Laser Treatments
TetraPRO CO2 laser in Clarks Summit and Scranton, PA - CO2 resurfacing with the CoolPeel option.
TetraPRO CO2 Laser at The Summit Aesthetics is an FDA-cleared fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing treatment that improves fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and acne scars – with two treatment intensities: a traditional deep-resurfacing mode, and the proprietary CoolPeel mode that delivers CO₂-level skin renewal with only 24 to 48 hours of visible downtime. Every TetraPRO CO2 laser session at our Clarks Summit medical spa is personally performed by Lori Barone, our Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician with more than 5 years of experience on Cutera and TetraPRO laser platforms. CO₂ laser resurfacing is widely regarded as the gold standard for ablative skin renewal. Most patients across Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, Kingston, and the wider NEPA region see meaningful results after a single treatment, with continued collagen remodeling for 3 to 6 months. Your complimentary consultation includes a candidacy assessment and a written plan.
Duration
15 minutes per area
Downtime
None
Results
Initial results appear quickly; maximum effect around 12 weeks
Sessions
Typically 1–2 sessions per area
Ready to begin
How CO2 laser resurfacing actually works
A CO₂ laser emits an infrared wavelength (10,600 nanometers) that is absorbed by water in the skin. When the laser passes over the treatment area, that water absorbs the energy and vaporizes microscopic columns of tissue – removing the outermost damaged skin layer while triggering the body’s natural healing response deeper down.
The word “fractional” matters. Traditional CO₂ lasers from decades ago resurfaced 100% of the treated skin – an aggressive procedure with weeks of downtime. Modern fractional CO₂ lasers like the TetraPRO treat only a fraction of the skin surface in a precise microscopic grid pattern. The untreated skin between the treated columns acts as reservoir tissue that accelerates healing, dramatically reducing downtime while preserving the transformative depth of CO₂ renewal.
Two things happen after treatment. First, the vaporized surface layer is replaced with new, smoother skin – the visible resurfacing effect you notice in the first two weeks. Second, the controlled thermal energy delivered to the deeper dermis triggers new collagen and elastin production that continues for three to six months – the long-term firming and texture improvement that keeps developing well after the visible peeling has resolved.
CoolPeel vs. traditional CO2 resurfacing - the key distinction
This is the single most important thing to understand about the TetraPRO platform. It runs two very different treatment modes, and the right choice depends on how much downtime you can take and how deep a result you want.
Formulation
CoolPeel
Traditional CO2 Resurfacing
Depth of treatment
Superficial – targets the top layer of skin
Deeper – penetrates into the dermis
What it treats best
Fine lines, dullness, texture, mild sun damage, pore refinement
Deep wrinkles, moderate to severe sun damage, deeper scars, significant texture
Visible downtime
24 to 48 hours (pink and slightly rough)
5 to 7 days (peeling, redness, healing)
Total recovery to normal skin
2 to 3 days
2 to 3 weeks (redness can persist for 4 to 6 weeks)
Session length
15 to 20 minutes
45 to 60 minutes
Sessions typically needed
2 to 4 spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart
1 to 2 (many patients need only one)
Anesthesia
Topical numbing only
Topical numbing + oral analgesic; sometimes nerve blocks
Best for
Patients who cannot take significant downtime and want gradual, cumulative improvement
Patients who want the deepest single-treatment result and can plan a week of visible healing
CoolPeel is what we usually recommend for first-time CO₂ patients, for patients under 40, for patients with moderate concerns, and for anyone whose work or social schedule cannot accommodate a full week of visible healing. Traditional deep CO₂ resurfacing is reserved for patients with substantial photodamage, deeper wrinkles, or scarring where the deeper single-session result justifies the recovery. Lori will discuss which mode fits your goals and your calendar at your consultation.
What TetraPRO CO2 treats at The Summit Aesthetics
Fractional CO₂ laser is one of the most versatile resurfacing tools in aesthetic medicine. Depending on which mode Lori uses and how aggressive the settings, it can address a wide range of skin concerns – either as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a combined plan with injectables, RF microneedling, or other treatments on our menu.
Common concerns we treat
01
Fine lines and wrinkles
particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead
02
Sun damage and photoaging
uneven pigment, dullness, roughness accumulated over years
03
Uneven texture
skin that feels rough, thickened, or "weathered"
04
Enlarged pores
particularly across the nose and cheeks
05
Acne scars
particularly rolling and boxcar scars; ice-pick scars are harder
06
Age spots and sun spots
the flat, pigmented lesions from years of sun exposure
07
Actinic damage / precancerous lesions
CO₂ resurfacing has clinical applications beyond cosmetics; discuss at consultation if this is a concern
08
Skin laxity
mild to moderate loss of firmness benefits from the collagen-remodeling effect
Areas we treat - Full face is by far the most-common treatment area. We also treat neck, décolletage (chest), hands, and select body areas for texture and photoaging. Not every part of the body is a good candidate for CO₂ - the eyelids, for example, require a specialized approach and are often better addressed with other treatments.
