CO2 Laser
CO2 Laser is an advanced skin resurfacing treatment that uses precise laser energy to address a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. By removing damaged skin layers and stimulating collagen production, it rejuvenates and revitalizes your skin for a smoother, firmer, and more radiant complexion.
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What makes CO2 Laser unique is its ability to deliver customizable results tailored to your skin’s needs. Whether you require mild, moderate, or aggressive treatment, the CO2 laser can be adjusted to target specific areas while minimizing downtime.
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Best for reducing fine lines + wrinkles, improving skin texture + tone, treating acne scars, minimizing sun damage, reducing pigmentation, and enhancing overall skin tightness and elasticity.
Pricing: Varies depending on the intensity and treatment area. See price list.
Coolpeel Treatment
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Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks.
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Purpose: Targets fine lines, sun damage, pores, and texture with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
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Recovery: Redness and possible swelling for 1-3 days.
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Mild Fractional Treatment
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Frequency: Every 6-8 weeks.
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Purpose: Improves texture, reduces fine lines, and mildly resurfaces skin by stimulating collagen at a deeper level.
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Recovery: Redness and possible swelling for +/- 3 days.
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Includes: Regenerating Alastin Skin Nectar ($236 value)
Moderate Fractional Treatment
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Frequency: Once every 6–8 weeks.
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Purpose: Addresses moderate skin concerns such as deeper wrinkles, uneven tone, and more noticeable texture irregularities. It penetrates deeper into the skin layers to stimulate significant collagen production and cell turnover, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more rejuvenated skin.
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Recovery: Redness, swelling, peeling, or flaking for up to a week.
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Includes Procedure Enhancement Kit: Alastin Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, + Regenerating Skin Nectar ($340 value)
Aggressive Fractional Treatment
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Frequency: Once every 6–12 months (or less frequently).
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Purpose: Designed for severe skin concerns, including deep wrinkles, advanced sun damage, pronounced scarring, and overall skin laxity. This treatment resurfaces the skin by targeting deeper layers for dramatic results, promoting long-term rejuvenation and tighter, more youthful skin.
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Recovery: Longer downtime (7–14 days) with redness, swelling, and peeling. Skin may take several months to fully remodel.
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Includes Procedure Enhancement Kit: Alastin Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, + Regenerating Skin Nectar ($340 value)
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FAQs
What is CO2 laser treatment?
CO2 laser treatment is an advanced skin resurfacing procedure that uses carbon dioxide laser technology to remove damaged skin layers, stimulate collagen production, and rejuvenate the skin. It effectively treats wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone.
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Who is a good candidate for CO2 laser treatment?
Anyone looking to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, or uneven skin texture may benefit from CO2 laser treatment. A consultation with your provider will determine if this treatment is right for you.
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What is the difference between CoolPeel and mild fractional ablation?
CoolPeel and mild fractional ablation are both CO2 laser treatments designed to rejuvenate the skin, but they differ in intensity and recovery. CoolPeel is a gentler, superficial treatment that targets fine lines, uneven texture, and mild sun damage with minimal thermal damage and virtually no downtime, making it ideal for a quick skin refresh. In contrast, mild fractional ablation penetrates deeper into the skin to address more moderate concerns like early signs of aging, uneven tone, and mild scarring, requiring slightly more downtime (3–5 days) but delivering more noticeable results. The choice depends on your skin needs, desired results, and downtime tolerance.
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What can I expect during the procedure?
The treatment may begin with the application of a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. The laser is then used to target specific areas of the skin. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the type of treatment and area.
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Is there any downtime?
Downtime varies based on the intensity of the treatment. Mild treatments may require minimal-to-no no downtime, while moderate or aggressive treatments may take up to 7–10 days. Redness and peeling are common during this time.
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When will I see results?
You’ll notice improvements as the skin heals over the first 1–2 weeks. Full results, including smoother, firmer, and more even skin, develop over several weeks to months as collagen production continues.
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How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns and goals. Some patients achieve their desired results after one session, while others may benefit from a series of treatments.
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Is the procedure painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as tolerable. A topical numbing cream is applied to enhance comfort during the procedure, and cooling techniques may also be used.
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What should I do to prepare for my treatment?
Avoid sun exposure, discontinue retinoids and exfoliating products 5–7 days prior, and ensure your skin is clean and free of makeup on the day of treatment. Detailed pre-treatment instructions will be provided during your consultation.
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What aftercare is required?
Post-treatment care includes keeping the skin hydrated, avoiding sun exposure, and following your provider’s instructions for optimal healing. Use a broad-spectrum SPF daily to protect the treated skin.
