Skin treatments
Laser Skin Resurfacing in London: A Complete, Doctor-Led Guide
How fractional CO2 and other resurfacing lasers actually work, what they treat, the real recovery timeline, who is and isn’t a good candidate, safety on darker skin tones, and what a course costs in London.
By Fatemeh, Founder & Lead Practitioner, Levirgo Aesthetics Clinic 17 min read
Reviewed December 2025 
How laser skin resurfacing works
A resurfacing laser delivers energy at a wavelength absorbed by water in the skin. That energy either removes a thin layer of tissue (ablative) or heats it without removing it (non-ablative). Modern devices are usually fractional — they treat thousands of tiny columns and leave healthy skin in between, which speeds healing while still driving a strong wound-healing and collagen response over the following weeks.
- Immediate effect: damaged surface cells and superficial pigment are cleared or coagulated.
- Weeks 2–12: fibroblasts lay down new collagen and elastin; texture, tone and firmness improve progressively.
- Months 3–6: remodelling continues; scars and deeper lines keep softening.
Fractional ≠ weak
“Fractional” describes the pattern, not the strength. A fractional CO2 laser set at treatment settings is a genuine medical procedure with real downtime — very different from a low-energy “laser facial”.
The main types, compared
| Type | Best for | Downtime | Sessions | Indicative London price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 (ablative) | Deep texture, acne scars, advanced sun damage, fine-to-moderate lines | 5–7 days visible healing | 1–2 | £600–£1,500 / session |
| Fractional erbium (ablative, gentler) | Milder texture and tone, thinner-skinned areas | 3–5 days | 1–3 | £500–£1,200 / session |
| Non-ablative fractional (e.g. 1540/1927 nm) | Fine lines, mild scarring, tone; low downtime | 1–3 days pinkness | 3–4 | £350–£700 / session |
| Picosecond / Q-switched (resurfacing mode) | Pigment, mild texture, safer on some darker tones | Minimal | 3–6 | £250–£500 / session |
Prices vary with device, area and practitioner seniority; your quote is confirmed after assessment.
What laser resurfacing treats well — and what it doesn’t
Responds well
- Rough, uneven texture and enlarged-looking pores
- Fine and moderate static lines, especially around the mouth and eyes
- Sun damage: mottled tone, dullness, some brown patches
- Atrophic acne scars (rolling and boxcar) and some surgical scars
- Overall dermal firmness and “crepiness”
Manages partially or needs other treatments
- Deep wrinkles and significant laxity — better addressed with, or alongside, HIFU/RF or surgery
- Ice-pick acne scars — often need subcision or TCA CROSS as well
- Melasma — laser can worsen it if mishandled; a cautious, pigment-focused plan is essential
- Active acne, rosacea flares or broken capillaries — treat or settle these first
Are you a good candidate?
The best candidates have realistic goals, can commit to downtime and sun protection, and have no active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area.
Tell your practitioner if any of these apply
Recent isotretinoin (roaccutane) use, a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, cold sores (prophylaxis is usually needed), autoimmune or connective-tissue disease, immunosuppression, pregnancy or breastfeeding, a recent tan, or a tendency to post-inflammatory pigmentation. Any of these changes the plan — they don’t always rule treatment out.
Darker skin tones
Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI can be treated, but the margin for error is smaller. Aggressive ablative CO2 carries a meaningful risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Safer routes include conservative non-ablative settings, picosecond devices, a priming phase with pigment-suppressing skincare, and always a test patch two to four weeks before a full treatment.
The recovery timeline (ablative fractional)
- Day 0
Skin feels hot and sunburn-like for a few hours. Swelling begins. You apply a bland occlusive ointment and keep the skin moist.
- Days 1–3
Peak swelling (especially around the eyes), redness, a bronzed “sandpaper” texture. Sleep slightly elevated, cool compresses, gentle cleansing, frequent moisturiser.
- Days 4–7
Old skin flakes away to reveal pink, new skin. Most people are presentable with mineral make-up by day 5–7.
- Weeks 2–6
Pinkness fades. Texture and tone visibly improve. Strict SPF and no direct sun.
- Weeks 6–12+
Collagen remodelling delivers the “glow” and continued scar/line softening. A second session, if planned, is usually 8–12 weeks later.
Illustrative — the proportion of the final visible improvement that has typically appeared by each point after a single ablative session.
Which laser is right for your skin?
Book a complimentary assessment. We’ll check your skin type and concern, explain the realistic result and downtime, and give you a written plan and price.
Aftercare that protects your result
- Keep the skin moist with the recommended ointment; do not let it dry and crust.
- Do not pick or exfoliate — let flaking happen on its own.
- No make-up until the practitioner clears it (usually day 5–7); then mineral only.