Downtime, honestly
The single biggest source of dissatisfaction with CO₂ laser is unrealistic downtime expectations. Patients who arrive expecting to look “great in a few days” and instead spend a week visibly healing feel misled – not because the treatment failed, but because the expectations weren’t set correctly upfront. So here is the honest version.
CoolPeel – what your recovery actually looks like
Time after treatment
What you’ll see and feel
Immediately after
Warm, pink skin – similar to a mild sunburn
Day 1
Skin feels tight, slightly rough (like fine sandpaper), and pink. Most patients apply makeup and return to work on day 2.
Days 2–3
Bronzed appearance as micro-treated areas darken briefly before flaking off. Makeup covers this easily.
Days 3–5
Fine flaking that resolves. Skin gradually returns to normal color and texture.
Week 2+
Skin looks smoother, brighter, and more even-toned. Continued improvement over 3–6 months.
Traditional CO2 resurfacing – what your recovery actually looks like
Time after treatment
What you’ll see and feel
Immediately after
Significant redness, mild swelling, feels like severe sunburn. You will not want to leave the house today.
Days 1–3
Peak swelling on days 2–3. Skin oozes clear serum – this is normal and requires gentle ongoing cleansing. Do not scratch or peel.
Days 3–5
Skin begins to peel visibly in sheets or flakes. Continued redness. Most patients do not want to be seen publicly during this window.
Days 5–7
Peeling completes. Skin is pink, fragile, and requires diligent sun protection and gentle skincare.
Weeks 2–4
Skin looks smoother but continues to appear pink for several more weeks. Makeup can be worn to cover pinkness after week 2.
Weeks 4–6
Redness fully resolves in most patients. Some patients have longer-lasting redness that gradually fades over months.
Am I a candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing?
Not everyone is a good candidate for CO₂ laser, and the honest candidacy conversation is one of the reasons we’ve reserved this treatment for physician-supervised, provider-consistent care rather than a franchise model.
You are likely a good candidate if
- You have Fitzpatrick I, II, or III skin (fair to olive skin that tans moderately)
- You have specific concerns – wrinkles, texture, scars, sun damage – that would benefit from resurfacing
- You are in generally good health
- You can plan the required downtime (2–3 days for CoolPeel; 1–2 weeks for traditional CO₂)
- You can commit to diligent sun protection during recovery and beyond
- You have realistic expectations for a treatment that continues to improve results over 3 to 6 months
You may not be a good candidate if
- You have Fitzpatrick V or VI skin (darker skin tones) – traditional CO₂ carries real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on darker skin. CoolPeel is safer on darker skin but requires specific parameters and a test spot first.
- You have active acne, herpes outbreaks, or other active skin conditions at the treatment site
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are currently taking isotretinoin (Accutane) or have taken it in the past 12 months
- You have a history of keloid scarring
- You have unrealistic expectations for what any single laser treatment can produce
Lori will assess your candidacy honestly at the consultation. If CO₂ laser isn’t right for you, we’ll say so – and often recommend a different treatment (Virtue RF Microneedling, IPL, or a combination plan) that will produce better results for your specific concern and skin type.
What to expect at your TetraPRO CO2 appointment
Consultation (first visit)
Complimentary, 45 to 60 minutes. Lori assesses your skin, discusses your concerns and goals, reviews your medical history, and builds a written plan. For CO₂ laser specifically, this is where we decide between CoolPeel and traditional resurfacing, and where we plan the treatment around your calendar.
Pre-treatment (1 to 2 weeks before)
Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids. Avoid sun exposure and self-tanner. If you have a history of cold sores, we prescribe prophylactic antiviral medication to start the day before treatment.
Day of treatment
Arrive with clean skin, no makeup. Topical numbing cream is applied for 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure. For traditional CO₂, we may also provide an oral analgesic and nerve blocks depending on the area.
The treatment itself
CoolPeel takes 15 to 20 minutes for the full face. Traditional CO₂ takes 45 to 60 minutes. Most patients describe the sensation as warm and prickly with intermittent brief hot flashes - uncomfortable but tolerable with the numbing protocol.
