Tetra Pro CO₂ / CoolPeel® in Cupertino, CA
Conveniently located to serve Cupertino, Los Gatos, and Greater Bay Area
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Bring back smooth, radiant skin—with less downtime.
What is the Tetra Pro CO₂ (CoolPeel®) laser?
The Tetra Pro CO₂ by DEKA is a next-generation fractional CO₂ platform designed to resurface skin, smooth fine lines, soften scars, and improve tone and texture. Its hallmark CoolPeel® setting delivers true CO₂ energy in ultra-short pulses that precisely ablate the skin’s superficial layer while minimizing heat build-up in surrounding tissue—translating to noticeably brighter, smoother skin with faster recovery.
Tetra CO₂ vs. CoolPeel®: What’s the difference?
- Tetra CO₂ (traditional/deeper resurfacing)
- Customizable for moderate to significant sun damage, etched lines, crepey texture, acne scars
- Treats deeper layers for more dramatic results
- Downtime: typically 5-10+ days of redness/light peeling; pinkness can persist longer as skin remodels
- Often 1 treatment annually (or a short series) for major change
- CoolPeel® (light/medium resurfacing)
- Targets texture, tone, pores, fine lines, dullness with low downtime
- Superficial fractional ablation with reduced thermal injury
- Downtime: usually 1–3 days of redness/sandpaper/grainy feel; makeup often by day 2–3
- Best in a series of 3-4 sessions for cumulative glow and smoothness
Think of CoolPeel® as the “polish and refine” setting, and full-field or deeper Tetra CO₂ as the “reset and rebuild” option. We’ll tailor settings to your skin, lifestyle, and timeline.
What concerns does Tetra CO₂ / CoolPeel® treat?
- Fine lines and etched wrinkles (eyes, upper lip, cheeks)
- Rough texture and enlarged pores
- Acne and surgical scars
- Sun damage, brown spots, and uneven tone
- Crepey, lax skin on face, neck, chest, and hands
- Overall dullness—for a clearer, glassier look
Who is a good candidate?
You may be a great fit if you want smoother, tighter, more even skin and you’re ready for either a long-weekend recovery (CoolPeel®) or a more intensive reset (deeper Tetra CO₂).
We’ll review your skin type, medical history, and timeline during consultation. Certain conditions (active infection, recent significant sun exposure, some medications, pregnancy, or tendency to form thick scars) may require postponement or an alternate plan.
What to expect: treatment & downtime
- Comfort: We use topical numbing for the deeper CO₂, no numbing is required for CoolPeel® ; sessions typically take 10–30 minutes depending on area and settings.
- Immediately after: Warmth/redness similar to a sunburn. With CoolPeel®, many patients feel “toasty” for a few hours.
- Days 1–3 (CoolPeel®): Redness, sandpaper feel, light flaking. Many return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
- Days 5–10+ (deeper Tetra CO₂): More pronounced peeling and pinkness as new skin reveals; plan for social downtime.
- Results: Skin looks brighter within days, with continued improvement as collagen remodels over 6–12 weeks.
Pre-treatment prep (for best results)
- Avoid tanning and unprotected sun for 2–3 weeks prior.
- Pause retinoids, acids, benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliants for 5–7 days pre-treatment.
- If you’re prone to cold sores, let us know—an antiviral prescription may be recommended.
- Arrive with clean skin (no makeup, lotion, self-tanner, or SPF).
Aftercare: simple, soothing, protected
- Cleanse gently; keep skin hydrated with our post-laser balm/hydrator.
- No actives (retinoids, acids, scrubs) until we clear you—usually 7–10 days for CoolPeel®, longer for deeper settings.
- No heat/sweat (sauna, hot yoga, heavy workouts) for 48–72 hours or as advised.
- SPF 30+ daily and strict sun avoidance while healing.
- Expect temporary redness, dryness, and flaking; don’t pick or peel.
How many treatments will I need?
- CoolPeel®: typically 1–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart for smoother texture, refined pores, and glow maintenance.