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How long do CoolPeel results last?
CoolPeel results can last for several months to years, depending on your skincare routine, lifestyle, and sun protection habits. To maintain and prolong the results, it’s essential to follow a proper skincare regimen, use a high-quality sunscreen daily, and consider periodic maintenance treatments as recommended by your provider.
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How long do moderate and aggressive laser results last?
For moderate to aggressive laser treatments, results can last for years with proper skincare and sun protection. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to prolong the benefits.
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Pre-Treatment Guidelines
14 Days Before Treatment
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Stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, Aleve, and Ibuprofen, as they can interfere with normal blood clotting.
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Avoid vitamin E, ginseng, and fish oil to reduce the risk of bruising and swelling.
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Avoid bleaching, waxing, tweezing, shaving, and depilatory creams on the treatment area.
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Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and tanning creams/sprays on the treatment area.
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Discontinue retinol use if you are relatively new to it.
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7 Days Before Treatment​
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Discontinue products with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or other harsh exfoliating agents.
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Do not perform laser, RF, or other treatments in the targeted area.
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Neuromodulators (e.g., Botox, Dysport) should not be administered within two weeks of the CO2 laser treatment.
3 Days Before Treatment
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Stop using retinol, tretinoin, salicylic acid, and other topical products with active ingredients.
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Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, as they can impede the healing process.
Day of Treatment
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Drink plenty of water
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Shower as usual but do not apply cream, lotion, makeup, or any products to the treatment area.
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Arrive at least 60 minutes before your scheduled appointment to apply topical numbing cream.
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Notify Your Provider if Any of the Following​
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Pacemaker or internal defibrillator
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Permanent implant in the treated area such as metal plates, screws, and metal piercing
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Skin cancer, or any other type of cancer, or pre-malignant moles
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You are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Severe concurrent conditions, such as cardiac disorders or sensory disturbances
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Impaired immune system or use of immunosuppressive medications
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Poorly controlled endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction
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Any active skin condition in the treatment area, such as sores, psoriasis, eczema, and rash
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History of keloids or abnormal wound healing
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History of bleeding issues or use of anticoagulants in the last 10 days
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Any facial surgery performed within a year before treatment
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Use of Isotretinoin (Accutane®) within 6 months before treatment
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What to Expect
Immediately following your treatment, your skin will look and feel like you have a moderate sunburn. You may experience warmth, tightness, redness, and mild swelling in the treated area. For moderate and aggressive laser treatments, crusting, peeling, and itching are common during the healing process, typically lasting 3–7 days. Small grid patterns may be visible, and occasional superficial bruising around the eyes may occur. These side effects usually subside within the first week as your skin begins to calm and regenerate. A topical ointment will be applied post-treatment, and no bandage or wrap is needed. Healing and downtime vary depending on the treatment intensity, areas treated, skin type, and sensitivity. Your provider will guide you on proper aftercare to ensure optimal results.
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Post-Treatment Instructions
ALL LASER TREATMENTS
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Day 2 – 5+, wash the treatment area with a gentle cleanser and blot dry (AM + PM)
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Do not scrub the treated area
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Apply post-treatment products, as directed; maintain a moist environment
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Do not use any topical products that have not been discussed with the provider
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Minimize exposure to pets and objects that may contain pet dander; do not allow pets to lick the treated area
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Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching the treated area
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Avoid sun exposure to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation
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Mineral-based sunblock should be used
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Minimize alcohol intake to limit bruising and other complications
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To lessen the potential for swelling, sleep with your head slightly elevated
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Use a clean pillow case and change it frequently
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COOLPEEL / MILD TREATMENT
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Swelling, redness, and/or a mild-to-moderate sunburn sensation are common 1-5 days post-treatment​
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A cool compress may be used to help minimize excessive inflammation​
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Keep the area moisturized until the sandpaper texture resolves
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Avoid exercise, sweating, excessive heat, saunas, hot tubs, etc. 2-4 days
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Avoid the use of scrubs/exfoliants 5-10 days
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Mineral makeup may be applied 2-5 days after treatment
MODERATE TO AGGRESSIVE ABLATIVE TREATMENT
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Pinpoint bleeding, weeping, and oozing may be present
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Apply a thin layer of topical occlusive ointment (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) and keep the area ‘shiny’ with ointment
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A sterile cool compress may be used to help minimize excessive inflammation​
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If needed, vinegar soaks may be applied one or more times a day, as directed
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Mineral makeup may be applied 7-10 days after treatment
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Avoid exercise, sweating, excessive heat, saunas, hot tubs, etc. 7-14 days
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Avoid the use of scrubs/exfoliants 7-14 days