CO2 laser skin resurfacing improves:

• Acne scarring and uneven skin texture
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve the appearance of certain types of surgical scar
• Overall skin tone and the appearance of photoaged (sun-damaged) skin

CO2 laser can also be used to treat:

• Sun damage, including actinic (solar) keratoses
• Benign skin growths on the skin including seborrhoeic keratoses (benign warts), skin tags, benign moles, xanthelasma (cholesterol deposits around the eyelids, syringomas and sebaceous hyperplasia (small benign bumps, often on the face)
• Rhinophyma (thickened, enlarged skin of the nose)

What’s involved: Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic where needed, and the depth of treatment is tailored to the area and condition — from a light, fractional approach with minimal downtime, to a more focused treatment for a specific lesion. Most sessions take between 15 and 60 minutes depending on the area treated.

Recovery: Some redness, swelling and crusting or scabbing is normal after treatment, typically settling over one to two weeks, though this varies with treatment depth. Diligent sun protection and aftercare are important for the best result and to reduce the risk of complications.

Dr Wright will discuss during your consultation whether CO2 laser is suitable for you, the expected number of sessions, likely downtime and aftercare, and the cost involved. CO2 laser is not suitable for everyone — for example, those with a history of keloid scarring, active skin infection, certain skin types and medications — and this will be assessed before treatment is agreed.

How much does CO2 laser treatment cost in Bath?
Cost depends on the size and number of areas treated and is confirmed at consultation. Pricing is competitive for dermatologist delivered laser treatment and starts at £350 for benign lesions, and £500 for fractional treatments.

Does CO2 laser treatment hurt?
Local or topical (cream) anaesthetic is used where needed, so treatment itself is generally well tolerated; some stinging or heat is normal during and shortly after the procedure.

How long is recovery after CO2 laser treatment?
It depends on the treatment. For most treatments most people have some redness, swelling and sometimes crusting within the first week. For deeper treatments the redness may persist for longer but can usually be concealed after 7 days once the skin barrier is intact (even for deep laser resurfacing).

Is CO2 laser available on the NHS?
CO2 laser treatment for cosmetic resurfacing and benign lesion removal is a private (self funded) treatment. There are few indications which are still funded by the NHS and this can be discussed at consultation.

Who performs the laser treatment?
Dr Beth Wright (Consultant Dermatologist) completes the laser treatment herself, after prior consultation.