Applications of the Tetra PRO Laser

  • Fine Lines

  • Vertical Lip Lines

  • Skin Tone & Texture- Lax/Dry/Rough/Bumpy Skin

  • Pigment

  • Scars, including Acne Scars

  • Sun Spots

  • Wrinkles

  • Pore Size

How it works

Whether one seeks a CoolPeel® treatment with minimal downtime, a more focused treatment around the eyes and mouth, a full face overall resurfacing or a deeper ablation of wrinkles, the DEKA TetraPRO Laser interface delivers unmatched precision, versatility and performance.

The TetraPRO Laser, which is commonly referred to as the “CoolPeel® laser,” is the only technology that can perform a CoolPeel, a registered trademark to Cartessa Aesthetics. The CoolPeel leverages the exclusive H-Pulse to deliver a fully ablative treatment without causing thermal damage to surrounding tissue. Without thermal damage, downtime is drastically minimized. At the same time, the system delivers impressive superficial, skin-resurfacing results.  This type of treatment can be done on any skin color.

The Tetra PRO CoolPeel delivers laser energy to your skin, but in a very controlled and specific way. Instead of treating 100% of your skin in one session, the CoolPeel treats a percentage of your skin leaving “islands” of undamaged skin between. The islands of untreated skin boost recovery and lead to rapid healing. Over a series of treatment sessions, spaced one month apart, your entire face is gradually resurfaced.

When the CoolPeel energy is applied to your skin, the old and damaged skin is removed, then new collagen production is stimulated in multiple layers thereby leaving you with beautiful new youthful looking skin. Additionally, structural components of skin such as “elastin” are tightened for long-lasting benefits. We can further control the output of the Tetra PRO CO2 laser to deliver higher energy where necessary to customize the treatment to your specific anatomy and desires. As with our entire practice, designing a bespoke treatment plan for every patient is paramount.

Tetra PRO CoolPeel™ CO2 is a one-of-a-kind laser that offers fully customizable skin resurfacing treatments and will completely rejuvenate your skin, without the downtime of traditional CO2 lasers. Tailored to your unique needs, the CoolPeel treatment works within your lifestyle to give you dramatically smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed depends on your goals, skin quality, and lifestyle. We’ll work with you to balance the aggressiveness of treatment against potential downtime. Most patients achieve their desired outcomes in one to six treatments.

What is a CoolPeel Treatment vs Tetra PRO Treatment?

CoolPeel is a brand new way to safely, and comfortably deliver the benefits of a traditional CO2 resurfacing, without the associated pain or downtime. For these treatments, the TetraPRO laser settings are more conservative, and the energy is spread out over multiple treatment sessions. This way, you notice your benefits gradually and avoid a significant period of recovery. Friends and family will see a more radiant you without the need to hide.  We usually recommend 4-6 CoolPeel treatments scheduled monthly.  A TetraPRO treatment is more aggressive and associated with more downtime ranging from 3-7 days.  Most patients only require 1-2 Tetra PRO treatments to achieve their goals.

How is Tetra PRO CoolPeel different?

For decades, CO2 lasers have been the gold standard in skin resurfacing. However, while traditional CO2 lasers can provide wonderful results, they generally require weeks to months of healing as well as sedative anesthesia. Typical treatments will have you back the very next day while deeper treatments have a downtime of 2-3 days with continued redness for up to 7 days.

Am I a candidate for Tetra PRO CoolPeel?

You are a good candidate for a Tetra PRO CoolPeel laser treatment if you are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and sun damage, minimize pores, and improve skin texture. Your skin will look healthier, more balanced, smoother, glowier and younger. However, if you have a naturally darker skin tone, significant recent sun exposure, or a history of PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) then we will have a conversation regarding your eligibility for treatment and possibly pre-treatment regimen.  

What is the recommended age range for Tetra PRO CoolPeel CO2?

Tetra PRO CoolPeel CO2 treatment is suitable for adults of any age looking to improve skin texture and appearance. It is especially beneficial for those ranging from their 30s to 70s who often seek improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots and other signs of aging.  Our younger patients typically have scarring or sun spots they wish to improve upon.

How long does a Tetra PRO CoolPeel treatment take?

On the day of your appointment, we will take pictures to begin tracking your progress. We thoroughly cleanse the treatment areas and apply a topical anesthetic which we let sit for 60 minutes for full effect before cleansing the area again. A full-face CoolPeel laser treatment can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes. A hands treatment takes roughly 5 minutes and chest and neck around 10 minutes. Please arrive at your appointment with clean, make-up free skin. 

Is anesthesia or numbing required? 

For CoolPeel, there is no need for anesthesia but we typically recommend it to avoid any discomfort.  However, for a more aggressive TetraPRO treatment, we always recommend a numbing cream for one hour prior to the procedure to avoid any discomfort.

What precautions should I take before undergoing Tetra PRO CoolPeel CO2?

  • For at least one week prior, you’ll need to stop using retinoids, glycolic and salicylic acids. 

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds 2 weeks prior to treatment. For optimal results, your skin should be it’s natural fairest tone.

  • If you are on any blood thinners such as aspirin or ones prescribed by a physician, you should speak with your doctor about stopping the medication for at least 2 days prior to treatment.  

  • Do not take anything that will increase bleeding or healing time.  Such items include NSAIDS (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn), alcohol consumption, and most vitamins/supplements especially Vitamin E, Omegas and Garlic.  It is fine to take Vitamin D.

