Helix CO2 is a fractional carbon dioxide laser at 10,600nm. CO2 is the most powerful resurfacing wavelength in aesthetic medicine, and Helix delivers it in microcolumns rather than a full-surface treatment, which shortens recovery while retaining depth of correction.
Lasers · Helix CO2
What it reaches that others do not
Helix reaches deeper than HALO or MOXI. It is the platform we choose for etched lines, established acne scarring, moderate to significant textural change, and skin laxity lighter lasers will not correct. Collagen response continues firming for months after peeling resolves.
Lasers · Helix CO2
The tradeoff
Downtime is real: seven to ten days of pink, peeling skin plus another two to three weeks of continuing pinkness. Most patients get a single session and are done for a year or longer. Not recommended on darker skin types without careful evaluation.
Lasers · Helix CO2 · What to expect
The session itself
Thirty to forty-five minutes for the treatment plus topical numbing applied thirty to forty-five minutes before. Sensation during treatment is significant heat, and most patients receive additional oral pain support during the session.
Lasers · Helix CO2 · What to expect
Recovery day by day
Days one to three: skin is swollen and weeping, needing occlusive moisturizer constantly. Days three to seven: skin darkens, tightens, begins to peel. Days seven to ten: peeling completes. Days ten to twenty-one: pinkness fades and full makeup is comfortable.
Lasers · Helix CO2 · What to expect
Results and aftercare
Full result matures over three to six months. Most patients get a single session and are done for a year or more. The aftercare protocol is intensive during the first ten days and is provided in writing at the appointment.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions
How is Helix CO2 different from HALO?Helix reaches deeper than HALO and produces more correction per session. The tradeoff is downtime: seven to ten days of visible recovery for Helix versus four to seven for HALO. Most patients get one Helix session and are done for a year or more.What is the recovery like?Days one to three: swelling and weeping. Days three to seven: darkening and peeling. Days seven to ten: peeling completes. Days ten to twenty-one: pinkness fades. Full result matures over three to six months.Is Helix safe on my skin type?Helix carries higher risk of pigment change on skin types IV through VI and requires careful evaluation before treatment. On skin types I through III it is our standard for deeper resurfacing.
Lasers
Who performs this
Performed by Kalya Anderson and Brooke Cold, on a plan set with our board-certified plastic surgeons.