Immediately after
Skin is warm, pink to red, and looks somewhat like a moderate sunburn. Cool compresses and specific post-treatment ointment are applied before you leave.
Follow-up
We invite you back at 2 weeks to assess healing and the initial result. Full results are assessed at 3 months, when collagen remodeling has significantly progressed. Additional sessions (for CoolPeel plans) are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
CO2 laser aftercare - the required version
CO₂ aftercare is not optional. Patients who follow the aftercare protocol carefully have dramatically better healing, lower complication risk, and better long-term results than patients who cut corners. Lori will provide a written protocol at your treatment appointment. The highlights:
For the first 24 to 72 hours
- Keep the treated area clean using gentle, non-foaming cleanser – as directed
- Apply the specific post-treatment ointment or serum we provide (not off-the-shelf products)
- Use cool compresses for comfort
- Sleep on your back with head slightly elevated to minimize swelling
- No hot showers, saunas, exercise, or heat exposure
- Do not touch, pick, or peel the treated skin no matter how much it wants to flake
For the first 2 weeks
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ every single day – no exceptions. Sun exposure during this window can cause permanent pigmentation
- Wide-brimmed hat when outdoors
- No retinoids, exfoliating acids, or active skincare ingredients
- No facials, dermaplaning, chemical peels, or other treatments
- Continue gentle cleansing and moisturizing per protocol
For 3 to 6 months after
- Continue daily broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Reintroduce retinoids only when Lori clears you
- Notice continued improvement in skin quality as collagen remodeling progresses
When will I see CO2 laser results?
CO₂ laser produces both immediate and long-term results, which is unusual among aesthetic treatments – most others do one or the other.
Time after treatment
What’s happening
What you’ll notice
Days 1–7
Surface healing; treated skin sheds and is replaced
Initial peeling; skin looks pink then normalizes
Weeks 2–4
New surface skin fully in place; superficial changes visible
Smoother texture, more even tone, brighter skin
Months 1–3
New collagen production accelerating in deeper dermis
Gradual firming, wrinkle softening, continued improvement
Months 3–6
Continued collagen remodeling
Peak results – this is when we take before-and-after photos
Beyond 6 months
Collagen matures and stabilizes
Result maintained; some patients continue subtle improvement for a full year
For CoolPeel plans, we assess results at 3 months and decide whether an additional session is warranted. For traditional CO₂, most patients see the full transformative result from a single treatment.
CO2 laser vs. Fraxel vs. Virtue RF Microneedling - the honest comparison
If you’ve done any research on resurfacing, you’ve probably encountered several device options. Here is how they actually differ.
Details
CO2 Laser (TetraPRO)
Fraxel (non-ablative fractional)
Virtue RF Microneedling
How it works
Vaporizes tissue with 10,600 nm CO₂ wavelength
Fractional laser that heats but does not vaporize
Microneedles + radiofrequency energy delivered under the skin
Depth
Deepest – truly resurfaces and remodels
Moderate – stimulates without ablation
Deep dermal remodeling with minimal surface disruption
Downtime
CoolPeel: 2–3 days. Traditional: 5–7 days.
3–5 days of pink, flaky healing
Minor redness for 24–48 hours
Best for
Wrinkles, deep sun damage, scarring, comprehensive rejuvenation
Moderate texture, tone, mild scarring
Firming, tightening, mild wrinkle improvement, all skin types
Skin type safety
Fitzpatrick I–III safest; IV–VI requires care
Broader safety across skin types
Safe on all skin types
Sessions typically needed
1 traditional CO₂, or 2–4 CoolPeels
3–5 sessions
3–4 sessions
Result depth
Most transformative single-treatment change
Cumulative improvement over multiple sessions
Firming and tightening more than resurfacing
These are not competing treatments – they solve different problems. CO₂ resurfacing targets texture, tone, fine lines, and wrinkles. More aggressive resurfacing can deliver significant improvement in a single treatment, while lighter treatments with less downtime may require 2–3 sessions to achieve your desired result. Your treatment intensity is customized to your goals and preferred downtime. Virtue RF Microneedling may be the better choice when firming, tightening, and collagen remodeling are your primary goals, or when you prefer less downtime than traditional CO₂ resurfacing.
Because RF microneedling and CO₂ resurfacing work differently, they don’t have to be an either/or choice. Many patients benefit from incorporating both treatments at different stages of their personalized skin plan – addressing both the deeper support of the skin and its surface quality.
Lori will help you determine the right treatment or combination of treatments based on your skin, your goals, and the amount of downtime you’re comfortable with.
