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Cartessa Helix

Chevy Chase, MD

One Platform. Three Ways to Renew Your Skin.

HELIX Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing does not have to mean choosing between a light treatment with minimal downtime and a more intensive approach. HELIX gives us more flexibility by bringing fractional CO2 resurfacing and non-ablative 1570 nm energy together on one platform. 

At Ikon Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase, we offer CoolPeel, Sultra, and FUSION, three distinct treatment options that allow us to address concerns at different depths while taking your goals and available recovery time into account.

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What Is HELIX Laser Skin Resurfacing?

HELIX by DEKA is a fractional laser platform that includes both ablative CO2 and non-ablative 1570 nm technology. The two wavelengths work differently within the skin. CO2 energy can resurface damaged tissue and improve visible concerns closer to the surface, while the 1570 nm wavelength works beneath an intact surface to encourage collagen remodeling.

Having both technologies on the same platform gives us several treatment options. We can use CO2 alone with CoolPeel, 1570 nm energy alone with Sultra, or combine the two with FUSION. We can then adjust settings such as energy, density, pulse pattern, and treatment depth based on your skin, the concerns being treated, and the recovery involved.

What Can HELIX Improve?

  • Uneven or rough skin texture
  • The appearance of enlarged pores
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Sun damage and uneven tone
  • Acne scars and selected surgical or traumatic scars
  • Dullness and loss of radiance
  • Early skin laxity and reduced firmness

Understanding Your HELIX Treatment Options

HELIX offers three ways to approach skin resurfacing, depending on what you want to improve and how deeply the skin needs to be treated. CoolPeel uses fractional CO2 energy for surface renewal, Sultra works below the surface with non-ablative 1570 nm energy, and FUSION combines both technologies when concerns exist at multiple depths.

CoolPeel® CO2 Laser

A Precise Refresh for Smoother, Clearer-Looking Skin

CoolPeel is the HELIX option focused primarily on the skin’s surface. Using fractional CO2 energy, it can improve concerns such as rough texture, visible pores, fine lines, sun damage, and dullness while avoiding the more extensive heat and recovery associated with traditional fully ablative CO2 resurfacing.

The treatment delivers short, high-peak-power pulses that create tiny columns of ablation while leaving surrounding skin intact. This fractional approach allows untreated tissue between those columns to support the healing process.

At Ikon Plastic Surgery, CoolPeel is not performed with the same settings for every patient. Energy and treatment density can be adjusted based on your skin, the area being treated, previous procedures, and how much recovery you are comfortable with.

CoolPeel may improve:

  • Rough or uneven skin texture
  • The appearance of enlarged pores
  • Fine lines and early wrinkles
  • Sun damage and uneven-looking tone
  • Dullness and reduced radiance
  • Selected superficial acne scars

CoolPeel can improve concerns such as uneven texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, and sun damage while keeping recovery relatively light. It won’t be the right choice for everything, though. Deeper wrinkles, significant laxity, or more pronounced scarring may respond better to FUSION or another treatment that allows for greater correction.

Sultra by HELIX

Renew Beneath the Surface

Sultra uses the HELIX platform’s non-ablative 1570 nm wavelength to reach below the skin’s surface without removing the outer layer. The treatment creates controlled areas of heat within the tissue, prompting the body to produce and remodel collagen as part of its natural response.

This process happens gradually. Rather than the peeling or shedding that can follow ablative resurfacing, you may notice changes in the skin’s texture, firmness, and overall quality as new collagen develops. For patients who aren’t looking for a more intensive CO2 treatment, Sultra also offers the advantage of relatively little visible recovery.

Sultra may improve:

  • Fine lines and early textural changes
  • Mild loss of firmness or early laxity
  • Uneven skin texture
  • The appearance of enlarged pores
  • Selected acne scars
  • Overall skin quality
  • Crepiness of skin and overall skin tightening

FUSION by HELIX

Surface Renewal and Deeper Collagen Remodeling in One Tailored Treatment

FUSION combines both HELIX wavelengths in one treatment. Fractional CO2 energy resurfaces the skin, while the non-ablative 1570 nm wavelength reaches deeper to stimulate collagen. This allows us to work at more than one level when concerns such as texture, wrinkles, scarring, or loss of firmness cannot be addressed as effectively with CoolPeel or Sultra alone.

