Skin Rejuvenation

The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the treatment area. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to mild sunburn or a warm prickling feeling during treatment.

Topical anaesthetic may be used to enhance comfort, but we recommend the more natural the better as the skin heals much faster and the results are better.

After treatment, the skin typically feels warm and tight for 24-48 hours.

Immediately post-treatment you can expect redness, similar to sunburn. Over several days the skin may:

• Appear flushed
• Feel tight or dry
• Develop light swelling
• Form mild flaking or micro-crusting after a few days

As the superficial damaged layers shed, new skin emerges. Collagen remodelling continues internally for several months, with progressive improvement in tone and texture.

Most people return to normal activity within a few days, depending on the intensity settings used.

As with all energy-based resurfacing procedures, side effects can occur. These are usually temporary and self-limiting:

• Redness (erythema)
• Swelling (oedema)
• Dryness and flaking
• Mild itching
• Temporary darkening or lightening of pigmentation
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Rarely: infection, prolonged redness, delayed healing, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Strict aftercare and sun protection are essential to minimise complications.

A course of treatment is usually 5 sessions. The intensity of the treatment varies depending on your skin type and degree of surface damage. Another course may be recommended for larger surface areas or stubborn areas in need of healing.

Each session is around 30 minutes long.

You need 4-6 weeks between each treatment to allow your skin to heal properly, regrow new collagen and replenish the new skin underneath the old, damaged skin surface.

How well you look after your skin before and after your appointment is very important, so we will advise you on the right treatment options to suit your needs.

Preparation directly influences your outcome. CO2 fractional laser works by triggering a controlled healing response. If your skin barrier is compromised, inflamed, dehydrated or hormonally stressed, results are slower and risks increase.

Here is exactly what we expect before treatment:

• Hydrate properly - inside and out. Use a high-quality moisturiser consistently for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and increase your daily water intake.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning. No sunbeds, sun holidays or deliberate tanning for at least 2 weeks before or after treatment.
• No fake tan. Self-tan products must be completely removed before treatment.
• Arrive with clean skin. No make-up, skincare products, SPF, perfume or topical creams on the area being treated.
• Stop retinol and strong acids. Discontinue retinol, prescription vitamin A derivatives and strong exfoliating acids at least 7-10 days before treatment (or longer if advised).
• No active cold sores. Please inform us if you have a history of recurrent cold sores.
• Lifestyle matters. Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high sugar diets and poor sleep can impair wound healing and collagen synthesis.
• Consistent weekly exercise. Optimising circulation and recovery capacity can improve your skin response and healing trajectory.

In short: Hydrated skin + low inflammation + no recent UV exposure + barrier integrity intact = safer treatment and better long-term results.

For safety reasons, VJUVE CO2 fractional laser is not appropriate if you:

• Are pregnant
• Are under 18
• Have had cancer within the last few years
• Have Type 1 diabetes
• Are using skin-thinning medications (including topical or oral steroids)
• Are taking blood thinners
• Have an autoimmune disease
• Have active skin infection in the treatment area
• Have impaired wound healing

A full medical consultation is required prior to treatment to assess suitability and risk factors.