Fractional CO2 Laser Face

Ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for the full face, treating acne scars, deep wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven skin texture. Creates micro-columns of thermal injury to stimulate intensive collagen remodelling with 7-14 days of recovery.

Fractional CO2 laser is the gold standard in ablative laser resurfacing, delivering the most dramatic skin renewal results available from any non-surgical treatment. The technology works by emitting a 10,600nm wavelength carbon dioxide laser beam that is split into thousands of microscopic columns (fractional delivery), each penetrating deep into the dermis while leaving intact skin bridges between the treatment zones. This fractional pattern accelerates healing compared to fully ablative lasers while maintaining the intensive collagen remodelling that makes CO2 laser uniquely effective. Each micro-column of laser energy vaporises a tiny core of tissue from the epidermis through to the mid-dermis, creating a controlled wound that triggers the body's full wound-healing cascade — inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. New collagen fibres are laid down over the following 3-6 months, progressively tightening and smoothing the skin. The fractional approach means that only 15-40% of the skin surface is directly treated in each session, with the surrounding intact tissue providing stem cells and growth factors that accelerate re-epithelialisation. At Ruczaj Clinic, the fractional CO2 laser is applied to the full face under topical anaesthesia (a numbing cream applied 30-60 minutes before treatment). The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. Settings are customised for each patient — deeper penetration for acne scarring and deeper wrinkles, lighter settings for generalised textural improvement and fine lines. Recovery involves 7-14 days of visible healing. The skin weeps and crusts for the first 3-5 days, followed by progressive reddening that fades over 1-3 months. Strict sun avoidance and SPF use is mandatory for at least 3 months post-treatment. A single session can produce improvements equivalent to 3-5 superficial chemical peels, making it the most time-efficient option for patients seeking significant skin rejuvenation. At 1,500 PLN (approximately €350), Ruczaj Clinic's full-face fractional CO2 laser is priced at roughly 40-60% of equivalent treatments in Germany (€700-1,500) and the UK (£600-1,200).