At London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic, we offer one of the most effective treatments for softening lines, minimising wrinkles and rejuvenating ageing skin: fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Using the advanced SmartSkin Performa CO2 system, introduced to the UK and Europe by Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi, our clinic remains a leader in laser-based facial rejuvenation.
CO2 laser resurfacing is widely regarded as one of the most powerful technologies for treating wrinkles because it targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. The laser removes damaged cells while stimulating fresh collagen production, helping to firm the tissue and smooth lines from within. The result is clearer, tighter and more youthful-looking skin with significantly less downtime than traditional ablative resurfacing.
Why Choose CO2 Laser for Wrinkles?
Fine lines and deeper wrinkles develop as collagen levels decrease, skin loses elasticity and the effects of sun exposure accumulate. While creams, peels and light treatments may offer mild improvement, fractional CO2 resurfacing can achieve far more dramatic tightening and smoothing.
The SmartSkin Performa CO2 laser creates microscopic treatment zones that precisely remove damaged surface layers while delivering controlled heat into the dermis. This combination resurfaces uneven areas and triggers intensive collagen remodelling. Over time, this helps reduce the visibility of lines, soften deeper folds and create a firmer, smoother skin texture.
For patients seeking noticeable anti-ageing results without surgery, CO2 laser resurfacing remains one of the most effective options available.
Which Types of Wrinkles Can CO2 Laser Treat?
CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly improve:
- Fine lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)
- Lines around the mouth (perioral lines or smoker’s lines)
- Forehead wrinkles
- Frown lines
- Crepey or lax skin on the lower face
- Early sagging or textural roughness
- Sun-damaged and photoaged skin
- Uneven tone and superficial pigmentation
The treatment is suitable for the face, neck, chest and hands — areas where wrinkles and textural changes appear most visibly.
Before and After photo gallery
How the SmartSkin Performa CO2 Laser Works
The SmartSkin Performa system used at our clinic represents the most advanced generation of fractional CO2 laser technology. Its highly precise scanning pattern allows the doctor to target lines and wrinkles with exceptional accuracy while preserving surrounding tissue, which plays a crucial role in faster, more comfortable healing. This level of control ensures that treatment intensity can be carefully tailored to the depth of ageing, the patient’s skin type and the desired degree of rejuvenation.
The laser works through two key mechanisms. First, it removes microscopic columns of aged or uneven skin, softening visible lines and creating a smoother surface. Second, it delivers controlled heat into the deeper layers, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. Over the following weeks, this renewed collagen gradually tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, leading to firmer and more youthful-looking results. Because the technology is fractional, only tiny columns of skin are treated at a time, allowing the untreated surrounding tissue to accelerate healing and minimise downtime.
Benefits of CO2 Laser Wrinkle Treatment
- Smooths fine lines and reduces deeper wrinkles
- Tightens and firms ageing or sun-damaged skin
- Improves texture, tone and skin quality
- Reduces pigmentation and age-related discolouration
- Stimulates long-lasting collagen regeneration
- Customisable intensity for different skin types and concerns
- Minimal downtime compared to traditional CO2 resurfacing
- Suitable for face, neck, chest and hands
What to Expect During Treatment
Your treatment begins with a consultation with Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi to assess your skin and determine the most appropriate settings. A topical anaesthetic is applied to make the procedure comfortable.
During the session, the laser is passed over the treatment areas using a precise scanning pattern. Patients may feel warmth or prickling, but this is usually well tolerated. Protective eyewear is worn throughout.
Depending on the treatment strength and the areas targeted, sessions typically last between 20 and 45 minutes. Full-face treatments may take up to an hour. Some areas, such as around the eyes or mouth, may be treated individually if the focus is on isolated wrinkles.
Aftercare and Recovery
Most patients experience redness and a warm sensation after treatment, followed by mild swelling. These early effects usually settle within a few days.
During the first week, the skin begins to peel gently as the old surface sheds. Fresh new skin then appears, looking smoother, brighter and more refined. Some residual pinkness can remain for a few weeks while deeper healing continues.
Dr Ayoubi provides detailed aftercare instructions, including gentle cleansing, use of a soothing ointment and avoidance of sun exposure. A diluted water-and-vinegar solution may be recommended during the early healing phase to support the skin’s recovery.
Sunscreen is essential once the skin has healed enough to tolerate it.
When Will I See Results?
Most patients notice an initial improvement once the skin has peeled and the early redness begins to settle, usually within the first one to two weeks. The skin appears fresher and more even during this stage.
From two to six weeks, deeper changes start to take place as collagen production increases. Wrinkles gradually soften, texture improves and the complexion becomes more even.
The most significant results develop between six and twelve weeks, during the peak period of collagen remodelling. Many patients see continued improvement for up to six months as the skin becomes firmer and smoother from within.
For more pronounced wrinkles or extensive sun damage, two or three sessions may be recommended, spaced several months apart.
Is CO2 Laser Safe?
When performed by an experienced specialist, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is considered a very safe and well-established treatment for reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating ageing skin. The SmartSkin Performa system used at our clinic is both FDA-approved and CE-marked, meaning it has passed rigorous testing for accuracy, safety and quality. Its fractional technology allows the doctor to precisely control the depth, density and energy of each laser pulse, treating only microscopic columns of skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This design significantly lowers the risk of complications and supports much faster healing than older, fully ablative CO2 lasers, making it a dependable option for patients seeking effective anti-ageing results.
