Treatment 02 · Ablative CO2 Laser
Tetra Pro CO2
Moderate Resurfacing
The Tetra Pro CO2 laser addresses skin laxity from a different angle — by physically removing damaged outer skin layers while delivering heat-mediated collagen contraction in the dermis below. CO2 laser energy causes collagen fibrils to shrink to approximately one-third of their length on contact — producing an immediate, visible tightening effect at the time of treatment.
This makes the Moderate CO2 particularly effective for surface-level and crepey laxity — especially around the perioral area, periorbital region, cheeks, and neck where skin thinning and texture changes compound the appearance of looseness. New collagen continues to form for up to 6 months post-treatment, extending and deepening the tightening effect over time.
Perioral laxity
Crepey skin
Periorbital tightening
Neck & chest
Surface tightening
Immediate effect
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — CO2 laser produces two distinct tightening effects. The first is immediate: the heat generated by CO2 laser energy denatures and physically contracts collagen fibrils in the dermis on contact. Studies show CO2 laser can produce approximately 34% tissue tightening that persists at six months post-treatment.
The second effect is progressive: the controlled injury triggers a wound-healing cascade that stimulates new collagen synthesis over the following 3–6 months. This means results actually continue to improve well after the initial healing phase is complete — making CO2 one of the most efficient single-treatment options for surface skin tightening.
The Moderate CO2 treatment requires the most downtime of any treatment we offer for this indication — expect 5–10 days of redness, swelling, and skin peeling as the ablated surface heals and new skin regenerates. Some residual pinkness may persist for 1–2 weeks beyond that.
Your provider will give you a detailed healing protocol including specific cleansers, moisturizers, and sun protection. Strict sun avoidance during healing is essential. The tradeoff for this downtime is more dramatic, longer-lasting tightening results — particularly for patients with more advanced surface laxity or crepiness.
CO2 laser is most effective for surface and dermal laxity — crepey skin texture, fine surface looseness, and skin quality changes that make laxity more visible. For true jowl volume and gravitational descent, Secret RF's deeper dermal remodeling is generally more targeted.
The two treatments are highly complementary: CO2 addresses the surface quality and immediate collagen contraction, while Secret RF rebuilds the deeper structural dermis. Used together in a staged protocol, they address laxity at multiple tissue levels for a more comprehensive result.
Many patients see significant improvement after a single Moderate CO2 session — particularly for surface laxity, crepey texture, and perioral or periorbital tightening. Patients with more advanced changes may benefit from 2 sessions spaced several months apart to allow full collagen remodeling between treatments.
Because the Moderate CO2 produces real, lasting structural change, it does not need to be repeated as frequently as non-ablative treatments — making it a strong investment for patients who want significant results with fewer total appointments.
CO2 ablative resurfacing is best suited to Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. Darker skin tones carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) with ablative treatments and may be better served by Secret RF alone. Additionally, patients who are pregnant, have active skin infections, have used isotretinoin within the past year, or have had significant recent sun exposure are not candidates until those conditions are resolved.
A thorough consultation, health history review, and sometimes a pre-treatment skincare regimen are required before any CO2 treatment.
