Best cool peel laser in Tucson, AZ

Sessions

1–3, about 4–6 weeks apart

Redness

Typically 1–3 days

Normal activities

Within 24–48 hours

Results

Build over several months

What is Cool Peel?

Cool Peel is a fractional ablative CO₂ laser treatment from Cartessa Aesthetics, which holds the CoolPeel® trademark. It is available only on two CO₂ lasers made by the Italian manufacturer DEKA, the Tetra and the HELIX, and Cartessa is DEKA’s exclusive U.S. partner for both.

The FDA cleared the latest Tetra model, the SmartXide Tetra PRO, in 2024. It is a 10,600 nm CO₂ laser, and when it is used with its scanning unit, it is indicated for ablative skin resurfacing.

How does it work?

Cool Peel Laser is performed using a fractional CO₂ laser platform that precisely targets the superficial layers of damaged skin. Unlike traditional CO₂ resurfacing, which delivers significant heat into surrounding tissue, Cool Peel focuses on delivering high energy in extremely short pulses.

This allows the laser to:

• Remove damaged outer skin layers
• Stimulate natural collagen production
• Improve skin texture and tone
• Encourage cellular turnover

By minimizing excess heat, the treatment reduces downtime while still triggering the body’s natural healing response. As new collagen forms, skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more radiant over time.

How a fractional CO₂ laser works

CO₂ lasers work at a wavelength of 10,600 nm, which is well absorbed by water. Because skin contains a lot of water, this lets the laser remove very thin layers of skin with precision.

Fractional means the laser beam is split into many tiny microbeams. Instead of treating the whole surface at once, the laser treats a grid of microscopic spots. Research on fractional CO₂ lasers shows that these tiny treatment zones trigger a collagen remodeling response in the skin.

Where Cool Peel gets its name

DEKA’s Pulse Shape Design (PSD) technology lets the provider choose among several pulse modes, which control how deep the laser vaporizes and how much heat it leaves behind. Cool Peel uses the High Pulse (H-Pulse) mode, which delivers high peak power in short pulses. Cartessa explains that the lack of lingering heat in the surrounding skin is where Cool Peel gets its name.

Providers can also adjust the power, density, and pulse duration, so treatments can be tailored to each patient.

How can it help me?

Cool Peel Laser is ideal for patients who want noticeable skin improvement without aggressive resurfacing. While some individuals see visible improvement after one session, a series of treatments may be recommended for optimal results depending on your skin concerns and goals.

Most patients benefit from 1–3 treatments spaced about 4–6 weeks apart.

Results develop gradually as collagen rebuilds, with continued improvement over several months.

Common Reasons for treatment

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Age spots
• Uneven skin tone
• Rough skin texture
• Enlarged pores
• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Mild skin laxity
• Dull or tired-looking skin

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What should I know before treatments?

Before your visit

Please avoid make-up, lotions, or skincare products on the day of your treatment. Sunburned or recently tanned skin cannot be treated.

To reduce sensitivity and optimize results:

• Avoid retinols, retinoids, glycolic acid, and exfoliating products for 3–5 days prior
• Avoid excessive sun exposure for 1–2 weeks before treatment
• Inform us of any medications that increase photosensitivity
• Let us know if you have a history of cold sores so preventative medication can be prescribed if needed

Proper preparation helps ensure a safe and effective treatment.

What to expect after treatments?

After your visit

Immediately after treatment, your skin will feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. Redness is common and typically lasts 1–3 days.

You may experience:

• Mild swelling
• Dryness or tightness
• Light flaking or bronzing as skin renews

Most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours.

Post-treatment guidelines include:

• Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers
• Avoid direct sun exposure
• Wear broad-spectrum SPF daily
• Avoid exfoliating products until fully healed

Skin will appear brighter within days, with continued improvement in texture and firmness over several weeks.

How does Cool Peel compare with ResurFX and IPL?

Cool Peel is one of several laser and light treatments we offer, and each one works a little differently.

• Cool Peel is ablative. It removes very thin layers of skin in a grid of tiny spots, using short pulses that leave little heat behind.
• The ResurFX laser is non-ablative. It heats tissue below the surface and leaves the top layer of skin in place.
• IPL photofacials use intense pulsed light rather than a laser.

Your provider can help you choose the right option, or combination, for your skin and goals at your consultation.

Am I a candidate for this?

Cool Peel Laser is suitable for many skin types and can be performed on the face, neck, chest, and other areas of concern.

It is an excellent option for patients who:

• Want skin rejuvenation without extended downtime
• Prefer a gradual, natural-looking improvement
• Are not ready for more aggressive resurfacing

During your consultation, we will evaluate your skin type, goals, and medical history to determine if Cool Peel Laser is right for you.