New - Fractional CO₂ Laser – 

Skin Resurfacing in Norwich

1. Improves Texture, Tone & Radiance

Resurfaces skin: Removes dull, damaged layers to reveal smoother, brighter skin.

Evens skin tone: Effective against hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and age spots.

2. Reduces Wrinkles, Fine Lines & Laxity

Collagen boost: Helps smooth out fine lines and reduce sagging via deep dermal stimulation. Long-lasting texture improvements: Visible enhancements can continue for up to a year post-treatment.

3. Addresses Scars & Stretch Marks

Scar reduction: Significantly improves the appearance of acne, surgical, or traumatic scars. Stretch mark improvement: Collagen regeneration helps fade marks over time.

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4. Minimizes Enlarged Pores

Tightens skin around pores, reducing their appearance and creating a smoother complexion.

5. Versatile Across Many Concerns

Tackles a range of issues—from aging signs to pigmentation, scars, and even benign lesions like warts. Customisable based on skin type and target area.

6. Shorter Downtime & Safer Healing

Compared to traditional ablative CO₂ lasers, fractional treatments reduce downtime to around 5–7 days for most patients.

The untreated skin islands facilitate rapid recovery and lower risk of adverse effects.

7. Sustained Results & Confidence Boost

Durable improvement: Many patients experience skin enhancement lasting several years with proper care. Psychological impact: Improved skin often leads to greater confidence and self-esteem

What does the CO₂ laser procedure involve?

The CO₂ fractional laser is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment designed to address:

Fine lines & wrinkles

Acne scars & surgical scars

Enlarged pores

Sun damage & pigmentation

Uneven texture

Skin laxity

🔬 How it Works:

CO₂ laser uses fractional ablative technology, meaning:

It delivers focused laser beams in a grid-like pattern, creating tiny controlled micro-injuries in the skin.

These “columns” of damage are surrounded by healthy tissue, which speeds up healing.

The laser removes the epidermis (outer skin layer) while heating the dermis (deeper layer), triggering collagen remodelling and new skin formation.

🕒 The Procedure Step-by-Step:

Consultation & Assessment

Your provider will assess your skin type, concerns, and suitability. Fitzpatrick skin types I–III are usually safest for ablative CO₂.

Pre-Treatment Prep (1–2 weeks before)

You may be prescribed:

Antiviral medication (to prevent cold sores)

Topical retinoids or pigment suppressants (depending on skin tone)

On the Day:

Topical numbing cream is applied (sometimes local anaesthetic injections for deeper treatments).

Protective eyewear is provided.

The CO₂ laser is passed over the skin, treating in a grid or dot-like pattern.

Procedure takes 30–90 minutes depending on area and depth.

Immediately After:

Skin will appear red, swollen, and feel hot—like a deep sunburn.

Oozing or crusting may occur in the first 24–48 hours.

Downtime varies.

⏳ Downtime & Recovery

Light Treatment: 3–5 days (mild redness, flaking)

Moderate to Deep Treatment: 7–14 days (redness, swelling, peeling, crusting)

Full Healing: Redness can persist for 4–6 weeks as skin remodels.

Makeup: Usually allowed after day 7–10

Sun protection: Mandatory for 4+ weeks post-procedure

🧴 Aftercare is Crucial

Expect a strict skincare plan including:

Soothing barrier creams (e.g. Aquaphor, Cicaplast)

No actives (retinol, acids) until cleared

High SPF daily (once skin is healed)

Your provider will give you detailed instructions based on your skin and treatment depth.

⚠️ Risks & Considerations:

While CO₂ laser is safe when performed by trained professionals, potential risks include:

Prolonged redness

Infection

Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (especially in darker skin tones)

Scarring (rare but possible)

✅ Results

You’ll begin to see improvement in:

Texture & tone within 2–4 weeks

Fine lines & scars over 1–3 months

Collagen stimulation continues for up to 6 months

One treatment may be enough for some; others may need a series.

Choosing a qualified professional is vital for safety and optimal results.

Not everybody is an ideal candidate for fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing — it’s powerful, but not always safe or suitable for everyone. Here’s a clear breakdown:

✅ Good Candidates

Adults with wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, or sun damage

People with fair to medium skin tones (lower risk of pigmentation issues)

Healthy individuals without conditions that impair healing

Those willing to follow strict aftercare & sun protection

⚠️ Caution or Not Suitable For

Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) → higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (though an experienced provider may adjust settings safely)

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals → not recommended

Anyone with active acne, infections, or open wounds in the treatment area

People with recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use → must wait at least 6–12 months

Patients with keloid or hypertrophic scar history → risk of abnormal healing

Those with uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, immune suppression, bleeding disorders)

Heavy smokers → slower healing, reduced results

👉 In short: most healthy adults can benefit, but not everyone should have it. A consultation with a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic Practitioner is essential to assess skin type, history, and risks.

✅ When It’s Worth It

You want dramatic improvement in skin texture, tone, and firmness.

You have acne scars, deep wrinkles, or sun damage that milder treatments can’t fix.

You’re okay with 5–7 days of downtime (redness, peeling, crusting).

You want long-lasting results — often visible for years with good skincare and sun protection.

⚖️ What to Consider

It’s not a “lunchtime” treatment — downtime is real.