How much of each technology we use depends on your skin and what we are trying to accomplish. Some FUSION treatments call for lighter CO2 resurfacing with additional treatment below the surface. Others may involve more intensive resurfacing and deeper heating. This flexibility also means that recovery can vary considerably from one FUSION treatment to another.

FUSION may improve:

  • Uneven skin texture and visible pores
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Sun damage and uneven-looking tone
  • Acne scars and selected surgical or traumatic scars
  • Early laxity and loss of firmness
  • Overall skin quality when concerns are present at different depths
  • Crepiness of skin and overall skin tightening

Am I a Good Candidate for HELIX?

HELIX can be considered for adults bothered by changes in skin texture, fine lines, sun damage, scarring, enlarged pores, or early loss of firmness. Which HELIX treatment makes sense depends on what you want to address, your skin, and how much recovery you are comfortable with.

  • CoolPeel is geared toward surface concerns such as rough texture, visible pores, fine lines, and sun damage. It may be a good fit if you want CO2 resurfacing but prefer a lighter recovery.
  • Sultra may be considered when collagen stimulation and gradual improvement are the priority. Since the skin’s surface remains intact, it can also appeal to patients who want less visible downtime.
  • FUSION may make sense when concerns are present both at the surface and deeper within the skin. Combining the two HELIX wavelengths allows the treatment to address more than one level in the same session.

Certain skin conditions, medications, and medical history can affect whether laser resurfacing is appropriate. During your consultation, let us know about previous pigment changes or melasma, abnormal scarring, cold sores, recent sun exposure or tanning, active skin conditions, and anything that may affect healing or make your skin more sensitive to light.

What Are the Benefits of HELIX Laser Skin Resurfacing?

One of HELIX’s main benefits is the control it gives us over treatment. Your skin may need light resurfacing, deeper collagen stimulation, or a combination of the two. Having CoolPeel, Sultra, and FUSION available on the same platform gives us options rather than limiting every patient to the same type of laser treatment.

Benefits of HELIX may include:

  • Customizable treatment depth and intensity
  • Ablative and non-ablative treatment options
  • Treatment for both surface and deeper skin concerns
  • Improved skin texture and tone
  • Softer fine lines and wrinkles
  • Collagen stimulation for improved firmness
  • Options for patients with different downtime preferences
  • Treatment plans that can be adjusted over time as your skin changes
Professional woman in black blazer discussing documents with client across wooden table in office setting - in Chevy Chase, MD

What Areas Can HELIX Treat?

The face is the most common treatment area for HELIX, but it isn’t the only option. Depending on your skin concerns, HELIX may also be used on the neck, décolletage, hands, and other areas affected by sun damage, uneven texture, or scarring. It can also be used on crepey skin such as above the knees or arms.  We adjust the treatment settings and aftercare based on the area being treated.

What Should I Expect During a HELIX Treatment?

Before treatment, we’ll evaluate your skin and discuss your concerns, previous procedures, medications, recent sun exposure, and how much downtime fits your schedule. This helps us determine whether CoolPeel, Sultra, or FUSION is the best fit and how to adjust your treatment.

On the day of your appointment, we’ll cleanse your skin and protect your eyes. Depending on the treatment and its intensity, we may use topical anesthetic, cooling, or other comfort measures. Your HELIX settings, including energy, density, pattern, and depth, are selected for your skin and the area being treated.

Treatment time varies, and you may notice warmth, prickling, or stinging as the laser passes over the skin. Before you leave, we’ll go over cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, activity restrictions, and anything else you need to know while your skin heals.

Doctor James Economides in white coat reviewing medical information on laptop at modern clinic desk - in Chevy Chase, MD

What Is Recovery Like After HELIX?

Recovery after HELIX depends on which treatment you have and the settings used. Sultra typically involves the least visible recovery, while CoolPeel and FUSION can involve more noticeable changes as the skin heals.