- Deeper Tetra CO₂: often 1 treatment for major change; some benefit from a second session after several months.
Why choose Cupertino Facial Esthetics for CO₂ resurfacing?
- Consultation-first philosophy: Your plan is built around your face, goals, and timeline—never cookie-cutter.
- Expertise in regenerative aesthetics: We integrate CO₂ resurfacing with medical-grade skincare and collagen-stimulating strategies for durable, natural-looking results.
- Advanced protocols: From antiviral and pigment-care guidance to staged treatment planning (face/neck/chest), we manage the details so you can focus on healing beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tetra also performs the deeper CO₂ treatment called DEKA.
CO₂ DEKA Laser Resurfacing
What Is the DEKA CO₂ Laser?
The DEKA CO₂ is a fractional ablative laser designed to rejuvenate the skin by precisely removing damaged outer layers while stimulating new collagen production deep within the dermis. Considered one of the gold standards in skin resurfacing, DEKA technology delivers powerful results in improving skin tone, texture, and overall radiance.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The DEKA CO₂ laser is best suited for patients who:
- Want significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity
- Struggle with stubborn sun damage, pigmentation, or uneven skin tone
- Have acne scars or textural irregularities
- Desire long-lasting rejuvenation with fewer treatments compared to non-ablative lasers
It is ideal for patients seeking more dramatic results, understanding that the downtime is greater than “light” resurfacing treatments like the CoolPeel.
What It Treats
- Fine lines & deep wrinkles
- Sun damage and pigmentation
- Scarring, including acne scars
- Skin laxity and crepiness
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Enlarged pores
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Most patients see transformative results after just one DEKA CO₂ session, though some may benefit from a series of 1–2 treatments depending on the severity of concerns. Maintenance treatments every few years can help preserve results.
Downtime and Recovery
The DEKA CO₂ is more intensive than a non-ablative laser. Downtime generally lasts 5–10 days:
- Days 1–3: Redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation
- Days 4–7: Peeling and flaking as the skin resurfaces
- By day 7–10: Fresh, new skin emerges with a smoother, more even appearance
Makeup can typically be worn after one week. Redness may persist for several weeks but is easily covered and fades with time.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning, and self-tanners for 2–4 weeks
- Discontinue retinols and exfoliating acids for 5–7 days before treatment
- Stay well-hydrated and follow any antiviral or antibiotic instructions if prescribed
Post-Treatment Care
- Keep skin well moisturized with healing ointments as directed
- Strictly avoid sun exposure and always apply SPF 30+ once healing begins
- Do not pick or peel the skin as it flakes off naturally
- Resume active skincare (like retinols, AHAs, vitamin C) only when cleared by your provider
DEKA CO₂ vs. CoolPeel CO₂
Feature | DEKA CO₂ | CoolPeel CO₂ |
---|---|---|
Depth of Treatment | Deep, ablative resurfacing for dramatic results | Superficial, non-ablative resurfacing |
Best For | Wrinkles, scars, laxity, severe sun damage | Mild texture, early fine lines, pore refinement |
Downtime | 5–10 days | 1–2 days of redness, minimal flaking |
Results | More dramatic, fewer treatments needed | Subtle, requires a series of 3–4 treatments |
Comfort | More intensive, requires numbing/anesthesia | Well-tolerated with topical numbing only |
Longevity | Long-lasting results after one session | Maintenance recommended every 6–12 months |
In short: The DEKA CO₂ is your choice for a powerful, one-and-done resurfacing treatment with transformative results, while the CoolPeel offers a gentler, low-downtime option for ongoing skin maintenance.
Ready for smoother, brighter, more even skin?
Book a consultation to see whether CoolPeel® or deeper Tetra CO₂ is the best path for you. We’ll map a step-by-step plan, prep your skin for success, and guide you through a comfortable recovery—all in our Cupertino studio.
Your Tetra Pro CO₂ / CoolPeel® treatment will be performed in Cupertino Facial Esthetics's luxury office in Cupertino, CA near Saratoga or our CA office.