Results are significant, but usually need a series of sessions.

Darker skin tones may have a higher risk of pigmentation changes (needs a skilled provider).

❌ Not Ideal If

You only want a light refresh (chemical peels, microneedling, or non-ablative lasers may be enough).

You can’t take time off for healing.

You have certain medical or skin conditions (needs consultation first).

👉 In short: Fractional CO₂ is one of the most effective anti-aging and scar treatments available. If you’re seeking real, long-term skin rejuvenation and are okay with downtime + cost, most patients find it very worth it.

The downtime for a CO₂ fractional laser treatment depends on the intensity of the procedure, your skin type, and how well you follow aftercare. Here’s a breakdown:

🕒 Typical Downtime for CO₂ Fractional Laser:

Treatment Depth Downtime What Happens

Light (superficial) 3–5 days Mild redness, dry skin, light flaking. Makeup after ~2 days.

Moderate 5–7 days Redness, swelling, bronzing, peeling. Skin looks sunburned.

Deep / Fully Ablative 7–14 days Significant redness, swelling, crusting. Strict aftercare. Makeup ~10–14 days.

🔄 Recovery Timeline (Typical for Moderate Treatment):

🧭 Day-by-Day Guide:

Day 1: Skin feels hot, tight, swollen. Redness. Oozing may occur.

Day 2–3: Swelling continues, bronzing or grid marks appear.

Day 4–5: Skin starts to peel or flake off.

Day 6–7: New pink skin emerges underneath; redness still visible.

Week 2+: Redness gradually fades; can wear makeup/sunscreen.

⚠️ Important Aftercare

No sun exposure for at least 4 weeks.

Use gentle cleanser, thermal water sprays, and healing ointments (e.g. Aquaphor or Cicaplast).

Avoid exfoliating, makeup, or active skincare (retinoids, acids) until cleared.

Keep skin moisturized and avoid touching/picking.

Use high-SPF sunscreen daily once allowed.

💡Tips:

Most people plan 1–2 weeks off from events or work if having moderate to deep treatment.

Results often appear after 3–4 weeks, with full collagen remodeling over 3–6 months.

You may need 1–3 sessions, depending on your skin goals (wrinkles, acne scars, texture, etc.).

A post treatment kit will be given to you after your treatment to be taken home and use.

After treatments like CO₂ laser, microneedling, or chemical peels, it’s important to support healing with gentle, hydrating, and protective skincare. Medik8’s post-treatment products are designed to reduce irritation, restore the barrier, and keep skin comfortable.

🗓️ Medik8 Post-Treatment Plan (Days 0–14)

1. Cleanse Gently

Product: Calmwise™ Soothing Cleanser

Use morning and night with lukewarm water. This ultra-mild, calming cleanser helps reduce redness and won’t disrupt healing skin.

2. Hydrate + Soothe

Product: Hydr8™ B5 Serum

Apply 2–3 drops to damp skin after cleansing to boost hydration and relieve tightness.

3. Repair Barrier

Product: Ultimate Recovery™ or Ultimate Recovery Intense

A rich healing cream that calms irritation, locks in moisture, and speeds up skin recovery. Apply generously after serum.

4. Protect from Sun

Product: Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+

Once your skin has closed (usually after 3–5 days), use a high SPF daily. Medik8’s mineral sunscreen is gentle and non-irritating.

⚠️ Avoid for 10–14 Days:

Retinoids (e.g. Crystal Retinal)

Acids (AHA/BHA)

Vitamin C serums

Makeup (until skin is no longer peeling)

⚠️ Important Information: Risks, Reactions & Client Responsibility

At High Grade House, we are committed to delivering safe, high-quality treatments in line with industry best practices. However, it is important to understand that all cosmetic and laser procedures carry inherent risks, and individual results and healing responses can vary.

🔹 Potential Side Effects & Reactions

Redness, swelling, heat, or tenderness

Scabbing or crusting

Blistering

Bruising

Temporary or permanent changes in skin pigmentation

Mild to moderate discomfort during or after treatment

Risk of infection if aftercare is not followed properly

In rare cases, scarring or keloid formation

These responses are considered a normal part of the healing process for some individuals.

🔹 Disclosure of Medical History

Clients must disclose their full and accurate medical history before treatment. This includes any changes in medication, skin conditions, recent sun exposure, or underlying health issues. Failure to provide accurate information may increase the risk of complications and affects your eligibility for treatment.

🔹 Aftercare Is Essential

You will be provided with full aftercare instructions. Following these guidelines is your responsibility and is critical to reducing risks and supporting proper healing.

🔹 Informed Consent

By proceeding with any treatment at High Grade House, you confirm that:

You have been informed of the potential risks and side effects

You understand the importance of following aftercare advice

You accept that no treatment is without risk and that results may vary

You have had the opportunity to ask questions prior to your appointment

If you have any concerns before or after your treatment, we encourage you to contact us directly for support.

Fractional CO₂ Laser Price List

Full Face Ablation (Once per year) – £500

Eye Rejuvenation (fractional) – £300

Face & Neck Rejuvenation (single session) – £800

Face & Neck Rejuvenation (course of 3 sessions) – £1500

Free Consultation

Before your treatment, we offer a FREE CONSULTATION to assess your skin type, discuss your goals, and create a personalized facial plan tailored to your specific needs.