Consultation
Acne Scar Consultation
Discuss scar type, skin quality, suitability and the considered options that may be appropriate at consultation.
DOCTOR-LED CONSULTATION IN CHELSEA
CO₂ Laser Consultation
Meet with a GMC-registered doctor to assess your skin concerns and determine whether fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing or another treatment approach may be appropriate for your individual needs. During your consultation, your doctor will explain suitability, expected recovery and personalised treatment planning based on your skin assessment.
A £25 consultation deposit applies and is fully redeemable towards treatment or refundable in accordance with the clinic's consultation policy.
- Doctor-led consultation
- Personalised assessment
- Individual treatment planning
- No obligation to proceed
Understanding fractional CO₂ laser
Fractional CO₂ laser is a form of laser skin resurfacing that delivers energy in a controlled pattern of tiny columns, leaving surrounding skin intact between each treated zone. This fractionated approach is intended to encourage the skin's natural healing response over time while typically reducing overall downtime compared with fully ablative resurfacing.
A doctor-led consultation is important because suitability, expected recovery and the most appropriate treatment approach depend on your individual skin, medical history and goals. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for fractional CO₂ laser, and alternative approaches are often discussed. For background reading, our Knowledge Centre covers what to expect at an aesthetic consultation and how to prepare.
Related consultation pathways include Acne Scar Consultation, Skin Rejuvenation Consultation and Collagen Stimulation Consultation, which may be more appropriate depending on your individual concerns.
- GMC Registered Doctor
- Personalised Assessment
- Chelsea Clinic
- No Pressure To Proceed
Skin concerns that may be assessed
A CO₂ laser consultation is an opportunity to discuss the following concerns with a doctor. Whether laser resurfacing is appropriate is decided individually after clinical assessment.
- acne scars
- fine lines
- wrinkles
- uneven skin texture
- sun-damaged skin
- surgical scars
- enlarged pores
- selected benign skin concerns, where clinically appropriate
Booking a consultation does not guarantee that laser resurfacing will be recommended or that you will be considered suitable. Suitability is assessed individually and only after the doctor has reviewed your history, skin and goals.
Why book a CO₂ laser consultation?
Whether fractional CO₂ laser may be appropriate depends on a combination of factors. A dedicated appointment gives that discussion the time it needs.
Skin type and condition
Your skin type, pigmentation history and current skin condition are reviewed as part of the assessment.
Medical history and healing
Medical history, current medications, previous procedures and how your skin tends to heal are all considered.
Downtime and lifestyle
Expected recovery, aftercare and how downtime fits around your work and personal life are discussed openly.
Realistic aesthetic goals
Your goals are discussed alongside what any potential approach can and cannot reasonably achieve.
What happens during your consultation?
Discuss your concerns
You share what you have noticed, your goals and the outcomes you would like to explore.
Review medical history
Relevant medical history, current medications, previous aesthetic procedures and skincare are reviewed together.
Personalised skin assessment
The doctor examines your skin in person, considers texture, tone, pigmentation and previous scarring, and discusses what appears to be contributing to your concerns.
Personalised recommendations
Where appropriate, the doctor discusses whether fractional CO₂ laser may be suitable, or whether another treatment approach may better meet your needs.
Discuss risks and expected recovery
Potential risks, side effects, aftercare and expected recovery are explained clearly so you can consider them in your own time.
Alternative treatment options
Alternatives are discussed where they may be more appropriate, including non-ablative approaches, skincare or referral for further assessment.
Opportunity to ask questions
You are encouraged to ask any questions before deciding whether to proceed. There is no expectation of same-day treatment.
Consultation details
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Unhurried time to discuss your concerns and ask questions.
Doctor-led assessment
Your skin is assessed in person by an experienced GMC-registered doctor.
Written recommendations
Where appropriate, key points from the discussion are summarised for you to take away.
No obligation to proceed
A cooling-off period is encouraged so any decision is made calmly and with full information.
