one of the main reasons people end up having weak CO₂, getting weak results, and then wrongly blaming the treatment itself.
What Can CO₂ Fractional Laser Improve?
CO₂ resurfacing can improve:
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Fine lines and heavier/thicker etched wrinkles
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Acne scarring
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Rough texture and uneven skin surface
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Enlarged pores
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Sun damage and weathered skin
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Dullness and loss of skin quality
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Crepey skin around the eyes and mouth
CO₂ is one of the most well-studied skin rejuvenation treatments available. It has been used for decades because it works through a very simple and reliable principle: create controlled injury, and the skin responds by repairing itself.
Nothing is injected. Nothing artificial is filling or masking the problem. The treatment works by pushing your own skin into a repair cycle, so the improvement comes from your body doing what it is naturally designed to do: heal, remodel, and rebuild.
That is what makes CO₂ so powerful. It does not just sit on the surface pretending to improve the skin. It creates a real biological response in the tissue. The degree of that response depends on the treatment level chosen, which is exactly why light fractional CO₂ and aggressive fractional CO₂ should never be spoken about as if they are the same thing.
Not All CO₂ Is The Same:
This is the most important thing to understand.
A lot of clinics advertise fractional CO₂ laser, but they do not explain that there are very different treatment levels within that category.
Some are offering light fractional resurfacing, which is useful for glow, pores, texture, and mild lines.
Some are offering stronger, more aggressive fractional resurfacing, which reaches deeper and is capable of much more meaningful change in scarred or heavily aged skin.
Then above that sits full-field ablative CO₂, which is a much more extreme hospital or surgical-level treatment with much greater downtime, cost, and risk.
So when people say they have “had CO₂,” that does not actually tell you very much.
They may have had:
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a light refresh
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a serious aggressive fractional resurfacing treatment
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or a full-field surgical ablation
These are not the same treatment....
The Four CO₂ Resurfacing Levels
CO₂ Lite Surface Reset:
This is our lighter option. It is best for clients who:
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Want brighter, fresher-looking skin
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Want to refine pores and texture
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Are starting to notice early lines/wrinkles
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Want lower downtime
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Are maintaining already decent skin
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Are not ready or do not need aggressive resurfacing
CO₂ Lite is true resurfacing for refinement, but on the lighter end of the scale.
It is useful, but it should not be confused with deeper scar reconstruction.
Intensive Fractional Ablative CO₂:
This is our specialty. It is best for clients who:
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Have acne scarring
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Have deeper etched lines
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Have rough, damaged, texturally aged skin
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Want a meaningful structural shift in the skin
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Understand that stronger treatment comes with stronger downtime
This is not aesthetic-grade fluff. It is high-fluence fractional medical ablative resurfacing designed to drive deep dermal remodelling.
Our intensive protocols will give you 75–80% of a full-field ablative CO₂ treatment done in a surgical/hospital setting.
Full-field Ablative CO₂ (Surgical):
This is the surgical or hospital-level category above aggressive fractional resurfacing.
It is not offered here at our clinic.
It is included on this page because we believe clients should understand the difference between:
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Light fractional
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Aggressive fractional
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And true full-field ablation
This option is better suited to those with extremly severe sun damaged/wrinkled skin. Very heavy etched in deep lines. Skin that looks like only surgical intervention is needed.
Full-field sits in a true surgical or hospital-level category. It is generally reserved for extremely severe sun damage, deeply etched lines, and skin that falls into true surgical territory.
Recovery is much harsher, downtime is significantly longer, and cost and risk rise considerably. The skin can often remain very sensative for a year or more after the treatment.
The results are outstanding, but they come at a price - and this is were (intensive/aggreddive) fractionak can shine, as long as teh candidate is not extremely severe.
The 'Alison Mary' Difference:
Most clinics do not make the distinction between varying levels of CO₂ clearly enough.
They simply say they offer “fractional CO₂ laser,” and clients are expected to assume that means one thing. It does not and this is where disappointment begins.
If someone needs stronger resurfacing, but they are given a light treatment, they will often think:
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CO₂ does not work
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CO₂ is overhyped
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CO₂ is not worth the downtime
In reality, the issue is often not the CO₂ itself, but that the wrong level of CO₂ was used.
Our approach is different. We offer:
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A clearly separated Lite option
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A clearly separated Intensive option
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A clearly separated Advanced Intensive+ option
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And honest guidance when someone is actually beyond what fractional CO₂ can realistically do
That means clients are not being sold generic CO₂. They are being matched to the level of resurfacing their skin actually needs.
Feature
Standard High-Street/Other Clinics Approach
Our Approach
Treatment
depth / strength
Often vague and not mentioned. Sometimes unknown
Our high‑intensity fractional is 75–80% of full-field ablation, plus a 'Lite' option is available
Sessions Required
3–5 sessions to see modest improvement
Usually a 'one and done' session for intensive restructuring. Lasts 3-5yrs
Results
Surface refresh; underwhelming if too light. Limited collagen stimulation despite being told otherwise.
