Lasers are known for their heat. The focused light emitted by these specialized devices generates thermal energy in the treatment area, leading to repairs that improve the look and feel of the skin. So why is a popular laser device known as CoolPeel®?’ St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons offers the treatment known as SmartXide Tetra CO2 laser resurfacing, and we can tell you that its nickname comes from more than the “cool” results it provides (although those are pretty great).
Admittedly, the CoolPeel® does generate heat. This is necessary for vaporizing tissue, which kicks off natural healing processes. This heat, however, is precisely contained.
A CoolPeel® treatment involves brief pulses of energy that are highly focused and high powered. The energy is delivered in a fractionated pattern, which means it is limited to small “spots” on the skin, forming a grid-like pattern. Each of these spots heats so rapidly that water molecules in the skin vaporize—and they take the tissue they’re in with them when they go.
If none of this sounds like an especially cool process to you, you’re not wrong, as the heat is significant. The precision, however, is where the coolness comes in. Because the light beams are so precise, there is no thermal damage to the tissue around each dot. In other words, we’re not baking the entire surface of the skin. Only selected tiny areas get ablated.
This strategy offers two primary benefits. First, each miniscule vaporized area gets the skin into repair mode. New collagen and other molecules are created to heal the wounds, which accomplishes the necessary repair while also improving the look and feel of the intact skin around each spot. Second, this fractionated approach means recovery time is considerably reduced. Expect only one to three days of downtime after a CoolPeel® session.
Collagen renewal is an ongoing process, so results continue to improve for months. The added volume makes skin smoother and fuller, while the light energy causes spots and other pigmented lesions to fade.
One Session, or a Series?
Every patient’s skin and schedule are different, which is why SmartXide Tetra CO2 laser resurfacing is offered in a couple of customizable ways:
- Aggressive CO2 Laser Treatment: A single, more intensive session that can address uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and skin laxity in one visit, with approximately five to seven days of downtime.
- CoolPeel® Treatment: A series of three to six lighter sessions, spaced weeks apart, designed for gradual, natural looking improvement, with just one to three days of downtime after each visit.
No path is inherently better than the other. It comes down to your goals, your tolerance for downtime, and how your skin responds, something our team will walk through with you at a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About CO2/CoolPeel™ Laser Resurfacing
Most patients notice redness and mild swelling for a few days to a week following treatment. As that settles, the deeper work continues: collagen production and skin remodeling carry on beneath the surface for several weeks, gradually softening the look of fine lines and fading uneven pigmentation as healthier skin cells replace damaged ones.
This varies based on your specific concerns and goals. Some patients see meaningful improvement after a single treatment, while others benefit from multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to reach the outcome they are after. Whether one session or a series makes more sense for you comes down to your skin, your history, and what you are hoping to achieve.
Newly treated skin is more sensitive to ultraviolet exposure while it heals. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure all help protect your results and prevent new pigmentation concerns from developing. This aftercare step plays an essential role in how well your results hold up over time.
Is CoolPeel right for me?
If you have been comparing resurfacing options and are trying to decide what approach fits your skin and your schedule, CoolPeel® is worth bringing up with your provider, whether you are a longtime patient or just getting to know our practice. Our team will help you understand whether you’re a good candidate, what results might look like, and how this treatment could fit into your broader skincare plan.
Ready to learn more about CO2/CoolPeel laser resurfacing in St. Louis? Contact West County Plastic Surgeons by calling 314.996.8800 or reaching out online to get started.
If you have questions or would like to book a consultation with one of the surgeons at West County Plastic Surgeons of WashU Medicine, please call (314) 996-8800.
