What should you know about CO2 fractional ablative laser?

A fractional pattern separates treated columns with untreated skin. “Ablative” means the laser removes part of the surface in those columns rather than only warming it. As the skin repairs, new tissue and collagen can improve selected scars, lines, and uneven texture.

Treatment can leave redness, swelling, warmth, pinpoint bleeding, crusting, and peeling. The depth and density of the pattern influence both the expected change and the healing period. See [CO2 Laser](/technology/co2-laser/) for the technology and [CO2 Laser Resurfacing](/treatments/laser-and-energy/co2-laser-resurfacing/) for the treatment context.

Before treatment, discuss your skin tone, recent tanning, cold sores, active infection, eczema, acne, medicines, and previous pigment or scar reactions. Your clinician should explain eye protection, anaesthesia or numbing, wound care, and how the settings match your goal.

During healing, cleanse and moisturise as instructed, avoid rubbing or removing crusts, keep hands away from the area, and protect the skin from sun. Do not restart strong exfoliants or retinoids until the clinician confirms that the barrier has recovered. [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/) may use a different energy type or recovery plan.

Report increasing pain, spreading redness, worsening swelling, pus, fever, or clusters of blisters to the treating clinic. Urgent help is needed for eye pain or visual symptoms, rapidly expanding swelling, or breathing difficulty.

Ask what depth and density will be used, which concern is being targeted, how your skin tone changes the risk of pigment alteration, what normal healing looks like, and who to contact outside clinic hours if the skin worsens.