Deep dermal remodel; significant reduction of wrinkles, scars and texture. Maximum collagen
Downtime
Minimal recovery & redness; results fade quickly as epidermis turns over
Planned swelling, crusting & peeling; long‑lasting change (3-5yrs)
Technical Expertise
Basic laser settings. Limited knowledge of machine, laser physics and skin biology
Laser science applied at hospital‑grade fluences
Support
Generic aftercare sheet
Daily check‑ins and customised post‑care with full kit of specially curated products
Treatment
depth / strength
Sessions Required
Results
Downtime
Technical Expertise
Support
Find Your Perfect CO₂ Treatment Level
CO₂ resurfacing is not one single treatment strength.
Some clients need a light surface reset. Some need true fractional reconstruction. Some are actually in full-field or surgical territory and need to know that before they book.
If you are confused as to which CO₂ you will need, use this quick 4-step guide to understand which level of full-face CO₂ resurfacing you are most likely to need.
How CO₂ Actually Work - The Science
CO₂ laser works by using a wavelength of light (10,600nm) that is naturally drawn to the water in your skin. Because skin contains a lot of water, the laser can target it very precisely, removing damaged surface tissue while also delivering controlled heat beneath the surface.
That combination is what makes CO₂ so effective. It does not just polish the skin, it also triggers a deeper repair response.
That deeper heat is important because it helps tighten existing collagen and stimulate fresh collagen production as the skin heals. In other words, the treatment is doing two things at once: resurfacing the outer layer and encouraging the skin underneath to rebuild itself in a smoother, firmer way.
When CO₂ is used in fractional mode, it treats the skin in tiny microscopic columns rather than removing the entire surface in one go. This means some skin is left untouched between each treated point, which helps healing happen faster and more safely than with full-field resurfacing.
That is why fractional CO₂ can still be very powerful, while remaining more manageable in recovery.
The intensity of the treatment is what changes the result. A lighter fractional treatment works more on texture, pores, brightness and general skin refresh.
A stronger, high-intensity fractional treatment reaches deeper and treats a greater percentage of the skin, which is why it can tackle more advanced concerns such as acne scarring, etched wrinkles and heavier textural ageing.
This is why treatment choice matters so much. Not all CO₂ is doing the same job. Some treatments are designed to refresh the surface. Others are designed to create a much more significant structural rebuild. Understanding that difference is what allows Alison to match the treatment properly to your skin, your goals, and the level of result you actually need.
Your Step-by-Step Treatment Journey:
Consultation & Assessment
1
Your skin, goals, downtime tolerance, and medical history are assessed first. This is where the correct level is confirmed, whether that is CO₂ Lite Surface Reset, Intensive Ablative Fractional CO₂, or Advanced Intensive+ Ablative Fractional CO₂.
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Anaesthesia
A strong topical anaesthetic is applied under occlusion, alongside injectable local anaesthetic where appropriate. During treatment, Zimmer cryo-cooling is used to improve comfort. If suitable, oral pain relief may also be taken on arrival.
You must arrive with completely bare skin, with no makeup, moisturiser, or SPF applied.
Treatment
3
The laser is delivered in a controlled fractional pattern, zone by zone. Sensations vary depending on the intensity being used, but most clients describe the feeling as heat, tingling, or a strong prickling sensation rather than sharp pain.
Treatment time varies depending on the area and the level being performed.
4
Immediately Post-Procedure
The skin will feel hot or warm and look red. With stronger treatments, swelling and some weeping or oozing can occur in the early phase of healing. This is expected and is part of the resurfacing process.
Full aftercare guidance is provided, along with ongoing support during the healing phase.
Results Timeline
5
Initial visible improvement is usually seen once the skin has healed, typically from around 10 to 14 days depending on the treatment level. However, the deeper improvements continue gradually over the following 3 to 6 months as collagen and elastin remodelling progresses.
This is why CO₂ gives both an early visible refresh and a longer-term structural improvement.
What Recovery Really Looks Like; Pre and Post Treatment Care
Recovery depends entirely on the treatment level chosen.
CO₂ Lite Surface Reset:
Intensive and Advanced Intensive+ Fractional CO₂
This is the lighter fractional option, so downtime is shorter and healing is more manageable.
You can expect:
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redness
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dryness
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bronzing
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light peeling or shedding
Most clients experience around 4 to 7 days of visible recovery.
These are much stronger resurfacing treatments, so the healing response is more obvious.
You can expect:
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redness
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swelling
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heat
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bronzing
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crusting
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peeling
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weeping or oozing in the early phase
This usually means genuine indoor recovery time, not just a little redness you can hide with makeup.