Preparing for your consultation
To help your doctor-led consultation be as useful as possible, please bring:
- a summary of any previous laser, resurfacing or aesthetic procedures, with approximate dates
- your current skincare routine, prescription products and known allergies, if relevant
- details of any medical conditions or medications that may affect the skin or healing
- photographs if you would like to show how your skin has changed over time
- any questions you would like the doctor to answer
Potential benefits and important considerations
Fractional CO₂ laser is discussed at consultation as one of several possible approaches. The information below is intended to give balanced context; whether any of it applies to you depends on individual clinical assessment.
Recovery and treatment planning
Where fractional CO₂ laser is considered appropriate, the doctor discusses personalised recovery planning, including expected healing stages, aftercare guidance, sun protection and follow-up. Recovery timelines vary between individuals and the doctor will explain what may reasonably be expected in your case.
Is fractional CO₂ laser suitable for everyone? No — treatment suitability is determined individually. Assessment may include a skin examination, medical history, skin type, current medications, previous procedures and a discussion of realistic expectations. A consultation helps determine whether fractional CO₂ laser is appropriate or whether another treatment approach may better suit your individual needs.
- no treatment, where that is the most appropriate outcome
- skincare preparation, where relevant
- fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing, where clinically appropriate
- non-ablative laser or light-based approaches, considered in general terms
- staged treatment planning, where appropriate
- referral or further assessment, if that would be more suitable
Suitability is assessed individually during consultation. Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient, and no treatment is required following consultation.
Why patients choose Dr Vahe Clinic
- Doctor-led consultation
- Individualised planning
- Clear discussion of benefits and limitations
- Central Chelsea setting
- No-pressure decision-making
Patient testimonial
★★★★★
Dr Vahe explained the process, the recovery and the limitations honestly. I left with a clear understanding of what fractional CO₂ laser could and could not do for my skin.
Frequently asked questions
Discuss fractional CO₂ laser with a doctor
Book a CO₂ Laser Consultation in Chelsea to discuss your skin concerns, suitability, expected recovery, risks and realistic expectations — without pressure to proceed.
A £25 deposit is required to secure your consultation. It is fully redeemable towards treatment. It is also refundable if treatment is not clinically suitable, if you attend your consultation and decide not to proceed, or if you cancel or rearrange with at least 24 hours' notice.
What happens after booking?
Communications vary between patients and appointments. Depending on your booking and contact preferences, you may receive:
Appointment confirmation
Written confirmation of the date and time you selected.
Directions to the clinic
Information to help you find the clinic and plan your journey.
Relevant pre-consultation information
Where applicable, background information to read before your appointment.
Reminder notifications
A reminder ahead of your appointment, depending on your contact preferences.
Arrival information
Guidance on when to arrive and what to expect on the day.
Visiting the clinic
- Clinic address
- Opening hours
Tuesday – Saturday
11:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Transport links
Nearest Underground stations
- South Kensington Station · District, Circle & Piccadilly lines
- Sloane Square Station · District & Circle lines
Nearby bus routes
14 · 19 · 49 · 360
- Parking
Pay-by-phone parking bays are available nearby.
- Nearest station
South Kensington Station
Related consultations
Consultation
Skin Rejuvenation Consultation
Discuss skin quality, hydration, texture and the considered approaches that may be appropriate at consultation.
Consultation
Collagen Stimulation Consultation
Discuss skin quality, firmness, facial support and the collagen-stimulating approaches that may be discussed at consultation.
Speak to the clinic
If you would prefer to speak to the team before booking, the clinic is happy to answer general questions about consultations.
- Phone020 3370 3503
Opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 11:00 – 18:30
- Wednesday
- 11:00 – 18:30
- Thursday
- 11:00 – 18:30
- Friday
- 11:00 – 18:30
- Saturday
- 11:00 – 18:30
- Sunday
- Closed