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Skin Rejuvenation & Aesthetics

CO2 DEKA (Ablative Laser Resurfacing)

The Gold Standard in Resurfacing — Transformative Results for Deep Wrinkles, Scarring, and Advanced Skin Concerns

$3,000

Who It's For

DEKA CO₂ is the right choice for patients with deep wrinkles or significant skin laxity; moderate-to-severe acne scarring; advanced sun damage or significant textural concerns; or patients who want maximum results and are prepared for a full recovery process.

How It Works

Single session$3,000
Face & neck. Includes all post-care guidance and prescribed medications.

DEKA CO₂ is a fully ablative laser — it removes the entire outer skin layer, exposing fresh new skin below while delivering significant heat to the deep dermis to trigger robust collagen remodeling. Unlike fractional treatments, there is no untreated skin remaining, which allows for more dramatic and immediate improvement. Social downtime is approximately 10–14 days. Most patients have one treatment, with some opting for a second procedure 6–12 months later if desired.

What to Expect

The first 3–7 days involve significant recovery — redness, swelling, oozing, and crusting as the skin heals. By days 7–14, new skin is visible. Redness fades over 4–8 weeks. Full collagen remodeling continues for 3–6 months. Pre-treatment preparation includes stopping retinoids and blood thinners, and patients with cold sore history receive a preventive antiviral protocol.

Results

Safety & Side Effects

Full ablative CO₂ requires careful pre- and post-treatment management. We prescribe antivirals, antibiotics, and a detailed wound care protocol. Common expected effects include significant redness, oozing, and crusting during recovery. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is possible in darker skin tones and is addressed with pre-treatment preparation. Strict sun avoidance is required during recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

CoolPeel is fractional and suitable for patients who want real results with a shorter recovery. DEKA is fully ablative — it is for patients who want transformative results and are prepared for a 7–14 day recovery process.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities around day 10–14. Redness continues to fade over 4–8 weeks. Full results are visible at 3–6 months.
Plan for at least 7–10 days away from public-facing commitments. Your provider will help you plan based on your specific situation.

Side Effects

  • Expected healing: Redness, swelling, raw skin, oozing, crusting, peeling, prolonged pinkness, itching (3–10 days).
  • Uncommon: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; milia (self-resolve, do not extract).
⚠ Contact Us Immediately: Increasing redness/warmth/pus/fever after day 3–4 (infection — call immediately) · Painful blistering in/around mouth (herpes reactivation) · Picking = primary cause of scarring

Timeline

TimeframeWhat to Expect
Days 1–3Most intense — keep moist and protected
Days 4–7Crusting and peeling begin
Days 7–14New skin forms; return to activity
Months 3–6Collagen remodeling completes

Pre-Treatment

  • 2–4 weeks before: no tanning; stop retinoids and exfoliants at least 2 weeks before
  • 1 week before: stop aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil; no alcohol
  • Day before: cold sore history — start Valacyclovir 500mg twice daily for 10 days
  • Day of: clean skin; bring all prescribed medications

Post-Treatment Day 0

  • Keep Aquaphor on skin at all times
  • Sleep head elevated; do not cleanse until next morning

Days 1–2

  • Cleanse 3–4x daily with Vanicream; pat dry
  • Vinegar soaks if crusting (1 cup water + 1 tsp vinegar)
  • Reapply thick Aquaphor after every cleanse

Days 3–7

  • Use Exo Elite Serum after each cleanse
  • Continue Aquaphor until weeping stops
  • No sunscreen or makeup until provider confirms skin fully closed

Days 8–14

  • Exo Elite serum once daily
  • Begin Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 once healing confirmed
  • Makeup OK from day 10

Weeks 3–4

  • OK to restart active ingredients (retinoids, acids)
  • Strict sun protection — reapply SPF every 2 hours outdoors
⚠ Call Us: ANY sign of infection after day 3 · Fever >101°F · Painful blistering in/around mouth · No new skin by day 7–8

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation and we'll build a plan around your biology and your goals.