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CO₂ laser and fractional laser

Are you considering laser treatment for your face to improve your skin’s texture? At The Faculty, you’ll meet specialists who will guide you through an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment using modern laser techniques. All with a strong focus on medical safety, proven methods and your individual circumstances.

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What is a fractional CO2 laser?

Technically speaking, a CO₂ laser (carbon dioxide laser) is a beam of light that is absorbed by the water in the skin’s cells. When we talk about a fractional CO2 laser, this means that the laser beam is split up (‘fractionalised’) into thousands of tiny dots. Instead of removing the entire skin surface in one go, small bridges of untreated skin are left between the laser dots. This allows the skin to heal significantly faster than with a fully ablative (full-coverage) treatment, whilst the heat that penetrates into the dermis strongly stimulates the fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin over time.

Our laser and skin rejuvenation treatments

To achieve a result that blends seamlessly with your skin, we use different types of laser technology depending on what is medically appropriate. The choice between an ablative laser and a non-ablative laser depends entirely on your aesthetic goals and how much time you have for recovery.

Fractional CO₂ laser

This advanced fractional laser treatment creates thousands of microscopic, pinpoint heat channels in the skin whilst leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. This stimulates the body’s natural healing processes and is a very common method when seeking a fractional laser treatment for wrinkles or to smooth out superficial textures.

Ablative laser

A more intensive and in-depth method. An ablative laser vaporises the outermost layers of the skin with extreme precision. This is often used for more extensive facial skin rejuvenation. The healing time is longer, but the method often produces very clear anatomical results.

Non-ablative laser

A gentler laser treatment for the skin that delivers heat beneath the skin’s surface without affecting or vaporising the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). This results in a significantly shorter recovery time, but generally requires more sessions to achieve the desired effect.

Treatment of specific areas

In addition to standard CO₂ laser treatment on the face, we also offer CO₂ laser treatment on the neck and hands to achieve a consistent skin texture across several adjacent areas.

Gentle approach

Whether we use an ablative laser or a fractional CO₂ laser, our specialists work with precise settings to minimise surgical or thermal trauma to your tissue. A gentle approach is absolutely crucial for reducing unnecessary bleeding, minimising swelling and promoting safer healing following your facial laser treatment. By precisely adjusting the laser’s intensity to suit your skin’s thickness and condition, we ensure that your skin’s natural barrier is respected throughout your skin rejuvenation treatment.

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A clinic full of expertise

Undergoing a powerful laser skin rejuvenation treatment is a significant step that requires the practitioner to have a thorough understanding of anatomy. At The Faculty, we do not chase passing trends; instead, we base our practice on evidence. You will have access to specialists and qualified staff with extensive experience of both fractional laser and traditional CO2 laser treatments in Stockholm. Our clinic is underpinned by medical expertise. We guide you carefully through the choice of laser intensity, method and expected healing process, so that you have all the information you need to feel completely confident before giving your consent.

Price of a CO₂ laser

The cost of a facial laser treatment depends on the size of the area being treated, the type of laser used and the intensity of the treatment. Whether you’re looking for the cost of a fractional laser treatment or an ablative laser treatment, you’ll always receive a transparent quote during your consultation.

Full face laser peeling

SEK 45,000

Laser peeling part of the face

SEK 25 000

Skin grinding

18,000 SEK

Consultation

600 SEK

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Consultation before your operation

The first and most important step is a thorough consultation. During the appointment, we analyse your skin type and skin elasticity, and go through your medical history. We will discuss openly what results are realistic with a laser for facial rejuvenation. You will receive information on how to prepare and exactly how a CO2 laser treatment in Stockholm is carried out.

You will receive a specific treatment proposal based on your body. After the appointment, you will have a statutory reflection period of at least 7 days to decide in peace and quiet whether you want to give your consent.

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The Evolution of You

CO₂ laser
Step by step

To make sure you know exactly what to expect, we have a very clear process from the first meeting to the final check.

Consultation

Medical assessment and choice of method

We will assess the current condition of your skin and discuss your goals. Together, we will decide whether a fractional laser, an ablative treatment, or another clinic-based skin rejuvenation treatment is the most suitable option.

Before your procedure

Preparing for a safe operation

Depending on your skin type, you may be advised to prepare your skin by using specific creams for a few weeks. It is absolutely essential that you avoid sun exposure and do not have a tan before your appointment.

The day of treatment

Safe care at the clinic

At the clinic, a strong numbing cream is applied to the area to be treated, and for deeper treatments we may also use a local anaesthetic or pain relief for your comfort. The laser treatment itself usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

After treatment

Awakening and initial rest

Immediately after an ablative or fractional laser treatment on the face, the skin feels very hot, similar to a severe sunburn. The area will be red and swollen. We will provide you with specific ointments to keep the skin barrier intact and moisturised during the initial healing phase.

Recovery & healing

Self-care and convalescence guidelines

During the first few days, the skin may ooze fluid before starting to peel. You must not under any circumstances peel off the flaky skin. This phase requires plenty of moisturiser and extreme caution in the sun. Using a high sun protection factor (SPF 50) daily is an absolute must to prevent pigmentation.

Monitoring & results

Medical check-up and final assessment

We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to closely monitor how your skin is healing. During this appointment, we’ll assess the healing process and discuss your future skincare routine to maximise the benefits of your skin rejuvenation treatment.