For stronger full-face treatments, you should realistically expect to be housebound during the early part of recovery. That is not a flaw in the treatment. That is part of what makes deeper resurfacing capable of producing stronger results.
If a clinic is promising powerful resurfacing with no real downtime, they are almost certainly not delivering resurfacing at the level many clients think they are buying.
Aftercare Is Not An Afterthought
For intensive resurfacing, aftercare is a major part of the treatment, not something tacked on at the end.
Meaningful resurfacing creates a significant wound-healing response. That is what drives the result, but it also means the recovery phase must be taken seriously. At Alison Mary Aesthetics Clinic:
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full aftercare instructions are provided clearly
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daily healing check-ins (via WhatsApp) are required for stronger treatments
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morning photos are mandatory during the early healing phase
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any adjustments needed during healing are guided directly and swiftly
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clients receiving intensive resurfacing are supplied with a professionally assembled post-laser recovery kit
This is not a token add-on. The aftercare kit has been carefully selected to support healing, protect the skin barrier, reduce unnecessary irritation, and give the treatment the best possible chance of delivering the result it was designed to achieve.
The products included have been chosen specifically for laser-treated skin and represent around £100 worth of professional aftercare support.
In other words, aftercare is not treated as an afterthought here, because the result depends on the healing phase being respected properly.
To reduce complications and improve healing:
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4 weeks before: avoid sun exposure, sunbeds, and fake tan
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2 weeks before: stop retinoids, acids, exfoliants, and vitamin C on the treatment area
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Avoid: waxing, threading, or laser hair removal on the area close to treatment
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Do not: attend with active infection, dermatitis flare, sunburn, broken skin, or irritation
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Arrive with: clean, dry skin and no products applied
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If you are prone to cold sores: preventative medication is mandatory. These can be arranged by an online pharmacy service here.
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Strictly no: contact lenses or lash extensions for eye-area treatments
If there is any doubt, it is always better to reschedule than treat through irritation.
All ablative fractional resurfacing follows a predictable biological healing sequence.
Days 1 to 3: Redness, swelling, warmth, and possible weeping or oozing as the skin begins its wound-healing response.
Days 3 to 10: Bronzing, crusting, and peeling as damaged surface layers shed and new epidermis forms.
Days 10 to 14: The skin often starts to look smoother and more refined once crusting has resolved.
Weeks 3 to 8: Residual pinkness gradually fades while the barrier continues strengthening.
Months 3 to 6: Collagen remodelling continues beneath the surface, improving texture, firmness, and overall skin quality. This is also the ideal stage for final results photography.
Eye treatments: Strong peri-orbital resurfacing can cause noticeable swelling for the first few days, sometimes with the eyes appearing partially closed. This is common and usually settles quickly.
Full Face:
CO₂ Lite Surface Reset - £350
£825 for 3 sessions; 4–6 weeks apart (saving £225)
Intensive Ablative Fractional CO₂ – £850
Advanced Intensive+ Ablative Fractional CO₂ – £1,050
This is our highest and flagship protocol tailored for outstanding results
Focused areas:
Full Eye Area (upper & lower lids, mobile lid + crow’s feet) – £495
Under Eye Area Only – £395
Full Lip, Barcode & Perioral Resurfacing – £495
Neck/Stretch Marks/Stomach/Arms - £275
£750 for 3 sessions; 4–6 weeks apart (saving £75)
Why Choose Us?
CO₂ laser is one of the most established and scientifically proven resurfacing technologies we have, but it is also one of the most misunderstood.
The reason is simple: many clinics speak about CO₂ as though it is one generic treatment, when in reality the result depends almost entirely on how deeply, how densely, and how aggressively it is being delivered.
For me, CO₂ is not an afterthought or a quick add-on bundled into something else. It is one of my core specialisms, and it is approached with the seriousness it deserves.
Many clinics run their CO₂ at very light settings because it is easier to sell, easier to tolerate, and easier to recover from. The downside is that those treatments often only refresh the surface. That can look nice at first, but the result fades quickly, leaving clients disappointed and wondering why CO₂ “didn’t work.”
That is where my approach differs. If I use CO₂, I use it with purpose.
My goal is not simply to skim the epidermis. My goal is to reach the level where real dermal remodelling happens, because that is where the longer-lasting change comes from.
That is why I offer:
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a true Lite option for refinement and lower downtime
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a true Intensive option for deeper resurfacing
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a stronger Advanced Intensive+ option for clients who genuinely need more
Clients choose me because I do not blur those lines, and I do not waste their time or money with vague generic resurfacing sold as something it is not.
CO₂ isn't the cheapest aesthetic option, but the right one if you want treatment matched properly to your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does it hurt?
This is not a pain-free treatment, especially at the stronger end.
