Dr. Jeffrey Lee is a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon serving patients in the greater Boston area. He specializes in cosmetic procedures of the face, breast, body, and non-surgical treatments such as Botox and Juvederm. Dr. Lee’s vision for patient care blends both safety as well as optimal aesthetic outcomes. Haute Beauty chats with Dr. Jeffrey Lee to learn more about the CoolPeel laser resurfacing treatment. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Jeffrey Lee

Is your goal to obtain healthier-looking skin? Through laser resurfacing treatment, Dr. Lee can provide you with younger-looking skin. Laser resurfacing has been a game-changing technology in the aesthetic world. There are many types of lasers that are used for a variety of different purposes. One of the most popular lasers today is the CoolPeel laser. The CoolPeel laser, a CO2 laser treatment has the capabilities of reducing fine lines, sun damage, and pore sizes all while enhancing your skin texture.

Ablative VS Nonablaitve?

When it comes to laser skin resurfacing, the two broad categories are ablative and nonablative lasers. Nonablative lasers deliver energy in the form of heat which can cause improvements in tissue depending on how much energy is used. Ablative lasers are specific lasers that can deliver a high amount of energy in a very short period of time. The Tetra CO2 laser by Deka is an ablative laser capable of delivering very precise amounts of energy.

What are the benefits of CoolPeel?

CoolPeel provides a lot of what an aggressive laser treatment offers but everything is less. This includes downtime, discomfort, and cost.

Most commonly, patients who get a CoolPeel prefer the quicker recovery and are better able to schedule multiple CoolPeels rather than take a week or two off for an aggressive laser resurfacing. The CoolPeel option available on the Tetra requires 2-3 days of downtime/redness. At this point, the only noticeable difference is that your skin will look normal, but it will feel slightly rough to touch for 1-2 weeks. Once you pass the rough skin stage of healing, your skin will feel tighter, softer, and look more even.

Results of the CoolPeel laser are less drastic than one aggressive treatment. I often recommend a series of CoolPeels to maximize the results. Typically, patients will choose to have 2-3 treatments for maximal benefit.

When receiving CoolPeel treatment, the pain is minimal. Oftentimes, you do not need anything to aid in the discomfort. We do offer a topical numbing cream for patients who prefer it. This is a stark difference from traditional aggressive laser treatments where oftentimes you need a sedated IV or a complete general anesthetic.

What is the CoolPeel laser able to treat?

CoolPeels can treat many of the same things an aggressive laser resurfacing can do but isn’t quite as effective when you compare one treatment vs one treatment. It can treat fine lines, pigment, acne scarring, and can tighten skin. Vertical upper lip lines are the only things that I recommend an aggressive laser resurfacing over a CoolPeel. Outside of that, they both treat the same things, just to a different degree.

Laser resurfacing has been an incredibly beneficial technology but is only efficient in the right hands. It is extremely important that you consult with an experienced and qualified provider. Also, since not everyone is a good candidate for laser resurfacing, we recommend that you schedule a consultation so that Dr. Lee can evaluate your skin and discuss the best treatment options for you!