Aesthetic Science Clinic Fractional CO2 Laser Review: Is It Worth It?

Fractional CO2 laser is one of the most effective and scientifically-proven treatments for severe acne scars. For this blog, we review Aesthetic Science Clinic’s Fraxel treatment to see if it’s worth a try. Let’s get into it.

---

What is Fractional CO2 Laser? Should I try it?

Fractional CO2 laser is a laser skin resurfacing cosmetic procedure that removes the outer layer of the skin using short-pulsed light beams which create a microthermal layer in the dermis, thus triggering collagen production.

It treats multiple severe skincare problems, including:

• Age spots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Crow’s feet
• Enlarged oil glands (especially around the nose)
• Hyperpigmentation
• Warts
• Sagging skin
• Uneven/ darker skin tone

If you’re unfamiliar with the treatment itself, we talk about it in great detail in a previous blog, so make sure to read that first.

For this article, we’ll be focusing on the Fraxel treatment offered by Aesthetic Science Clinic. Keep reading to find out our experience, review, and more.

---

About Aesthetic Science Clinic

Aesthetic Science Clinic is a Manila-based dermatological clinic known for its affordable and effective services for healthy skin. Founded in 2005, the clinic was established as part of a mission to provide accessible and medical skin treatments to the public.

One of their most popular services is the Fractional CO2 laser. They offer the treatment under the name Fire-xel Skin Rejuvenation, which is an advanced carbon dioxide laser treatment said to help with “acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, superficial pigmentation, and sagging skin,” according to their website.

---

ultra fractional treatment price Philippines: How Much does fractional CO2 laser cost?

At AS, the cost of the Fire-Xel Skin Rejuvenation treatment depends on the type of procedure. Customers can choose to get it done on their face, neck, both the face and neck, upper arms, or whole arms.

• Face: P5,800
• Neck: P4000
• Face and Neck: P7,500
• Upper Arms: P4,000
• Whole Arms: P5,000

Multi-session packages are also available at a discounted price:

• Face Package: P21,000 for 5 Sessions
• Face & Neck Package: P28,000 for 5 Sessions

---

How many sessions of fractional CO2 laser do I need to remove acne scars?

The Aesthetic Science Clinic recommends getting 6 sessions done every 3 to 4 weeks for optimal results.

---

Prepping for the Procedure

For lasers, dermatologists will advise you to stop using retinoids 7-10 days before your schedule to avoid sensitivity. You might also need to stop taking blood-thinning medication prior to the session.

The Full Experience

Sessions usually start with a consult. The doctor or trained aesthetician will make sure that you’ve been following pre-procedure prep before starting. In our case, the consult took less than five minutes and we were ushered into our rooms right away.

Around 30 to 45 minutes before the actual treatment, we were given a numbing cream on the area of concern. For me, this was where my post-acne PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) was. For others, this is the area where you may have visible severe acne scarring. Fire-Xel can treat all kinds of acne scars, whether they’re box scars or rolling scars.

Once the operation starts, you’ll feel a light zapping sensation similar to laser hair removal treatments. At first, it won’t feel painful, only mildly uncomfortable. Don’t be surprised if the room starts to smell slightly burnt! This is completely normal once the laser starts to work its magic. The procedure may last 30 minutes to an hour depending on the severity of your acne scars.

Is Fractional CO2 Laser painful?

One concern many people have with skin resurfacing treatments is the pain level. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this because it depends on so many factors. Pain tolerance is one of them; the severity of the scarring is also another.

In my case, removing the PIH on my chin and cheeks area was not painful, only uncomfortable. (Your mileage may vary though because I tend to have a higher tolerance for painful procedures.)

Removing acne scars may be a different story. I had a small problem area on the left side of my face where small indents had formed due to a bad breakout. I noticed that the aesthetician had lingered longer on this area compared to my dark spots. It also felt more painful.

The Results

After the first session, my skin felt very raw. About two hours after I left the clinic, my face became visibly red in the spots where the laser hit, and it felt like I had a bad sunburn. The day after was much worse in terms of sensitivity, itching, and scabbing, so I made sure to apply sunscreen and avoid exposure to sun as much as I could.

The following days were much better. A lot of the swelling/raw feeling subsides after that first day, and the redness then turned into brownish spots on the 3rd day. Overall, I’d say the recovery isn’t so bad as long as you follow proper post-procedure care. More on that below.

---

Post-Procedure Care

The following are the guidelines and precautions after your session:

• No exercise for one week
• Avoid sun exposure
• Avoid active ingredients in skincare like retinoids and AHAs
• Apply an antibacterial cream if prescribed
• Use only mild skincare products for the duration of your recovery
• Keep skin moisturized

How many days of downtime does Fractional CO2 Laser require?

Generally, downtime takes 5-14 days depending on how quickly your skin recovers. For me, it took 8 days before the peeling and scabbing stopped. By that time, I noticed my dark spots became much lighter and the texture was almost invisible.

Can I apply moisturizer and other skincare after my laser treatment?

You should be using a mild cleanser while your skin heals.

Also, the doctor may or may not prescribe you a post-treatment cream with specific instructions for use. Once it’s done, you can return to your regular skincare regimen, but make sure you’re using mild and non-irritating products and patch testing them beforehand.

---

Who Should and Shouldn’t Try the Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment?

Those with severe acne scarring, wrinkles, and fine lines are the perfect candidates for the treatment. However, it’s not recommended for those who have deep or dark skin as the laser might cause hyperpigmentation.

---

Where Can I Find the Aesthetic Science Clinic?

Aesthetic Science Clinic has branches in Alabang and Makati. For more information on how to book your own session, you may visit their website.

---

Final Note: Was It Worth It?

Overall, the Aesthetic Science Clinic’s Fire-Xel Skin Rejuvenating Treatment is worth a try. The downtime may be challenging, but the results are worth it. There are visible improvements in my PIH after just one session, so I’m eager to do more. The pricing is also very reasonable and even cheaper than other popular clinics, especially when you get the 5-session package.

Got any laser experiences of your own? Share them below!