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Results with a CO₂ laser

How well the skin responds to a laser treatment for wrinkles or structural irregularities depends on the body’s own healing capacity and how closely you follow the aftercare advice. Before and after images of CO2 laser or fractional laser treatments should be viewed as anatomical illustrations, never as a guarantee of your own results. Laser skin treatment is a process. It is important to understand that the skin will initially be affected. Only once the initial flaking and redness have subsided does the body’s collagen production begin to increase, and the final result of a fractional CO2 laser is often only visible after three to six months.

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Our specialists

At The Faculty, a hand-picked team of doctors and nurses with cutting-edge expertise in medical skincare and laser technology is on hand. Every procedure is carried out using advanced equipment by qualified staff with extensive clinical experience. This forms the basis for your medical safety and professional care.

Who is eligible for laser skin rejuvenation?

To undergo laser treatment on the face, you must be over 18 years of age, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and not have any active infections or certain skin conditions (such as active herpes) in the treatment area. Certain laser techniques are more suitable for lighter skin types, as darker skin tones are at a higher risk of pigmentation changes when exposed to intense heat. During your consultation, a thorough medical assessment of your Fitzpatrick skin type will be carried out to determine the safest method.

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Potential risks associated with a CO₂ laser

As with all medical and cosmetic treatments, there are risks to consider. Side effects of laser treatment on the face almost always include temporary redness, significant swelling and a burning sensation during the first few days. More specific CO2 laser risks (and fractional laser side effects) include hyperpigmentation (dark patches) or hypopigmentation (light patches), which is why sun protection is so incredibly crucial. Infection or scarring may also occur, particularly if you pick at the skin during the peeling phase. We will provide you with detailed information on the medical measures we take to prevent CO2 laser side effects.

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Other treatments

For patients who are unable to set aside the recovery time required by a CO₂ laser, or whose skin type is not suitable for the treatment, we offer several other evidence-based alternatives. These may include medical chemical peels, microneedling, skin boosters or injectable treatments to address skin texture and volume loss in various ways.

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Our clinics at Hanko Road and Humlegårdsgatan

Our clinics

The Faculty combines medical safety with a welcoming environment. Our state-of-the-art clinic at Hangövägen 20 is one of the few plastic surgery clinics in Sweden that is built to proper hospital standards. For skin care and injection treatments, you are welcome to visit our walk-in clinic at Humlegårdsgatan 14 in central Stockholm. All operations are based on medical expertise and proven experience to offer a safe process from the first visit to the last follow-up.

Payment guarantee and insurance

We make a point of being completely transparent about all financial aspects of your treatment. The price quoted for your fractional laser or ablative laser treatment always includes the treatment itself, any anaesthesia required, and your follow-up appointments. You are, of course, covered by patient insurance when you receive treatment with us. For those who wish to finance their treatment, we offer flexible instalment payment solutions through our established partners.

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Why have laser treatment on your face?

There are many reasons for seeking treatment with a CO₂ laser, and these are highly personal. Over time, the skin’s elasticity, volume and structure change naturally, which can manifest as fine lines, loss of firmness or an uneven skin texture. Many patients choose a fractional CO2 laser to work in depth with the skin’s own regenerative process and stimulate collagen production. It is a matter of your personal choice and how you wish to care for your skin through the different stages of life. We focus on listening to your specific wishes to design a realistic plan based entirely on your skin’s unique qualities and anatomy, without making promises about specific emotional outcomes.

Frequently asked questions about laser treatment

Frequently asked questions about facial laser treatment

How long is the recovery time after a fractional laser treatment?

The healing time depends on the depth and intensity of the treatment. Following a fractional laser skin treatment, the skin is usually intensely red, swollen and flaky for around 5 to 7 days. Following a deeper, ablative treatment, the initial recovery period can take up to two weeks.

Does a CO2 laser treatment hurt?

The experience of pain varies from person to person, but the treatment itself can feel intense. We always apply a strong numbing cream beforehand, and if necessary we also use a local anaesthetic. Afterwards, the sensation is often described as a very severe sunburn that feels hot, which usually subsides within 24 hours.

Does a CO2 laser help with blackheads and large pores?

A CO₂ laser primarily works by tightening the tissue and smoothing out the skin’s texture. This tightening effect can cause large pores to contract, making them appear less visible. Although it is not a treatment specifically for blackheads, many people report a smoother skin surface with a finer texture afterwards.

Can I treat my throat and hands?

Yes, that’s perfectly fine. We often perform CO2 laser treatments on the neck and hands. However, the skin in these areas is thinner than on the face, so we adjust the laser intensity accordingly to ensure a safe healing process without the risk of scarring.

How many sessions are required for laser skin rejuvenation?

This depends on the condition of your skin and whether we use an ablative or non-ablative method. With a powerful ablative peel, a single treatment is often enough to see a marked difference. If we opt for a fractional laser, a course of 2–3 sessions at intervals of a few months is sometimes recommended for optimal results.

What are the most common side effects following laser treatment?

The most common and entirely expected reactions are severe redness, swelling, weeping skin and flaking. Among the more serious medical risks (which we work hard to avoid) is hyperpigmentation (the skin becoming darker), which occurs almost exclusively if the skin is exposed to UV radiation during the healing phase.

What is the actual difference between ablative and fractional lasers?

The difference lies in how much of the skin’s surface is treated. An ablative laser removes 100–300% of the top layer of skin across the entire treated area. A fractional laser treats only a certain percentage of the skin (often 15–30%) through tiny microscopic channels, resulting in a faster healing process but sometimes requiring more treatments to achieve the same deep-acting results.

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The Evolution Of You, Guided by Science