Is CO2 Laser Right for Me?
If you’ve been wondering how to improve wrinkles, pigmentation, or overall skin quality, you may have heard about CO2 laser treatments. These treatments have long been the gold standard for skin resurfacing, and with today’s advanced technology, they can be customized to fit your specific needs and lifestyle.
At Relevé, we’re now offering the Tetra CoolPeel and Deep CO2 (Deka) treatments, two highly effective approaches to improving skin texture, fine lines, pigmentation, and collagen production. But is CO2 laser right for you? Let’s dive into what these treatments can do and who makes the best candidate.
CO2 laser treatments are ideal for addressing a variety of skin concerns, including:
Both CoolPeel and Deep CO2 treatments use fractionated ablative technology, meaning they create micro-injuries in a precise grid pattern. This allows for faster healing while stimulating collagen and elastin production.
The best candidates for CO2 laser are those who:
Since CO2 laser is a powerful treatment, proper skin preparation is key to achieving optimal results. Patients with a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or melasma will need to pre-treat their skin with TXA (tranexamic acid) for at least four weeks before the procedure to minimize risks.
While CO2 laser is highly effective, it may not be the best option for those who:
If you’re unsure whether CO2 laser is right for you, we’re happy to discuss your concerns and suggest the best approach for your skin.
One of the benefits of the Tetra CO2 laser is its ability to be customized. Whether you want minimal downtime with gradual results or a more intensive treatment with dramatic improvements, we can tailor the procedure to your needs.
CoolPeel
Downtime: 1-2 days of mild redness & puffiness
Treats: Fine lines, pigmentation, subtle resurfacing
Timeline for results: 2-4 weeks for full effect
Deep CO2 (Deka)
Downtime: 7 days of significant redness & swelling
Treats: Deeper wrinkles, skin laxity, advanced resurfacing
Timeline for results: 3-6 months for full collagen remodeling
If you want the most dramatic anti-aging results, Deep CO2 may be the best choice. However, if you have a busy schedule and prefer a gentle, buildable approach, CoolPeel can still deliver visible improvements with less downtime.
For patients with a history of melasma or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), proper pre-treatment is essential to prevent unwanted darkening of the skin. We require at-risk patients to pre-treat with TXA for at least four weeks before undergoing a CO2 laser procedure.
Additionally, strict sun protection (sunscreen, hats, and shade) must be followed both before and after treatment to maintain even-toned, healthy skin.
To ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible:
Proper skincare before and after your treatment maximizes results and reduces risks:
CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective ways to achieve smoother, firmer, more even-toned skin. Whether you opt for CoolPeel for a gradual glow-up or Deep CO2 for a dramatic transformation, we can personalize the treatment to fit your skin type, goals, and tolerance for downtime.
If you’re ready to explore what CO2 laser can do for you, let’s chat! Book a consultation today and we’ll determine the best approach to help you achieve your healthiest, most radiant skin yet.