CO2 Fractional Laser
Honest, unsponsored guide — information only, not medical advice.
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Estimated Price Range (per session)
PKR 20,000–80,000
Prices vary by clinic, technique, and case. Always request a written quote.
What Is It?
CO2 laser (carbon dioxide laser) is the gold standard for ablative skin resurfacing. It vaporises the outer skin layers with precision, stimulating significant collagen remodelling. Fractional CO2 treats columns of tissue while leaving intervening skin intact, balancing effectiveness with reduced recovery time.
How It Works
Ablative CO2 laser removes the entire skin surface in the treated area. Fractional CO2 (e.g., Lumenis UltraPulse, Fraxel Re:pair) creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones surrounded by untreated skin that accelerates healing. The laser energy triggers wound healing and new collagen synthesis at depth.
Realistic Results
Significant improvement in wrinkles, scarring, uneven texture, and pigmentation. Full surface CO2 produces dramatic results. Fractional CO2 provides excellent improvement (60–80%) with shorter recovery. Results continue improving for 3–6 months.
Recovery
Full ablative: raw wound for 7–14 days, pink skin for 2–3 months, complete normalisation at 3–6 months. Fractional: 5–7 days of redness and crusting, pinkness resolving at 4–8 weeks.
Risks & Complications
- !Prolonged erythema (redness) lasting weeks to months
- !Permanent hypopigmentation particularly after full ablative treatment
- !Herpes simplex reactivation — antiviral prophylaxis is essential
- !Scarring if incorrect settings or patient selection
- !PIH in darker skin types
Red Flags — Choose a Clinic Safely
- ⚑Full ablative CO2 recommended without discussing permanent pigmentation risk
- ⚑No antiviral prescription given before treatment
- ⚑Dark skin types treated without appropriate modality choice and settings
- ⚑Provider cannot explain the difference between full ablative and fractional treatment
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Will you use full ablative or fractional CO2, and why is that the right choice for my concern?
- What is the risk of permanent pigmentation changes given my skin type?
- Are you prescribing antiviral medication before and after treatment?
- What aftercare is required, and for how long?
- How does CO2 laser compare to HIFU or RF for skin tightening?
Vetted Clinics Offering This Procedure
No vetted clinics are listed for this procedure yet.
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