Temporary effects such as redness, warmth, mild swelling or a sunburn-like sensation are expected during the initial healing phase and typically resolve within a few days. More uncommon side effects, including prolonged redness, pigmentation changes or infection, occur infrequently—especially when the treatment is tailored correctly and proper aftercare is followed. With experienced technique, conservative settings customised to your skin and carefully guided recovery instructions, CO2 resurfacing offers reliable results and a strong safety profile for a wide range of skin types.
Why Choose Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi?
Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi introduced the SmartSkin CO2 laser system to the UK and Europe and has decades of experience treating wrinkles, sun damage and skin ageing with laser technology. He has performed many thousands of procedures and is regarded as one of the most experienced practitioners in fractional CO2 resurfacing.
His approach is highly individualised, with treatment settings carefully selected to suit each patient’s skin type, ageing pattern and goals. Patients travel nationally and internationally to be treated by him for his expertise in advanced anti-ageing laser techniques.
CO2 Laser Wrinkle Treatment – FAQs
How does CO2 laser reduce wrinkles?
CO2 laser treatment reduces wrinkles by gently removing damaged surface skin while delivering controlled heat into the deeper layers where collagen is produced. This dual action smooths uneven texture, softens fine lines and stimulates new collagen to form over time. As the skin heals, it becomes firmer, tighter and more elastic, which naturally minimises the appearance of wrinkles and creases. The fractional nature of the SmartSkin Performa laser allows these improvements to occur with far less downtime than traditional full-field CO2 resurfacing.
Which areas can be treated for wrinkles?
CO2 laser resurfacing can treat wrinkles in many areas commonly affected by ageing, including around the eyes, the forehead, the mouth, the lower face and the chin. It is also highly effective for crepey or sun-damaged skin on the neck, chest and hands. Because the treatment can be adjusted in depth and density, it can target both delicate areas such as the eyelids and more robust areas like the cheeks or jawline, allowing for a comprehensive improvement in overall skin quality.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients find the procedure very tolerable because a topical anaesthetic is applied before the session to numb the skin. During the treatment, patients may feel warmth or a light prickling sensation as the laser energy is delivered, but this is usually manageable. Afterwards, the skin may feel similar to a sunburn, with mild tenderness or heat, which gradually settles over the next few days as the initial healing takes place.
How long is the downtime?
Downtime varies depending on the strength of the treatment and the areas targeted. Most patients experience redness and a warm sensation for several days, followed by gentle peeling as the old skin sheds. Fresh new skin usually appears within a week, although a slight pinkness can persist for a few weeks longer as deeper healing continues. Patients can usually resume normal activities relatively soon, provided they follow aftercare instructions such as avoiding sun exposure and keeping the skin well moisturised.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the wrinkles and the level of rejuvenation desired. Some patients with mild to moderate lines may achieve excellent results with a single treatment, while those with deeper wrinkles or significant sun damage may benefit from two or three sessions. Each session builds on the previous one as collagen production increases, and treatments are typically spaced a few months apart to allow maximum improvement between visits.
When will I see results?
Many patients notice early improvements once the initial redness and peeling have settled, often within the first one to two weeks. The skin begins to look smoother and more refreshed during this stage. More significant results develop gradually between six and twelve weeks as collagen remodelling intensifies beneath the surface. The skin becomes firmer, tighter and more even in tone. Improvements can continue for up to six months, making CO2 resurfacing a powerful long-term anti-ageing solution.
Is CO2 laser wrinkle treatment painful?
Most patients find CO2 laser wrinkle treatment very tolerable because a topical anaesthetic is applied beforehand to numb the skin and minimise discomfort. During the procedure, you may feel warmth or a light prickling sensation as the laser passes over the treatment area, but this is usually manageable and not described as painful. After the session, the skin can feel similar to a mild sunburn—warm, tight or slightly tender—which is a normal part of the early healing phase and typically settles over the next few days. Cooling measures and aftercare instructions are provided to ensure the recovery is as comfortable as possible.
Is CO2 laser safe for wrinkle treatment?
CO2 laser resurfacing is considered a safe and well-established treatment when performed by an experienced specialist. The SmartSkin Performa laser allows precise control over depth and energy levels, reducing the risk of side effects while delivering effective rejuvenation. Temporary redness, mild swelling or peeling are expected and usually resolve quickly. Rare complications, such as pigmentation changes or prolonged redness, are uncommon, especially with correct aftercare and expertly performed treatment.
Can CO2 laser treat deep wrinkles?
Yes, CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for deeper lines, such as vertical lip lines or wrinkles etched into the cheeks. The laser can remove damaged surface cells while stimulating significant collagen production in deeper layers, helping to lift and soften more pronounced creases. For very deep wrinkles, a combination approach may sometimes be recommended, which can be discussed during your consultation.
How long do results last?
The results of CO2 wrinkle treatment are long lasting because the procedure stimulates the production of new collagen, which continues to strengthen and refine the skin for months after treatment. Many patients enjoy smoother, firmer skin for several years, particularly when they follow a good skincare routine, protect their skin from sun exposure and maintain a healthy lifestyle. While the natural ageing process continues, the improvements achieved with CO2 resurfacing remain significant and durable.
Book Your CO2 Laser Wrinkle Consultation
If you would like to smooth fine lines, soften deeper wrinkles and rejuvenate ageing skin, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing offers one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available today. To explore whether this advanced rejuvenation procedure is right for you, we welcome you to book a consultation at London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic and speak directly with our specialist team.
