Cool Peel CO2 Laser Treatment
ICON Dermatology is pleased to offer our patients the Cool Peel treatment, a brand-new way to safely, and comfortably deliver the benefits of a traditional CO2 resurfacing treatment. CO2 treatments are often accompanied by considerable downtime while damaged skin heals, but only the Cool Peel can deliver the treatment without the downtime and risk of hyperpigmentation, demarcation, and infection. Cool Peel is a CO2 laser treatment that targets the superficial layer of the skin, removing damaged cells and revealing younger, healthier-looking skin while stimulating new collagen production to tighten the skin and balance tone.
The Cool Peel laser treatment utilizes the SmartXide Tetra CO2 laser by DEKA which delivers high energy without unnecessary heat that would damage the surrounding skin. This lack of heat is actually why it’s called a Cool Peel.
WHAT IS COOL PEEL?
Cool Peel is a non-surgical solution for skin resurfacing with minimal downtime and complications often associated with other CO2 treatments. The Cool Peel improves wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and scars and notably tightens the skin. The Cool Peel is a trademarked laser treatment that utilizes the most advanced SmartXide Tetra CO2 laser by DEKA.
WHAT MAKES COOL PEEL SPECIAL?
CO2 lasers are the gold standard in treating wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other blemishes and can tighten skin and balance tone. Damaged skin tissue is removed, or ablated, stimulating new collagen production. The heat delivered during treatment can tighten the skin. Traditional CO2 and standard fractionated CO2 treatments are often accompanied by considerable downtime and risk while damaged skin heals. Many advances have been made to improve the side effects of CO2 treatments but only the Cool Peel can deliver a fractional ablative treatment with very little downtime.
WHAT CAN COOLPEEL TREAT?
Cool Peel can improve:
Reduce fine lines
Minimize sun damage and pore size
Improve skin texture
And much more...all with little to no downtime!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COOL PEEL?
If you want all the benefits of laser skin resurfacing treatment without the recovery time, then Cool Peel may be perfect for you. The popular appeal of Cool Peel is that it has improved the safety and efficacy of traditional fractionated CO2 laser treatment.
Cool Peel:
Resurfaces your skin without causing excessive damage
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage
Brightens your complexion
Smooths out and revitalizes rough and tired skin
Requires no downtime and has a comfortable, short recovery period
Great for pigmentation issues
Safe in almost all skin types
Safe and pain-free treatment that requires no numbing cream or anesthetics
Takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR COOL PEEL?
You may be a good candidate for Cool Peel laser treatment if you are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and sun damage, minimize pores, and improve skin texture.
This treatment is not for everyone. Those with certain skin conditions such as an active infection or other issues may not be candidates for Cool Peel. Our board-certified dermatologists will determine your candidacy by ensuring that the treatment is right for your skin.
DO I NEED ANESTHESIA FOR COOL PEEL?
Previous CO2 laser treatments often required oral sedation/pain medication as well as local nerve blocks. We recommend topical numbing cream only prior to having a Cool Peel treatment.
ARE COOL PEEL TREATMENTS SAFE?
Yes, Cool Peel is a safe treatment which has been FDA-cleared.
IS COOL PEEL PAINFUL?
Cool Peel is much less painful than traditional CO2 laser. There isn’t any need for oral or injectable anesthesia with Cool Peel treatments. We typically recommend topical numbing cream be applied for 15-30 minutes prior to treatment to ensure your comfort.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF COOL PEEL?
The benefit of Cool Peel is that the Tetra laser delivers high energy, but it does so in extremely short pulses which eliminate the problems with lingering heat and damage to the surrounding skin. Because of that, Cool Peel delivers ablative results with increased comfort and with decreased downtime.
As with any laser, there is a risk of hyperpigmentation following treatment, especially in darker skin phototypes. However, the risk of pigmentation issus is significnalty decreased by Cool Peel’s unique technology and it has been safely used in all skin types.
Additionally, the laser can trigger an outbreak of cold sores in patients who have the herpes simplex virus. Our dermatologists can provide a prescription for antiviral medication in advance of treatment in these cases.
WHAT IS COOL PEEL TREATMENT LIKE?
A Cool Peel treatment can reduce the appearance of fine lines or sun damage, minimize pores, and improve the overall tone of your skin. A full-face Cool Peel treatment takes roughly 20 minutes. A topical numbing ointment is applied prior to your treatment to allow for a comfortable procedure.
The main benefit of Cool Peel is the minimal downtime. Patients should expect to be mildly pink, similar to a sunburn, for a couple of days, but will be able to return to regular daily activities.
After your treatment, our board-certified dermatologist will advise you on how to keep your skin hydrated and which products to avoid temporarily. The treated skin may feel dry and rough (like fine sandpaper) as it heals, so it is important to keep the skin hydrated.
HOW LONG DOES COOL PEEL TREATMENT TAKE?
The treatment itself is completed within 10-20 minutes. However, patients typically arrive one hour early to allow for proper anesthesia with topical numbing.
WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE FOR COOL PEEL?
One of the main benefits of a Cool Peel, is that there is minimal downtime. The patient may feel a warm sunburn-like sensation for about an hour post-treatment. You should expect to be a little red for a day, or two. Your skin may feel dry and a bit like sandpaper for three to four days as it heals so it is important to keep the skin hydrated. We suggest that you avoid makeup, sunscreen, and active topical products for a minimum of 24 hours post-treatment. After this time, mineral makeup and sunscreen are recommended. It is best to sleep with a clean pillowcase and the head slightly elevated.
Our board-certified dermatologists will help you to determine which products are suitable and when you can resume your usual skincare routine. We will provide you with post-treatment care instructions to ensure that your skin stays protected and hydrated as it heals so that you achieve optimal results.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS FROM COOL PEEL?
Collagen production has been stimulated, and your skin resurfacing has begun. The Cool Peel results will develop as the treated skin heals. Patients will see that fresh skin will be revealed as the damaged treated surface layer falls away.
The skin requires roughly a week to turn over the epidermis, and then you will see the dramatic changes to your skin. Texture concerns, sun damage, age spots and pigmentation, and overall dull skin will all be significantly improved as new, and healthier skin continues to surface.
Within the next few months, the results will improve and should last for three to five years. However, results vary and depend on your skin baseline and the number of treatment sessions received.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET COOL PEEL LASER TREATMENT?
Our board-certified dermatologists will discuss a treatment plan with you, including the spacing of your treatment sessions. Depending on your skin and your goals, we typically recommend one to three treatments for patients to reach their goals, and annual maintenance thereafter.
We are excited to be one of the only dermatology practices in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC to offer Cool Peel CO2 Laser Treatment. To learn what this treatment might do for your skin please schedule a consultation with our physicians by calling us at 301-810- 3600.