Fractional CO₂ vs Fully Ablative CO₂

Understanding the difference — and which option suits your skin

If you are researching CO₂ laser resurfacing, you have likely come across two terms: fully ablative CO₂ and fractional CO₂. Although they sound similar, they behave very differently in the skin. Therefore, choosing the right approach matters, especially if you want visible improvement without unnecessary risk.

At our London clinic, we prioritise skin safety, longevity and realistic outcomes. Because of this, we work exclusively with fractional CO₂ technology, not fully ablative CO₂. Below, you will find a clear, clinical comparison to help you understand why.

What Is Fully Ablative CO₂ Laser?

Fully ablative CO₂ removes the entire surface layer of skin in a single treatment. Because it vaporises large areas of tissue at once, it creates an intense wound response.

As a result, recovery is long and demanding.

Key points to understand

Downtime often lasts several weeks, with redness persisting for months
Risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring and infection is high
Treatment is not suitable for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI)
Results do not replace surgery, despite what social media may suggest

Therefore, although fully ablative CO₂ can improve severe skin damage, it carries significant risk. For this reason, it is rarely appropriate in modern aesthetic practice, particularly in diverse skin populations.

What Is Fractional CO₂ Laser?

Fractional CO₂ works differently. Instead of removing the entire surface, it treats the skin in controlled micro-columns, leaving surrounding tissue intact. Because healthy skin remains between treated areas, healing is faster and safer.

At our clinic, we use eCO₂ by Lutronic, a South Korean system designed with inclusive skin safety in mind.

Why fractional CO₂ behaves better

Energy is delivered in fractions, not as a full sheet
Skin repairs itself more efficiently between treated zones
Results build gradually over sessions, not aggressively in one sitting
Risk of pigmentation and scarring is significantly reduced

As a result, fractional CO₂ allows us to improve skin quality while respecting the skin’s biology.

Safety Across Skin Tones

Skin tone matters when choosing laser treatments. Because melanin reacts to heat, aggressive lasers increase pigmentation risk in deeper skin tones.

Fractional CO₂, when used correctly, offers a safer option.

Suitable for lighter to darker skin tones, including Fitzpatrick IV–VI
Pigment-regulating support is recommended for deeper tones
Treatment plans are adjusted carefully as your skin responds

Therefore, this approach aligns with long-term skin health rather than short-term intensity.

What Fractional CO₂ Can Treat

Fractional CO₂ is an all-rounder because it improves both surface quality and deeper structure.

It can help improve:

Fine lines and deeper wrinkles
Skin laxity, including around the eyes
Hyperpigmentation, including periorbital darkness
Acne scarring and textural irregularities
Stretch marks on face and body

Because it stimulates collagen while resurfacing the skin, results appear natural and progressive.

Downtime and Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery with fractional CO₂ remains manageable.

Social downtime is typically 3–5 days
Redness settles gradually over 4–5 weeks
Mild erythema is expected and supported in-clinic

To optimise healing, we often pair treatment with exosomes or LED healing therapy. As a result, inflammation settles faster and complication risk reduces further.

Which Option Is Right for You?

In most cases, fractional CO₂ offers the better risk-to-reward balance. It respects your skin’s healing capacity, adapts over time, and supports long-term improvement without extreme downtime.

Fully ablative CO₂ may still exist, however modern fractional systems achieve comparable results without the same level of trauma.

The Next Step

If you are considering CO₂ laser resurfacing, professional assessment matters. During consultation, we evaluate your skin tone, concerns and recovery tolerance before recommending a plan.

At our London clinic, we focus on outcomes that improve your skin safely, not trends that promise too much.

Book a consultation to explore whether fractional CO₂ laser treatment fits your skin goals and how we support healing every step of the way.

Suggested Treatments

Fractional CO₂ Laser

Reveal smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin with CO₂ Laser Resurfacing — one of the most powerful skin rejuvenation treatments available in London today.

INFINI RF Fractional Microneedling

Infini RF gives you firmer skin, tighter contours and smoother texture without surgery. It tightens your face, neck and body, treats acne scars and stretch marks, and delivers powerful collagen stimulation with minimal downtime. Safe for all skin tones — including Black and darker skin — Infini RF offers results impossible to achieve with traditional microneedling or CO₂ laser alone.

Ultraformer III – HIFU

Whether you’re preventing early laxity or restoring contour that has softened over time, Ultraformer III is London’s most sought-after approach to achieving a snatched, camera-ready jawline and long-lasting youthful structure.

ASCE+ SRLV Exosomes for Skin

ASCE+ SRLV Exosomes for skin in London. Repair redness, speed post-laser healing, strengthen your barrier, brighten pigmentation and boost collagen. Delivered with LADD + LaseMD Ultra Laser for deep absorption and fast results.

Suggested Packages

3D Collagen (Sculptra + HIFU + CO₂ + LaseMD Exosomes)

£ 2500

Appointments#3

Included in this package:

Healite II™ LED Light Therapy, ASCE+ SRLV Exosomes for Skin, Ultraformer III – HIFU, Sculptra Treatment London, Fractional CO₂ Laser

The 3D Collagen Remaster Programme at Continental Skin Clinic in London is a four-appointment regenerative course designed to rebuild, lift and perfect the skin at every level. This advanced programme begins with Ultraformer III HIFU to lift and tighten facial contours by targeting deep SMAS layers without surgery followed by Sculptra, a powerful biostimulator that restores deep collagen, improves firmness and strengthens the skin’s underlying structure. The second appointment includes eCO₂ Fractional Laser Resurfacing with an Exosome Mask to tighten the skin, refine texture, smooth fine lines and brighten tone while accelerating recovery. The final appointment delivers ASCE+ Exosomes through Ultra LaseMD, enhancing skin regeneration, reducing inflammation and improving overall radiance. Together, these treatments stimulate collagen in deep, mid and superficial layers for long-lasting lift, improved elasticity and exceptional skin quality. Ideal for clients seeking a non-surgical full-face rejuvenation programme with comprehensive collagen restoration.

Fractional CO₂ Resurfacing & Exosome Regeneration (Face)

£ 950

Appointments#1

Included in this package:

ASCE+ SRLV Exosomes for Skin, Healite II™ LED Light Therapy, Fractional CO₂ Laser

Transform your skin with our Fractional CO₂ Resurfacing & Exosome Regeneration Package at Continental Skin Clinic in London. This advanced treatment pairs precision fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing with ASCE+ SRLV Exosomes and Healite II LED therapy for accelerated repair and enhanced results. The Fractional CO₂ laser refines texture, reduces scarring, softens fine lines and evens pigmentation by creating controlled micro-columns of regeneration. Immediately after, a full vial of ASCE+ SRLV Exosomes—rich in signalling peptides and rose stem-cell technology—is applied to boost collagen, calm inflammation and speed healing. Healite II LED Light Therapy completes the session by enhancing cellular repair and reducing downtime. This intelligent combination improves elasticity, smoothness and overall radiance while helping to reduce the risk of PIH, especially in melanin-rich skin. Expect visibly clearer, firmer and more rejuvenated skin with long-lasting refinement.