Fine lines & rough texture
Fractional resurfacing can be used to improve skin texture and selected fine lines by stimulating a wound-healing and collagen-remodelling response.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · Dermatology
Fractionated CO2 Laser in Malta
Fractionated CO2 Laser is a resurfacing treatment used to improve selected acne scars, fine lines, sun damage and uneven skin texture. The laser creates controlled microscopic treatment zones so the surrounding untreated skin can support healing while collagen remodelling continues beneath the surface.
Acne scarsFine linesSun damageAround 30 minutes7–10 day healing
What Fractionated CO2 Laser treats
Resurfacing is about texture, scarring and photo-damage—not just one skin concern.
Fractionated CO2 Laser can be used for skin rejuvenation, fine lines, acne or selected surgical scars, and pigmentation associated with sun damage.
Acne & selected surgical scars
Controlled resurfacing can soften the appearance of certain scars over time, although the degree of improvement depends on scar type and depth.
Sun damage & uneven pigmentation
Sun damage, age spots and selected areas of hyperpigmentation may also be considered for treatment after assessment.
How fractional resurfacing works
The laser treats microscopic columns of skin rather than removing the entire surface uniformly.
Fractionating the beam leaves surrounding areas untreated, which supports re-epithelialisation while the treated columns trigger controlled resurfacing and collagen remodelling.
Microscopic treatment zones
CO2 laser energy is delivered in a fractional pattern, creating thousands of small controlled columns in the skin. Damaged surface tissue is resurfaced while heat in deeper layers stimulates a repair response and new collagen formation.
Why healing is staged
Redness, swelling, dryness and peeling occur as the surface repairs. Improvement in texture can start earlier than the deeper collagen changes.
Why results continue
Fuller improvement can continue developing for around 3–6 months because collagen remodelling continues after the initial surface healing.
Assessment & suitability
Intensity should match the concern, skin type and acceptable downtime.
Before resurfacing, the clinician assesses the concern being treated, skin type, previous pigmentation problems, active acne or infection, medications and other factors that may affect healing.
Who may be suitable
Patients with signs of ageing, sun damage or scarring may be suitable, provided the skin is appropriate for resurfacing.
When treatment may be postponed
Active acne, skin infection or certain active skin conditions may mean treatment should be delayed until the skin is stable.
Skin type matters
Post-inflammatory pigmentation is a recognised consideration, particularly in more pigment-prone skin, so assessment and aftercare are important.
Treatment course
Around 1–3 sessions may be recommended depending on the concern, treatment depth and individual response.
Procedure & recovery
The surface heals first; collagen remodelling continues for months.
A typical session takes around 30 minutes. Topical numbing cream may be used, and the early recovery phase can include redness, swelling, dryness and peeling.
Before treatment
The skin is assessed and prepared. Topical anaesthetic may be applied to reduce treatment discomfort.
Laser session
Fractionated CO2 energy is delivered over the selected area. Treatment typically takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Days 1–5
Redness and swelling are expected. Dryness, tightness or peeling can develop as the treated surface begins to repair.
Days 7–10
Surface healing usually takes around 7–10 days. Makeup is generally delayed until the skin has healed sufficiently.
Following months
Texture and tone continue to refine as collagen remodelling progresses beneath the surface.
Results & expectations
The early glow and the final collagen result happen on different timelines.
Initial improvement may be seen within 1–2 weeks, with fuller benefits becoming clearer over approximately 3–6 months.
1–2 weeks
As the skin heals, texture and tone may begin to look smoother and more even.
3–6 months
Collagen continues to remodel, so scar texture and fine lines may continue improving after the visible peeling phase has ended.
Long-term maintenance
Ageing and sun exposure continue. Maintenance treatment and consistent sun protection may help preserve the improvement.
Prices
Fractionated CO2 Laser prices
Treatment prices are shown below.
One Session€250–€300
3-Session Package€600–€800
Aesthetic physician
Meet the clinician involved in your care.
Your consultation is an important part of treatment planning, allowing the procedure, expected response, recovery and individual suitability to be discussed before proceeding.
Aesthetic Physician
Dr Frank Farrugia
MD, MRCP, M.Sc Health SciencesDr Frank Farrugia provides assessment and treatment planning for patients considering Fractionated CO2 Laser at St Mary's Clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Fractionated CO2 Laser.
Find answers to common questions below. Your consultation will confirm suitability, expected recovery and the treatment plan for your skin.
01Is Fractionated CO2 Laser painful?
Topical numbing cream is commonly used. Patients may still feel heat, tingling or a burning sensation during treatment.
02How long does the treatment take?
A typical session takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
03How much downtime should I expect?
Redness and swelling may be present for several days, while full surface healing generally takes approximately 7–10 days.
04How many sessions are usually needed?
Approximately 1–3 sessions may be recommended, with the treatment plan tailored to the concern and response.
05Can I return to work immediately?
Some patients return after a few days, but visible redness or peeling can persist and makeup is generally avoided during the early healing phase.
06Can pigmentation occur after treatment?
Yes. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a recognised possible side effect, particularly in more pigment-prone skin, which is why assessment and sun protection matter.