Treatment guide
CO2 Laser
CO₂ laser resurfacing uses controlled laser energy to remodel skin — improving texture, scars, fine lines and sun damage. Modelow helps you find reduced-price appointments at verified UK clinics.
What does CO2 laser cost in the UK?
CO₂ laser pricing varies sharply by modality and area. Based on advertised prices reviewed across NHS and private UK laser clinics in September 2026, fractional full-face sessions commonly fell around £500–£950, with fully ablative treatment often £1,200–£2,950+. These are general market ranges — not Modelow prices.
General UK market guidance — not Modelow prices
| Typical UK pricing | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Fractional CO₂ — half face | Commonly around £350–£500 per sessionSalisbury Laser Clinic: £350/session or £950 for 3 (April 2025 price list). |
| Fractional CO₂ — full face | Commonly around £500–£950 per sessionSalisbury: £600/session or £1,530 for 3. North Bristol NHS: £950/session after £120 consultation. |
| Fractional CO₂ — eye area (within orbital rim) | Commonly around £500–£1,350 for coursesPer-session eye-area fractional pricing reviewed at £500 (Salisbury). |
| Fully ablative CO₂ — full face | Commonly around £1,200–£2,950Salisbury ablative full face £1,200/session; London Skin Clinic advertised £2,950 full face. |
| Acne scars — localised (1–5 cm²) | Commonly around £200–£500 per sessionScar pricing often quoted by size band rather than full face. |
| Course of 3 (fractional full face, private London) | Commonly around £1,500–£2,000 totalPulse Light Clinic advertised 3 sessions at £1,509 total (£503/session). |
What affects the price
Fractional vs fully ablative
Fully ablative treatment removes more surface skin and is priced higher with longer downtime.
Treatment area
Half face, full face, neck, chest, back and scar size bands are all priced differently.
Number of sessions
Acne scarring and rejuvenation often need 2–3+ sessions; package pricing reduces per-session cost.
Consultation and test patch
Consultations commonly £100–£200; test patches may be charged separately.
Practitioner setting
Consultant-led NHS laser centres and premium London clinics sit at the upper end.
Why can Modelow appointments cost less?
Some clinics offer reduced-price appointments when they need a model for training, demonstrations, content or supervised practice. The lower price reflects the appointment type — not necessarily lower standards.
Prices change and differ between clinics. Confirm the exact treatment, practitioner, inclusions and total cost before you book.
Sources: Advertised UK clinic prices reviewed September 2026 (8 providers). Research date: September 2026.
What is CO₂ laser resurfacing?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) lasers deliver energy absorbed by water in the skin, removing or fractionally ablating tissue to trigger collagen remodelling. It is one of the most powerful skin resurfacing options available.
Two main modes exist: fully ablative (more aggressive, longer downtime) and fractional (micro-columns of treatment with faster recovery). Your clinic should recommend the right approach for your concern and skin type.
What can CO₂ laser treat?
Common indications include acne scarring, fine lines, sun damage, uneven texture, stretch marks and some pigmentation. It is particularly valued for moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars.
Not everyone is suitable — skin type, active acne, healing history and expectations all matter.
What happens during treatment?
After consultation and often a test patch, topical anaesthetic is applied. The laser passes over the treatment area for 20–45 minutes depending on size and settings. Cooling and dressings may follow.
A consultation fee is commonly charged separately — often £100–£200.
Downtime and recovery
Fractional treatment typically involves redness, swelling and peeling for 5–10 days. Fully ablative resurfacing can need 2–3 weeks of significant downtime.
Strict sun protection and post-treatment skincare are essential. Follow your clinic's protocol exactly.
How many sessions are needed?
Acne scarring often needs 2–3 fractional sessions spaced months apart. Rejuvenation may need 1–2. Your clinic should set expectations at consultation.
Why might model appointments cost less?
Laser training clinics and aesthetic academies sometimes need models for CO₂ or fractional laser demonstrations. Confirm device, settings, supervision and aftercare before booking.
Frequently asked questions
- Is fractional or fully ablative CO₂ laser better?
- Fractional treatment has shorter downtime and suits many acne scar and rejuvenation cases. Fully ablative gives more dramatic resurfacing but needs longer recovery. Your practitioner should recommend based on your skin and goals.
- Does CO₂ laser hurt?
- With adequate numbing, most people tolerate treatment well. Discomfort increases with ablative intensity and treatment area size.
- How long do CO₂ laser results last?
- Collagen remodelling continues for months after treatment. Results for scarring and texture are long-lasting, though natural ageing continues.
- How do I find CO2 laser for less on Modelow?
- Modelow helps you discover reduced-rate model appointments when clinics offer them. Visit Modelow to explore what is available.
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Find co2 laser for less
Discover aesthetic treatments for less with Modelow. Discover discounted treatments and model appointments at verified clinics across the UK.