Most clients describe the discomfort as tolerable rather than unbearable, particularly because multiple comfort measures are used, including topical anaesthetic, injectable anaesthetic where appropriate, cryo-cooling, and optional oral analgesia.
The stronger the resurfacing = the stronger the sensation. That is simply the reality of meaningful ablative treatment.
2. Can I go out afterwards?
We are very upfront about this: this is not a lunchtime treatment. For Lite treatments, downtime is shorter and more manageable. For Intensive and Advanced Intensive+ treatments, you should expect genuine social downtime. During the early phase the skin may ooze, crust, peel, and look visibly treated. Once the crusting has resolved, pinkness can remain while the deeper layers continue strengthening. This is why important events or holidays should ideally be planned at least 6-8+ weeks after treatment.
3. How many sessions will I need?
That depends entirely on the level chosen. CO₂ Lite Surface Reset is a lighter refresh treatment, so a course of 3 sessions is usually the right plan for best effect. Intensive Fractional CO₂ is where much more meaningful change happens. In many cases, one session is enough to create visible long-lasting improvement, with some clients choosing a second treatment months later if they want to push things further.
4. Will people know I’ve had something done?
Not in an “obvious work done” way. Nothing is being injected or added. The result comes from your own skin renewing and rebuilding itself, which is why the outcome usually reads as fresher, smoother, tighter, and healthier rather than artificial.
5. How long do results last?
That depends on the depth of treatment. Lighter resurfacing fades sooner because it acts more superficially. Stronger fractional resurfacing stimulates new collagen deeper in the dermis, which is why results can last years (typically 3-5yrs) rather than months. Ageing does not stop, but stronger dermal remodelling gives a more durable improvement.
6. Is this the same as full-field CO₂ done in a hospital or similar?
Not quite. Full-field CO₂ removes 100% of the skin surface and sits in a surgical or hospital-level category with much greater downtime and risk. What we offer is maximum fractional CO₂ resurfacing. It sits below full-field, but still delivers dramatic resurfacing and deep remodelling in the right candidate - around 75-80% that of full field ablation but with a more manageable recovery than true full-field ablation.
7. Can I wear makeup afterwards?
Not immediately. For Lite treatments, makeup usually needs to wait until the skin has fully shed and resealed.
For Intensive treatments, makeup is usually delayed much longer, often several weeks depending on the treatment intensity and the area involved. The exact timing depends on how the skin is healing, and guidance is given during recovery.
8. How long does treatment take?
A full-face intensive CO₂ session usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, including numbing, preparation, and treatment.
Smaller zones such as eyes or neck usually take around 1 to 1.5 hours. This is not a rushed treatment. It takes time because the work is done methodically for both safety and result quality.
9. What is the difference between light and aggressive fractional CO₂?
Light fractional CO₂ is designed more for glow, pores, surface refinement, and early signs of ageing. Aggressive fractional CO₂ reaches deeper into the skin and treats a greater percentage of it, which is why it can improve more advanced wrinkles, scarring, and textural damage.
10. Why do some people say CO₂ did nothing?
Usually because they had a very light treatment but expected a much stronger result. A lot of clinics do not clearly explain the difference between light fractional resurfacing and more aggressive fractional reconstruction.
11. Is your strongest treatment the same as full-field CO₂?
No. My strongest treatment is still fractional. It sits below full-field ablative resurfacing, which is a more extreme surgical or hospital-level category.
12. How do I know which level I need?
That is exactly why the treatment picker and consultation exist (above). Some clients need Lite and some need Intensive or Advanced Intensive+. The point is to match the strength to the skin properly.
13. Is stronger always better?
No. The right treatment is the one your skin actually needs. Some clients genuinely only need Lite. Others need something much more aggressive. The mistake is treating everyone as if they need the same thing.
14. Is CO₂ safe?
Yes, when it is matched properly to the skin, delivered appropriately, and followed with correct aftercare. Stronger treatments need stronger healing management, which is why proper selection matters.
15. How much downtime should I expect?
Lite usually means around 4 to 7 days. Intensive and Advanced Intensive+ usually mean around 7 to 14 days (with around 5-7 days being housebound) depending on the level used and how your skin heals.
16. Can CO₂ lift loose or sagging skin?
It can improve the skin itself and create tightening through collagen remodelling, but it does not physically reposition descended tissue like surgery can.
READY TO START?
If you are serious about improving wrinkles, scars, texture, and overall skin quality, this is a treatment worth doing properly.
We’ve done it on ourselves. We know exactly how far to push, and when to pull back.
Let’s find out what your skin really needs...
The Full Face Approach:
While CO₂ Laser is the "Gold Standard" for skin texture and scarring, many of Alisons clients combine it with
Botox & Anti-Wrinkle Injections in Norwich.
While the laser resurfaces the skin, anti-wrinkle treatments relax the underlying muscles to stop deep expression lines from returning - giving you a total, balanced rejuvenation.