CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the complementary facial rejuvenation treatments offered at Waterhouse Janssen. It is designed to improve the quality of the skin itself — including texture, fine lines, sun damage, crepiness and superficial irregularities.
For many patients, facial ageing does not occur in one layer. The deeper tissues of the face may descend, while the skin surface becomes thinner, less reflective, sun damaged or uneven in texture. This is why CO2 laser resurfacing can be especially powerful when considered alongside an endoscopic facelift.
An endoscopic (scarless) facelift repositions the deeper facial layers through hidden incisions, restoring lift, contour and support. CO2 laser resurfacing works differently: it treats the superficial skin layer, stimulating renewal and collagen remodelling to improve the skin’s surface. Together, these approaches can help create a more holistic and refined result.
CO2 laser resurfacing is an advanced skin resurfacing treatment that uses controlled laser energy to remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate the production of new collagen.
At Waterhouse Janssen, CO2 laser is used as part of a tailored facial rejuvenation plan. It may be recommended as a standalone treatment for skin quality concerns, or as a complementary procedure for patients undergoing facial surgery.
It is particularly useful for improving:
CO2 laser resurfacing does not lift the deeper facial tissues. Instead, it improves the surface quality of the skin — making it an excellent partner to procedures that address deeper facial structure.
An endoscopic facelift and CO2 laser resurfacing target different layers of facial ageing.
The endoscopic facelift addresses the deeper anatomical layers of the face. It lifts and repositions the soft tissues through hidden hairline incisions, improving facial shape, support, jawline definition and overall facial harmony.
CO2 laser resurfacing addresses the skin surface. It improves texture, fine lines, sun damage and superficial skin quality.
This distinction is important. A lift can restore structure, but it cannot fully correct sun damage, etched fine lines or rough skin texture. Similarly, laser resurfacing can improve skin quality, but it cannot reposition descended facial tissues.
When used together in carefully selected patients, the aim is a more complete facial rejuvenation:
CO2 laser resurfacing can help smooth rough, uneven or crepey skin. This is particularly useful in patients whose facial contour has improved after surgery but whose skin surface still shows visible ageing.
The treatment can soften fine lines, especially those caused by sun exposure, thinning skin and repeated facial expression. It is commonly considered around the mouth, cheeks and lower eyelid region, depending on the patient.
Years of UV exposure can leave the skin looking dull, uneven and prematurely aged. CO2 laser resurfacing can improve visible sun damage and help the skin appear brighter and more even.
In suitable patients, CO2 laser may improve the appearance of acne scarring or textural irregularity by encouraging skin remodelling.
For some patients, CO2 laser can be used around the lower eyelid area to improve fine crepiness. This is assessed very carefully, as the eyelid skin is delicate and not every patient is suitable.
No. CO2 laser resurfacing is not a facelift alternative.
It can improve the quality of the skin, but it does not lift the deeper facial tissues or correct significant facial descent. Patients with jowling, facial laxity, neck laxity or deeper structural ageing may require a surgical lifting procedure to address those concerns.
However, for patients whose main concerns are fine lines, texture, sun damage or superficial skin ageing, CO2 laser may be suitable as a standalone treatment.
For patients undergoing an endoscopic facelift, CO2 laser can be used to refine the skin surface so that the skin quality better complements the lifted facial structure.
Recovery varies depending on the depth and intensity of treatment.
Most patients can expect redness, swelling, heat, peeling and sensitivity in the treated area. The skin will usually require careful aftercare while the surface heals. Sun avoidance and high-factor SPF are essential during recovery.
The initial healing phase may take around one to two weeks, although redness and sensitivity can last longer depending on the treatment intensity and the individual patient.
You will be given specific aftercare instructions, including how to cleanse, moisturise and protect the skin after treatment.
Before CO2 laser resurfacing, patients may be advised to prepare the skin for two weeks using Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum morning and evening.
After treatment, careful skin care is important to support healing and protect the skin barrier. For the first five days, patients are usually advised to repeat a simple aftercare routine three times daily: white vinegar soaks, followed by Biafine, then a thin layer of Vaseline to seal in moisture.
The skin may feel hot, tight and sensitive, similar to a bad sunburn. Redness, swelling and peeling are expected during the early healing phase. Sun exposure should be avoided, and SPF 50 should be used once advised by the clinical team.
If CO2 laser is performed at the same time as an endoscopic facelift, the aftercare will be incorporated into your wider surgical recovery plan.
As with any medical aesthetic treatment, CO2 laser resurfacing carries risks. These may include redness, swelling, infection, pigmentation change, prolonged sensitivity, delayed healing or scarring.
Pigmentation changes can be more likely in darker skin types, recently tanned skin or patients with a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For this reason, careful patient selection and preparation are important.
The aim is always to balance visible improvement with safe, appropriate treatment planning.
When performed alongside the endoscopic facelift you will be under general aesthete and wont feel anything. Most patients describe the early recovery as feeling similar to a bad sunburn. The skin may feel hot, tight, swollen and sensitive for the first few days.
Many patients require around one to two weeks for the initial healing phase. It is often recommended that CO2 laser resurfacing is performed at the same time as an endoscopic facelift because the recovery period overlaps, allowing patients to address both deeper facial lifting and superficial skin resurfacing within one overall downtime.
No. CO2 laser improves the skin surface but does not lift the deeper facial tissues. For facial descent, jowling or deeper laxity, a lifting procedure such as an endoscopic facelift may be more appropriate.
A facelift restores deeper facial support, while CO2 laser improves superficial skin quality. Combining the two can create a more complete rejuvenation by addressing both structure and skin texture.
CO2 laser can carry a higher risk of pigmentation change in darker skin tones or skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Suitability must be assessed carefully during consultation.
Yes, CO2 laser is often considered for fine lines and etched texture around the mouth, depending on the patient’s skin and suitability.
Some improvement may be visible once the skin has healed, but collagen remodelling continues over time. Results usually continue to develop gradually over the following weeks and months.
For the first five days, patients are usually advised to repeat an aftercare routine three times daily: white vinegar soaks, followed by Biafine, then a thin layer of Vaseline to seal in moisture. Full instructions will be provided before treatment.
Patients may be advised to prepare the skin for two weeks before treatment using Alastin A-Luminate Brightening Serum morning and evening. Your exact preparation plan will depend on your skin type and whether CO2 laser is being performed alone or alongside surgery.
Practising privately from Devonshire Place and
Harley Street 101 consulting rooms.
Phone: +44 20 7636 4073
Email: karen@theaestheticsurgeons.com
