Tetra CO2 Laser
Tetra is a CO2 laser that offers fully customizable skin resurfacing treatments that eliminate signs of aging like wrinkles, sunspots, uneven texture and age spots for dramatically smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin. Tailored to your unique needs, Tetra CO2 laser skin resurfacing works with your lifestyle for radiant results you want but without the downtime you don’t.
Treatment & Benefits
The Tetra CO2 removes top layers of damaged skin tissue and stimulates the regeneration of healthy skin underneath. New collagen is formed and elastin is tightened for long-lasting benefits. Tetra is a co2 laser- a proven laser technology for treating:
deeper facial lines
age spots
scarring
textural irregularities
Why Tetra is the Best CO2 Laser Technology
The Tetra is amongst the newest and most advanced CO2 technologies available as it features more operating settings so providers can better customize the intensity, depth and shape of the laser energy. This unmatched versatility means treatments are even more precise, optimizing results and minimizing side effects and unnecessary downtime.
Results and downtime depend on your individual treatment. Schedule a consult to see if you are a good candidate for Tetra CO2.
CO2 Treatment Instructions Prior to Treatment
Moisturize the skin at least 2 times a day (AM/PM). Increase water intake to 8 glasses (8oz) or more per day.
3-5 days prior to treatment day, begin using 1-2 pumps of Alastin Skin Regenerating Nectar nightly to the treatment areas.
Avoid direct or prolonged exposure to the sun. If exposure is unavoidable, use a zinc or titanium-oxide (mineral) based sunscreen of at least SPF 30+ everyday and reapply every 2 hours. Wear a hat and seek the shade. You will need to avoid the sun for 1-2 months post treatment as well.
STOP using any retinols, retinoids or glycolic acid topicals 1 week prior to the procedure.
DO NOT wear makeup to your appointment. Photos and consents will be done prior to the treatment.
If you suffer from cold sores, please let us know as we will call in an antiviral medication: Valtrex 500 mg tabs - take 1 tab two times per day starting 1 day prior to the procedure for a total of 7 days.
Please buy Benadryl 25 mg tabs - take 1 tab the night before your procedure. You may continue this for 2-3 nights post procedure as needed for itching.
Use clean and ideally unimportant pillowcases and sheets on your bed as the balm may ruin them. You must keep all pets out of the bed until you are healed.
Procedure Day
DO
Plan on being here for ~ 2 hours
Eat prior to your appointment
Wear a button up shirt that can be easily removed
Wear a hair tie to keep the hair off your face
DO NOT
Wear makeup
Wear nice clothing
The Procedure
A topical anesthetic will be applied 1 hour prior to the start of the procedure
You will take an advil/tylenol 1/2 hour prior to the start of the procedure
Protective eyewear will be used during the treatment
A smoke evacuator (which sounds like a vacuum) will be running during the procedure to remove smoke/debris from the air
You will feel a prickly sensation during the treatment. In most patients, the discomfort experienced post treatment is similar to an intense sunburn.
Post Procedure Products you will need
Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar (purchase when scheduling)
Alastin Soothe and Protect Recovery Balm
Square gauze pads for vinegar soaks
White vinegar to make vinegar solution (1 tbsp of vinegar in 1 cup water or 3 tbsp vinegar in 1 quart of water)
Alastin Gentle Cleanser
Alastin Ultralight moisturizer
Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
Skinceuticals Biocellulose Mask
Post Procedure Instructions
Post procedure discomfort is minimal. You can take over the counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen (after the first 24 hours). Over the counter Benadryl can help with any itch or swelling. Continue any prescribed antiviral medications.
Swelling and a mild to moderate sunburn sensation are common after the treatment and may last 1-3 days. Sleep with the treatment area elevated for at least 4 days to lessen the potential for swelling. Using cold compresses or ice packs will also help to relieve the swelling. Swelling is typically worse when you first wake up in the morning, especially around the eyes and mouth.
Many patients see redness for 3-5 or more days after the treatment. Redness is a sign of new collagen formation, and is expected to last longer with stronger treatments. Face and Neck 5-7 days / Chest 7-10 days / Hands 10-14+ days
No exercise or other strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks. Avoid the sun for 1-2 months.
First 48 hours
For the first 24 hours you will do a vinegar soak every 2-3 hours during the day and at least once during the first night.
Vinegar soak
Wash your hands thoroughly
Place 2-3 pieces of gauze in a container and pour the vinegar solution (see above) over the gauze to soak it.
Tip: It helps to make the vinegar solution ahead and keep in the refrigerator.
Ring out the wipes and using gentle pressure, apply them to the treated areas. Allow the treatment areas to soak for at least 5 minutes; longer if crusting is present.
Remove the wipes gently and pat dry.
After 5-10 minutes, apply a thin layer of the Alastin Nectar followed by the Recovery Balm.
Reapply Alastin Recovery Balm as needed to avoid the area becoming dry. Can use the Skinceuticals Biocellulose Mask to relieve itching and/or stinging.
48-72 hours
After 48 hours, you can switch to washing with the Alastin Gentle Cleanser three times daily. We still recommend continuing the vinegar soaks at least twice daily after washing. Each time you cleanse the skin, pat it dry gently, then apply a thin layer of Alastin Nectar followed by Recovery Balm. Reapply Recovery Balm throughout the day to keep the treated areas moist.
Days 3-7
AM
Wash with Alastin Gentle Cleanser. If you still have crusted areas, perform a vinegar soak.
Apply Alastin Nectar
Wait ~ 10 minutes, then apply Alastin Hydratint Sunscreen.
Wait ~ 5 minutes, apply a very thin layer (~ dime sized or thinner) of Recovery Balm to any areas that are still red or crusted. Reapply throughout the day to keep treated areas moist.
PM
Wash with Alastin Gentle Cleanser. If you still have crusted areas, perform a vinegar soak.
Apply Alastin Nectar, followed by Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer
Wait ~ 10 minutes, then apply a thin layer of Recovery Balm Avoid to any areas that are still red or crusted.
Notes:
Avoid scrubbing or trauma to the treated area. Use cool compresses, ice packs, or Benadryl as needed to reduce itching.
We recommend changing your pillowcase regularly the first 1-2 weeks.
Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation for 1-2 months post procedure. Always wear your mineral sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat when exposed to the sun. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
It is best to avoid strenuous exercise or any excessive heat for 2 weeks as well.
Be careful with hair products (shampoo, hair spray, etc.) and perfumes, so they do not touch the treated area. Avoid waxing the treated areas for 3 months.
After 7 days
You may resume a normal skincare regimen, including makeup at this time:
AM
Gentle cleanser
Vitamin C serum
Moisturizer
Mineral sunscreen
Makeup (mineral is best)
PM
Gentle cleanser
Moisturizer
Notes:
Continue the Recovery Balm on any areas that are still sensitive and healing.
After 14 days you can resume retinols, glycolics and other exfoliating treatments.
Call us if you experience any of the following
Excessive pain, itching, swelling, bleeding, scab formation
Signs of infection
Have any further questions
We can be reached at 713-952-8400 or you can send a Klara message
Potential side effects and complications
Prolonged redness, swelling, oozing, petechiae, delayed wound healing, scarring, crusting or scabbing, infection from bacteria, viral or fungal agents, pigment changes (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation), herpes reactivation and acne flare up.
Results
You may expect to see an improvement in the appearance of wrinkled, saggy skin. You should notice smoother, more even skin tone and texture as well as the removal of brown and red pigment with overall brightening of your complexion. Results are both immediate and progressive. Follow up after 3 months.
