Introduction: CO2 Laser: CoolPeel vs. Dot Therapy

One of the most common concerns that patients come to us with is visible signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, skin discoloration, texture and laxity concerns. There are various treatment modalities for improving skin’s appearance, with one of the most effective being CO2 Laser Treatment (Often referred to as “Fractional Laser Treatment” or “Fraxel Laser Treatment”). CO2 lasers offer a scientific solution to treating skin concerns associated with signs of aging.

CO2 lasers are a type of fractional resurfacing laser treatment that uses concentrated light energy to target and remove damaged skin cells. This process stimulates the body's natural healing response, prompting the production of collagen and elastin – the building blocks of firm skin. As a result, CO2 laser treatments can dramatically improve various signs of aging and sun damage, including:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin texture
Sun spots and hyperpigmentation
Scarring (including acne scars)

This blog delves into two popular CO2 laser treatments: CoolPeel and Dot Therapy. While both utilise CO2 laser technology, they cater to different needs and offer varying levels of intensity, downtime and result. Let's explore what each treatment has to offer!

CO2 CoolPeel Therapy

What is CoolPeel?

CoolPeel is a gentler form of CO2 laser treatment designed for those seeking improvements with minimal downtime. Unlike traditional CO2 lasers, CoolPeel delivers laser energy in extremely short pulses, minimising heat build-up in the surrounding tissues. This translates to significantly reduced side effects like redness, swelling, and discomfort often associated with CO2 laser treatments. CoolPeel is an ideal treatment for younger clients investing in a preventative treatment plan or who are just starting to notice the effects of ageing. CoolPeel also provides a safe treatment for Skin Types III and above requiring a more conservative approach to minimise PIH.

Benefits of CoolPeel

CoolPeel is ideal for individuals seeking subtle yet effective skin rejuvenation. It's perfect for addressing concerns like:

Fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and mouth.
Uneven skin texture and enlarged pores.
Loss of skin firmness and elasticity.

By gently targeting the superficial layers of the skin, CoolPeel stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This natural healing process plumps and tightens the skin, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.

CoolPeel Treatment Procedure

A CoolPeel treatment typically involves applying a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment area, maximising comfort. The laser itself delivers short bursts of energy to create microscopic zones of injury in the skin. This controlled damage triggers the body's healing response, leading to collagen and elastin production over time.

CoolPeel Downtime

CoolPeel boasts minimal downtime, with most patients experiencing mild redness and flaking for 1-2 days post-treatment.

CO2 Dot Therapy

What is Dot Therapy?

For those seeking more dramatic improvements in skin texture, tone, and scarring, CO2 Dot Therapy offers a powerful solution. Dot Therapy’s fractional laser technology creates microscopic columns of controlled injury within the skin. Unlike traditional CO2 lasers that ablate (remove) the entire surface layer, Dot Therapy leaves surrounding areas untouched. This allows for faster healing and reduced downtime when compared to traditional fully ablative CO2 Laser treatments performed under General Anaesthesia.

Benefits of Dot Therapy

Dot Therapy is ideal for individuals with more advanced skin concerns who desire significant rejuvenation. It excels at addressing issues like:

Deeper wrinkles and fine lines
Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Acne scars (including rolling and ice pick scars)
Surgical scars
Uneven skin texture and irregularities

The controlled injury caused by the laser triggers a robust healing response within the skin. This response stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, leading to dramatic improvements in firmness, texture, and overall skin renewal.

Dot Therapy Treatment Procedure

Dot Therapy requires a consultation with a qualified practitioner to determine treatment goals and tailor the settings for optimal results. One of the significant advantages of Dot Therapy is its customisability. By adjusting the laser settings, practitioners can tailor the treatment to address a wide range of skin concerns, from mild wrinkles to surgical or trauma scars. Additionally, Dot Therapy is particularly effective in treating textural acne scarring, including those that have proven resistant to other treatments.

Dot Therapy Downtime

The downtime associated with Dot Therapy can vary depending on the intensity of the treatment. However, it typically involves a period of redness, swelling, and crusting for a minimum of several days, followed by gradual healing over the course of a week or two.

CoolPeel vs. Dot Therapy: A Comparison

Conclusion

As you can see, both CO2 CoolPeel and CO2 Dot Therapy offer solutions for targeting visual concerns associated with aging. However, the key differences lie in patient goals and treatment intensity.

CoolPeel is ideal for those seeking a subtle yet effective approach with minimal downtime. It's perfect for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and mild textural concerns. Dot Therapy, on the other hand, provides a more intensive solution for individuals with deeper wrinkles, sun damage, and significant scarring.

Ultimately, the best CO2 laser treatment for you depends on your individual needs and desired results. A less invasive procedure with minimal downtime will have more subtle results and generally require more treatment sessions. A consultation with a qualified professional from Studio Aesthetica is necessary to determine which option best aligns with your goals and skin type. They can assess your unique concerns, explain the treatment process in detail, and answer any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Visit the CO2 page to read all the details. Here are a few of our most asked questions related to CO2.

When will I see the results?
- You will start to see results after several weeks as the skin repairs gradually. Results will show optimally at around the three month mark as your collagen remodelling increases over time. After your initial course of treatments, we would recommend yearly maintenance of 1-2 sessions to maintain your results.
What is the duration of the procedure?
- The actual treatment takes around 45 minutes, with an additional 30-45 minutes needed for the application of topical numbing cream. A consultation should be done prior to commencing treatment.
How many treatments do I need?
- Depending on your skin and desired results your practitioner at Studio Aesthetica will tailor a treatment plan to you. The collagen synthesis process will increase over time and with more sessions.
How do I prepare for CO2 treatment?
- It is recommended to do the following prior to having CO2 treatment:
  - Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks prior
  - Do not have any chemical peels or exfoliating treatments for 4 weeks prior
  - Do not use any topical AHA, BHA or Retinol products for at least 2 week prior
  - Do not use any topical prescription strength Retinol products such as Tretinoin/Retin-A for 2 weeks prior
  - Avoid alcohol and smoking the day of your treatment
  - Avoid hair removal in the treatment area such as waxing or depilatories for 2 weeks prior

Additional Information

Contact Studio Aesthetica with any questions related to CO2 Laser Treatment or medical aesthetics.

What’s the difference between CO2 Laser Dot Therapy and CO2 Laser CoolPeel?