Why "provider-consistent care" matters for CO2 laser
CO₂ laser is the most technique-sensitive treatment on our menu. Depth of energy delivery, pass count, spacing between treated areas, and post-treatment protocol all affect not just the result but the safety profile of the procedure. A CO₂ setting that’s ideal for one patient’s skin can produce prolonged healing or pigmentation changes in another’s.
Every TetraPRO CO2 session at The Summit Aesthetics is personally performed by Lori Barone. The same experienced provider who assesses your skin at consultation is the one delivering the treatment, monitoring your healing at follow-up, and adjusting settings for any subsequent sessions. There is no delegation and no rotation.
Specifically for CO₂ laser, this matters because:
- Settings must match your skin, not a protocol chart. Lori’s 5+ years of Cutera and TetraPRO platform experience means she reads real-time skin response during treatment and adjusts accordingly.
- Healing monitoring is safer with continuity. CO₂ healing has a specific normal course. A provider who’s treated hundreds of patients through it recognizes deviations immediately.
- Session-to-session progression tracking. For CoolPeel multi-session plans, Lori adjusts each session based on how your skin responded to the previous one – impossible with rotating providers.
Is CO2 laser safe? Who should not be treated?
CO₂ laser resurfacing has been used in medical aesthetics for decades and has a well-established safety profile when performed on an appropriate candidate using carefully selected treatment settings.
With CoolPeel, there is not one standard level of downtime. Treatment intensity can be customized based on your skin concerns, desired results, and the amount of downtime you are comfortable with. A lighter CoolPeel may involve only mild redness and a dry or rough texture for a few days, while a more intensive CO₂ treatment can create more noticeable redness, warmth, swelling, bronzing, and peeling as the skin heals.
In general, the more intensive the resurfacing treatment, the more noticeable the post-treatment response and the longer the expected downtime. Your treatment plan and anticipated recovery will be discussed with you before your procedure.
Common & Expected After Treatment
Depending on the intensity of your treatment, you may experience:
- Redness and warmth
- Mild to moderate swelling
- A dry, rough or “sandpaper-like” texture
- Bronzing or darkening before the skin naturally sheds
- Flaking or peeling as the skin renews
- Temporary sensitivity or tightness
- Mild itching during the healing process
These effects are temporary and can range from subtle with a lighter CoolPeel to more noticeable following deeper or more aggressive CO₂ resurfacing.
Less Common
- Temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening), particularly in patients who are more prone to pigmentation
- Redness that persists longer than expected
- Cold sore reactivation in susceptible patients; preventive antiviral medication may be recommended when appropriate
- Milia (small white bumps) during the healing process
Rare but Possible
- Infection
- Scarring
- Persistent changes in pigmentation
Careful patient selection, appropriate treatment settings, and following your pre- and post-treatment instructions are important for minimizing these risks.
Who May Not Be a Candidate for CO₂ Resurfacing
CO₂ resurfacing may not be appropriate or treatment may need to be postponed for certain patients, including those who:
- Are pregnant
- Have an active infection, cold sore, or open wound in the treatment area
- Have recently tanned or used self-tanner
- Have certain histories of abnormal or keloid scarring
- Are taking or have recently taken certain medications that may affect healing
- Have medical conditions that may interfere with normal wound healing
- Have a skin type or pigmentation profile that increases the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation
Not every patient requires the same CO₂ treatment. During your consultation, Lori will evaluate your skin, concerns, treatment goals, and preferred downtime to determine whether CoolPeel or another level of CO₂ resurfacing is appropriate for you.
Frequently asked questions
Questions our patients ask most
How much does CO2 laser cost in Clarks Summit, PA?
CO₂ laser is one of our higher-investment treatments. Cost depends on the treatment mode (CoolPeel vs traditional CO₂), the treatment area (full face vs targeted zones), and whether you’re building a multi-session CoolPeel plan or a single traditional CO₂ treatment. Lori will provide a specific plan and total during your complimentary consultation. Call (570) 585-0201 to schedule.
How long is recovery from CO2 laser?
CoolPeel requires 2 to 3 days of visible healing – pink skin that flakes lightly and is easily covered with makeup by day 2. Traditional CO₂ resurfacing requires 5 to 7 days of visible healing with peeling and redness, plus an additional 2 to 4 weeks of gradually resolving pinkness. Plan CoolPeel around a long weekend; plan traditional CO₂ around a full week off social visibility.
Is CO2 laser worth it?
For the right patient with the right expectations, CO₂ laser is one of the most transformative single-treatment options in aesthetic medicine. The visible resurfacing plus continued collagen remodeling over 3 to 6 months produces changes that other resurfacing modalities require multiple sessions to approach. That said, it is not for everyone – the wrong candidate, the wrong expectations, or the wrong provider produces disappointment. The honest consultation is where that fit is determined.
