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Ultherapy vs CO2 Laser
Non-surgical ultrasound lifting vs fractional laser resurfacing — which approach addresses your concerns?
Book ConsultationUltherapy and CO2 laser resurfacing are both powerful skin rejuvenation treatments, but they work at entirely different levels of the skin. Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound to target the deep SMAS layer — the same tissue layer addressed during surgical facelifts — for non-surgical lifting and tightening. The Alma Hybrid CO2 laser works from the surface, using fractional ablative energy to resurface the skin, reduce scars, and improve texture. The right choice depends on whether your primary concern is skin laxity or surface quality.
Micro-focused ultrasound targeting the SMAS layer for non-surgical lifting
Best For
- • Skin laxity and sagging
- • Brow lifting
- • Jowl and jawline tightening
- • Neck and chin tightening
- • Patients wanting no visible downtime
Not Suitable For
- • Surface texture concerns
- • Acne scars
- • Pigmentation
- • Patients wanting immediate visible results
Results Timeline
Progressive over 3–6 months
Sessions
1 session typically
Starting Price
From £345
Downtime
Minimal (possible mild swelling)
Fractional ablative laser for skin resurfacing and remodelling
Best For
- • Acne scars and scarring
- • Fine lines and wrinkles
- • Sun damage and pigmentation
- • Skin texture improvement
- • Active skin resurfacing
Not Suitable For
- • Deep tissue laxity
- • Patients unable to take downtime
- • Very dark skin tones (higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
Results Timeline
Visible within 2–4 weeks
Sessions
1–3 sessions, 4–8 weeks apart
Starting Price
From £185
Downtime
5–10 days (skin healing required)
When We Recommend Each Treatment
Choose Ultherapy if
- Your primary concern is sagging skin or loss of facial contour
- You want a non-surgical lifting effect for brow, jowls or neck
- You cannot take visible downtime from work or social activities
- You are comfortable with results developing gradually over months
Choose CO2 laser if
- Your primary concern is skin texture, scars or sun damage
- You want to address wrinkles, pigmentation or rough skin
- You can accommodate five to ten days of healing and recovery
- You want visible improvement within weeks rather than months
Consider combining both when
- You have both skin laxity and surface texture concerns
- You want comprehensive rejuvenation addressing all layers of the skin
- Dr Langdon recommends a staged treatment plan for optimal results
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for sagging skin?
Ultherapy is the better choice for sagging skin. It targets the deep SMAS layer with focused ultrasound to stimulate collagen production and provide a lifting effect. CO2 laser works on the skin surface and does not reach the deeper structural layers responsible for laxity. If your primary concern is sagging, Ultherapy is the more appropriate treatment.
Can you combine Ultherapy and CO2 laser?
Yes, combining both treatments can deliver exceptional results by addressing the skin at multiple levels. Ultherapy provides deep structural lifting while CO2 laser resurfaces and remodels the skin surface. Your clinician will advise on appropriate timing and sequencing — the treatments are typically not performed on the same day.
Which has more downtime?
CO2 laser resurfacing involves significantly more downtime than Ultherapy. After CO2 laser treatment, you can expect five to ten days of redness, swelling and skin healing, during which you may prefer to stay home. Ultherapy has minimal downtime — you may experience mild swelling or tenderness, but most patients return to normal activities immediately.
Which is better for wrinkles?
For surface wrinkles and fine lines, CO2 laser is generally more effective as it directly resurfaces the skin and stimulates new collagen formation in the dermis. Ultherapy can improve wrinkles indirectly by tightening the underlying tissue, but it is primarily a lifting treatment rather than a resurfacing one. For deep wrinkles with associated laxity, a combination approach may be most effective.
How long do results last?
Both treatments produce long-lasting results. Ultherapy effects can last twelve to eighteen months or longer, with some patients benefiting from annual maintenance sessions. CO2 laser results can last several years, depending on the concern treated and your ongoing skin care and sun protection. Natural ageing continues after both treatments, so maintenance sessions may be recommended.
Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right?
Book a consultation with Dr Langdon or a member of our clinical team. Your clinician will assess your skin, discuss your concerns, and recommend the most effective treatment approach for your goals.
Book Your ConsultationWhich is right for you?
The best treatment depends on your individual concerns, skin condition, and lifestyle. Here are some general considerations:
- Choose Ultherapy if your primary concern is sagging or loss of facial definition
- Choose CO2 laser if you want to address scars, wrinkles, pigmentation or skin texture
- Ultherapy requires no visible downtime, while CO2 laser requires five to ten days of recovery
- Some patients benefit from combining both treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation — discuss this during your consultation
This is general guidance only — treatment suitability is always confirmed during a clinical consultation.
Doctor-led approach
- Treatment suitability is assessed by our doctors or advanced aesthetic practitioners during a clinical consultation, depending on the treatment
- Prescribing responsibility sits with Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
- No same-day injectable treatments for new patients
- Read our full Consultation & Safety Standards
- CQC registered clinic — regulated and inspected
- Doctor-led clinical oversight by Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
- Complaints process and patient rights
Reviewed by Dr Selena Langdon, Medical Director (GMC 6159259) — Last reviewed: February 2026
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