- Absolute sun avoidance for two weeks, then daily SPF 50 and a hat.
- Pause retinoids, acids and scrubs for two weeks; restart gradually.
- Take any prescribed antiviral prophylaxis exactly as directed.
- Attend your review so healing and results can be checked and the plan adjusted.
Risks and how a good clinic minimises them
| Risk | How it’s minimised |
|---|---|
| Prolonged redness | Appropriate settings, sun avoidance, time; usually self-resolving |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Skin-type-appropriate settings, priming skincare, test patch, strict SPF |
| Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal) | Sterile technique, antiviral prophylaxis, prompt review if worsening |
| Scarring | Conservative settings, avoiding treatment over active inflammation, careful aftercare |
| Under-treatment / disappointing result | Correct device and settings for the concern; realistic goal-setting at consultation |
What it costs in London
For most people the honest comparison is: one ablative session (higher upfront cost, more downtime, bigger single result) versus a course of non-ablative sessions (lower per-session cost, minimal downtime, result built gradually).
| Approach | Typical outlay | Downtime total | Repeat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ablative fractional — single session | £600–£1,500 | 5–7 days | Optional 2nd at 8–12 weeks; then 2–5 years |
| Ablative fractional — two sessions | £1,100–£2,600 | 2 × 5–7 days | Then 2–5 years |
| Non-ablative fractional — course of 3–4 | £1,000–£2,400 | 3–4 × 1–3 days pinkness | Annual maintenance |
Consultation is complimentary and redeemable. Prescription antivirals, if needed, are additional.
How Levirgo approaches laser resurfacing
- Doctor-led assessment of skin type, concern and downtime tolerance before any device is chosen.
- Test patching for higher-risk skin types, and a priming phase where indicated.
- Antiviral prophylaxis and a written aftercare plan for every ablative treatment.
- Itemised pricing in writing; no pressure to book on the day.
- CQC-registered premises in Knightsbridge with a 24-hour aftercare contact and a scheduled review.
Frequently asked questions
How much does laser skin resurfacing cost in London?
A single full-face ablative fractional session is roughly £600–£1,500. A course of 3–4 non-ablative sessions is about £1,000–£2,400. The right choice depends on your skin, your concern and how much downtime you can take.
How long is the recovery?
After ablative fractional resurfacing, expect 3–7 days of visible healing — redness, swelling, then light flaking — before you are make-up-ready. Pinkness fades over two to six weeks. Non-ablative treatments usually mean only one to three days of mild pinkness.
How long do the results last?
The improvement is long-lasting because it is built from new collagen. With diligent daily SPF and sun avoidance, results from ablative resurfacing typically last two to five years; non-ablative results are maintained with an annual session.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, with the right approach. Aggressive ablative CO2 carries a real risk of pigment change on Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin, so we use conservative or non-ablative settings, a priming phase, a test patch, and strict sun protection. A consultation will confirm the safest plan for you.
Does it hurt?
Ablative treatments are done with strong topical anaesthetic and sometimes cooling or nerve blocks; most people describe heat and prickling rather than pain. Non-ablative sessions feel like brief hot pinpricks. Mild sunburn-like discomfort for a few hours afterwards is normal.
Can laser resurfacing treat acne scars?
It is one of the most effective treatments for atrophic (rolling and boxcar) acne scars. Ice-pick scars usually need additional techniques such as subcision or TCA CROSS. Active acne should be controlled first.
What is the difference between a “laser facial” and resurfacing?
A “laser facial” is typically a low-energy treatment for glow and mild redness with no downtime and modest results. True resurfacing uses treatment-level settings that create controlled injury and require aftercare — with correspondingly larger results.
How many sessions will I need?
Ablative fractional often achieves the goal in one session, sometimes two spaced 8–12 weeks apart. Non-ablative fractional is a course of three to four. Deeper scarring may need more.
What can’t I do before and after?
Avoid sun and sunbeds and any tan before treatment; stop retinoids and acids for a week or two beforehand and after; no picking or exfoliating during healing; and no make-up until cleared. Follow any antiviral prophylaxis exactly.
Who should not have laser resurfacing?
Treatment is generally deferred for recent isotretinoin use, active skin infection or inflammation in the area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and a recent tan. A history of keloid scarring, autoimmune disease or frequent cold sores needs to be discussed but does not always rule it out.
Levirgo Aesthetics Clinic · Knightsbridge
Plan your resurfacing with a doctor-led team
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Sources & further reading
This article is general information about laser skin resurfacing and is not medical advice. Suitability, results, downtime and risks vary with skin type, device and individual factors and can only be assessed in a personal consultation with test patching where appropriate. Prices are indicative London ranges for 2026 and are confirmed in writing after assessment.