What's the difference between CoolPeel and traditional CO2?
CoolPeel is a superficial CO₂ mode using ultra-short high-energy pulses that deliver CO₂-wavelength resurfacing to the top layer of skin with only 24 to 48 hours of downtime. Traditional CO₂ resurfacing penetrates deeper into the dermis, addresses more significant concerns like deep wrinkles and moderate scarring, and requires 5 to 7 days of visible healing. Both use the TetraPRO CO₂ laser; they are different modes of the same device.
Can CO2 laser be done on darker skin?
CO₂ resurfacing requires additional consideration in patients with darker skin tones because increased melanin can make the skin more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other pigment changes following laser treatment.
CoolPeel may allow appropriately selected patients with darker skin tones to benefit from CO₂ resurfacing with less thermal injury than more aggressive traditional CO₂ treatments. However, treatment must be carefully customized based on skin type, pigmentation history, treatment area, and individual risk factors.
For patients at higher risk for pigmentation changes, Virtue RF Microneedling may be recommended as an alternative or first step, since it can improve texture, acne scars, fine lines, and collagen production without relying on laser energy.
At Summit Aesthetics, we take a conservative, individualized approach. Your skin will be evaluated during your consultation to determine which treatment and treatment intensity offers the best balance of results, downtime, and safety for your skin.
How many CO2 laser sessions will I need?
The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns, desired results, and preferred downtime. More intensive CO₂ treatments can produce greater improvement per session, while lighter CoolPeel treatments with less downtime may require a series of treatments to build results gradually.
Lori will customize your treatment plan based on your skin, goals, and the amount of downtime you’re comfortable with.
How long do CO2 laser results last?
CO₂ laser can provide long-lasting improvement in skin texture, tone, fine lines, and overall skin quality. Results vary based on treatment intensity, your skin, and how it is cared for afterward. Because the natural aging process continues, some patients may choose additional or maintenance treatments over time. Daily sun protection and a consistent skincare routine can help protect your results.
Does CO2 laser hurt?
Comfort varies depending on the intensity of your CO₂ treatment and the area being treated. Topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to help minimize discomfort. Lighter treatments such as CoolPeel are generally well tolerated, while more intensive CO₂ resurfacing may require additional comfort measures, such as oral medication or local nerve blocks. During treatment, you may feel warmth, prickling, or brief bursts of heat. Afterward, the skin commonly feels warm, tender, or similar to a sunburn, with the intensity depending on the depth of treatment.
Can I combine CO2 laser with other treatments?
Yes. CO₂ laser can be combined with other treatments as part of a personalized skin rejuvenation plan. Depending on your goals, this may include RF microneedling, skin tightening, IPL, Botox or Daxxify, dermal fillers, and medical-grade skincare. Timing, sequencing, and individual skin condition are critical for optimal results and safety. Your provider will determine the appropriate combination and timing based on your skin, goals, treatment intensity, and healing time.
Ready to begin
Book your TetraPRO CO2 consultation
Every new CO₂ laser patient begins with a complimentary consultation with Lori. The consultation includes a skin assessment, candidacy evaluation, discussion of CoolPeel versus traditional resurfacing, and a written treatment plan built around your goals and your calendar.
There is no fee, no card required, and no obligation to book treatment.
Investment
Custom pricing at consult
Financing
From ~$25/mo · Cherry 0% APR
Member savings
Save 10–20% →
The Summit Aesthetics
116 North State Street Clarks Summit, PA 18411 | Serving Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, and the wider NEPA region
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Patient Voices
Words from our members.
“The most sophisticated medspa experience I’ve had. The results feel entirely mine — just refreshed.”
Sarah M.
Member since 2022
“Lori Barone approach is quietly revolutionary. Bespoke, science-backed, deeply personal.”
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Meet Your Provider
Physician-led. Artistry-first.
Every TetraPRO CO2 plan at The Summit Aesthetics is designed and delivered by board-certified providers with advanced training in facial anatomy, laser medicine, and aesthetic technique. No rotating techs. No sales pressure. Just expertise.
✦
“The right injector isn’t the one with the biggest menu — it’s the one with the steadiest hand and the sharpest eye.”
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The Summit Aesthetics
Serving Clarks Summit, Scranton, Kingston, and Northeastern Pennsylvania with physician-led aesthetic care in a calm, elevated setting.
Address
116 North State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Hours
Mon–Thu 10a–6p · Wed to 7p · Fri 10a–2p
Phone
(570) 585-0201
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