Helix - Advanced CO2

The Helix CO2 is an advanced aesthetic laser system used for skin resurfacing treatments to improve texture, tone, wrinkles, and scarring with minimal downtime. It combines both ablative and non-ablative laser technologies in a single platform. 

Key Features and Benefits

The Helix CO2 system offers versatility through three main treatment modalities: CoolPeel, Sultra, and Fusion, each tailored to different skin concerns and desired downtime. 

• Dual Technology: It integrates a 10,600nm CO2 ablative laser (which vaporizes damaged surface skin) and a 1570nm non-ablative fiber laser (which heats deeper layers to stimulate collagen without surface injury).
• Customization: The system features DEKA’s exclusive Pulse Shape Design (PSD) technology, giving medical professionals full control over pulse duration, energy, and shapes to customize treatments for a wide range of skin types and concerns.
• Minimal Downtime: Compared to traditional, more aggressive CO2 lasers that might require weeks of recovery, the Helix system is designed for faster healing, with many patients returning to normal activities within a few days to a week.
• Targeted Concerns: It effectively treats fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, and overall skin laxity. 

Treatment Options

What to Expect

• Procedure: A topical anesthetic is applied for 30 minutes before the treatment to ensure comfort.
• Sensations: Patients typically feel heat and a tingling sensation.
• Recovery: Redness, swelling, and mild flaking are common in the days following the procedure.
• Aftercare: Sun exposure and harsh products should be avoided during the healing process. 

Before Treatment:

• Sun Protection: Avoid tanning beds and direct sun exposure for 2 weeks before treatment to reduce risk of hyperpigmentation.
• Skincare Adjustments: Stop using Retin-A, retinol, glycolic acid, or other exfoliating agents 7-14 days before the procedure.
• Medication Review: Inform your provider of any medications. Avoid blood-thinning medications if advised, and start prescribed antiviral medication if you have a history of herpes/cold sores.
• Skin Condition: Ensure you do not have any active infections, open wounds, or severe breakouts in the treatment area.
• Day of Procedure: Arrive with clean, bare skin (no makeup, lotion, or perfume).
• Preparation: Stay hydrated and, if having a full-face treatment, consider having ice packs ready for post-care. 

After Treatment (Post-Care)

• Immediate (Days 1-3): Expect redness, warmth, and swelling (similar to a sunburn). Use ice packs to reduce swelling. Cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser or diluted vinegar solution, avoiding rubbing, and apply heavy moisturizing ointment (e.g., Aquaphor) to keep the skin hydrated.
• Avoid: Do not pick at, scrub, or exfoliate the skin. Avoid sweating, saunas, hot tubs, swimming, and direct sun exposure for 1-2 weeks.
• Sleeping: Sleep with your head elevated for the first 2-3 nights to minimize swelling.
• Skincare: Avoid makeup for at least 48 hours, but waiting as long as possible before using make is best. Reintroduce gentle skincare only after the skin has fully peeled and healed, avoiding harsh active ingredients for 2-4 weeks.
• Protection: Use mineral-based sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily once the skin has healed, as it will be highly sensitive to UV light. 

What to Expect

• Recovery Time: Generally 5–10 days, with skin peeling, crusting, and redness.
• Results: Noticeable tightening and brightening often occur within one week, with final collagen-boosting results appearing over 3–6 months.
• Side Effects: Potential for acne breakouts (due to heavy ointments), lingering redness, or hyperpigmentation, especially if sun protection is neglected.