  • Do not use any self tanners for at least two weeks prior to treatment.

  • You should have not taken any photosensitive medications for at least one week prior to treatment.  Some of these medications include: antibiotics in the Tetracycline family, Doxepin/Sinequan, St John’s Wart, Griseofulvin, and NSAIDS.  

  • No smoking or vaping for at least one month prior to treatment

  • Accutane needs to have been stopped for at least four months prior to treatment.

  • Bring in an extra old but clean t-shirt on the day of your appointment to put on after your treatment

  • You cannot be treated if you are: pregnant, immunocompromised, have open wounds at the treatment area, under the care of a physician for any active uncontrolled medical problem including diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disease, eczema, HIV, or bleeding disorders.

What to expect after treatment

Results are progressive but you should start to see improvement within the first 2-3 weeks. As your skin heals in the brief recovery window, you will notice it is softer, brighter, and more even. The deeper the lines, wrinkles and scars are, the more aggressive of a treatment is needed to eradicate them. The more aggressive a treatment is, the longer the healing time will take.  

Over the following three to six months, deeper layers of skin will heal and fill in with collagen, leading to long-term improvements to skin look and feel that can last for years with proper care. It’s important to know and be prepared that results will happen but it will take time.  This is why we do not repeat an aggressive treatment for at least 3 months.  However, a CoolPeel treatment can be repeated in 4 weeks.

One of the main benefits of a CoolPeel is that there is minimal downtime. You should expect to be a little red, as if you have a sunburn, for a day or two, but nothing should prevent you from returning to your normal daily activities. While downtime is minimal, your skin does need a few days to heal. Your skin may feel dry, rough and scaly as it heals so it is important to keep the skin hydrated and protected from the sun.  Your skin will also have hundreds of pin-sized brown dots that can last for a few days to a few weeks.

A more aggressive TetraPRO treatment will have 2-3 days of potential swelling and redness.  On days 3-7 most patients typically have a sunburnt and/or tan look.  You won’t be able to apply make-up to the treated areas for about a week but can apply eye makeup and lipstick (or any areas that were not treated). But, none of which should affect your ability to live normally, return to your daily activities or require any pain medication.

Post Treatment Care

How you take care of your skin after treatment is very important. We give every patient specific care depending on the level of treatment. But generally, here’s what you’ll need to do!

Care for first 24 hours post treatment

  • You may feel a warm / sunburn sensation for about 2-4 hours immediately post treatment

  • Apply gauze or a clean cloth moistened with cold water, or ice packs (clean off with alcohol) to the skin to help remove heat from the treatment area.

  • Once the feeling of heat/warmth resolves, a light, cream-based moisturizer (without alcohol) should be used on the treated area to keep the skin hydrated.  We recommend Cetaphil, CeraVe, Neutrogena Hydro Boost

  • When applying the moisturizer or anything topically apply a small amount to a small area and wait 15 minutes to ensure it doesn’t cause any discomfort.  If you feel any burning or discomfort, gently wash off the product using water and wait 6 hours before applying any other products.

  • Do not use any products other than the recommended moisturizer. This includes sunscreen.

  • If desired, a cool misting spray may be used for comfort

  • Your skin will have a sandpaper-like feeling.  Your skin might have scabs, ooze and crust.  This is all normal. Do not use any exfoliants or other products/procedures to remove the texture.  Just keep it moisturized.  Do not pick or scratch at your skin.  Let it heal on it’s own.

  • To help promote healing we recommend distilled white vinegar soaks to be applied multiple times a day - In a flat container, take 1 cup water and add 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar. Place clean gauze pads inside the container with the solution. Store in the refrigerator between uses to aid in cooling effect  

  • Sleep with a clean pillowcase 

  • Swelling is very common and usually subsides by day 3. To help reduce swelling, sleep with your head slightly elevated

  • Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks

  • Avoid alcohol consumption for 2-5 days

  • Avoid any NSAIDS (Motrin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Naprosyn, Aleve). 

  • Take Tylenol only as needed for pain.  However, you should not have any pain from the procedure itself.

  • Itchiness is common.  To help with this, keep the area deeply moisturized.  You can apply a moisturizer and Vaseline on top.  If needed, you can take Benadryl (25-50mg) at night and any antihistamine (Zyrtec, Allegra)during the day. 

  • Avoid smoking/vaping

  • Avoid intense workouts and sweating for 48 hours post a CoolPeel treatment and for 5 days post a Tetra treatment

  • Do not expose the treated area to anything that may cause irritation (dirt, pets, etc.).

Care for 24 hours - 5 days+ post treatment

  • Mineral makeup & sunscreen can be applied 48 hours post CoolPeel treatment and 5-7 days post Tetra 

  • Depending on the depth of treatment, you can resume your skincare routine after 2-5 days.

  • Depending on the depth of treatment, your skin may have a sandpaper-like feel for 4-14 days.  Do not use any exfoliants or other products/procedures to remove the texture.  Just keep it moisturized.  Do not pick or scratch at your skin.  Let it heal on it’s own.

  • CoolPeel treatments can be repeated monthly until the desired results are achieved.

  • Tetra PRO treatments can be repeated in 3 months following the initial treatment or one month post a CoolPeel treatment

Makeup application post-treatment

Depending on the depth of treatment, it is best to not apply any make-up to the treated areas for at least 48 hours and possibly for up to one week. Make sure to use clean applicators.