CoolPeel Recovery

Your skin may be red and warm immediately after CoolPeel, similar to what you might experience after too much sun exposure. The redness usually begins to fade within a day or two. Over the next several days, the skin can feel dry, tight, or slightly rough as it heals.

During this time, avoid picking at or exfoliating the treated skin. We’ll let you know when you can resume makeup, exercise, active skincare ingredients, and your usual routine.

Sultra Recovery

Sultra leaves the outer layer of skin intact, so you usually see less during recovery. Some redness, warmth, or mild swelling is possible, and your skin may feel dry or sensitive for a short time. Follow the skincare and sun-protection instructions provided after your treatment.

FUSION Recovery

Recovery after FUSION varies depending on how you use the CO2 and 1570 nm technologies. A lighter treatment may involve a relatively short period of redness, dryness, or roughness. With more intensive settings, you may experience swelling, flaking, and several days of visible healing.

Protecting your skin from the sun is especially important while it heals. Use the recommended aftercare products and contact the office if you experience unexpected pain, blistering, drainage, eye symptoms, or anything else that concerns you.

When Will I See My HELIX Results?

Your results will develop on a different timeline depending on whether you have CoolPeel, Sultra, or FUSION. With treatments that include CO2 resurfacing, you may notice smoother texture and brighter-looking skin once the initial redness, dryness, or flaking subsides.

Improvements tied to collagen take longer to develop. As the skin continues to remodel over the following weeks and months, you may notice additional changes in texture, fine lines, firmness, and overall skin quality.

Your treatment plan also plays a role in the timeline. Some patients may benefit from a series of lighter sessions, while others may have a more intensive treatment with maintenance as needed. We’ll recommend an approach based on your skin, goals, and response to treatment.

HELIX for Patients Familiar With Fraxel

If you’ve had Fraxel before, some aspects of HELIX may sound familiar. Both use fractional technology, treating microscopic areas of the skin while leaving surrounding tissue untouched to help with healing. The difference is in the wavelengths and the options available. Fraxel DUAL uses non-ablative 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelengths, while HELIX pairs fractional CO2 with non-ablative 1570 nm energy.

With HELIX, treatment can take several forms. Sultra provides non-ablative collagen remodeling, CoolPeel focuses on CO2 resurfacing, and FUSION combines the two. If you’ve previously had Fraxel, we’ll still evaluate your skin and current concerns before determining which HELIX treatment and settings make sense for you.

How Much Does HELIX Cost in Washington, DC?

HELIX cost varies based on whether you have CoolPeel, Sultra, or FUSION, as well as the treatment area and settings used. The number of sessions also affects the overall cost. Once we’ve evaluated your skin and determined the right approach, the Ikon team will provide your treatment recommendations and pricing.

Why Choose Ikon Plastic Surgery for HELIX?

Getting good results from laser resurfacing depends on more than the technology itself. Skin type, treatment depth, energy settings, previous procedures, and your tolerance for downtime all influence how we approach your treatment.

Ikon Plastic Surgery is led by James M. Economides, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) who has been recognized as a Top Doctor each year since 2019. With CoolPeel, Sultra, and FUSION available through HELIX, we can choose the approach and settings that make sense for your skin rather than relying on the same resurfacing treatment for every patient.

Our office at 2 Wisconsin Circle in Friendship Heights is convenient to patients from Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Northwest Washington, DC, and throughout the greater DC metropolitan area.

The Ikon Laser Care Guide

Beautiful laser results begin before your appointment and continue as your skin heals. A little preparation calms your skin, lowers the risk of pigment changes, and helps you recover comfortably. Every laser and energy-based treatment at Ikon includes a structured care plan — a curated ALASTIN regimen paired with clear pre- and post-treatment guidance — and Dr. Economides tailors the exact timing to your skin type and the treatment you’re having.

Three phases, one plan:

  • Prepare — about 2 weeks before. Pause certain products and begin a pigment suppressor if advised.
  • Arrive Bare — day of treatment. Come with clean skin: no makeup, lotion, or SPF on the treatment area.
  • Recover — after treatment. Calm, hydrate, and protect, with daily SPF as the non-negotiable.

Before Your Treatment — What to Pause

Typical timing shown; always follow the personalized pre-care instructions we give you.

  • Retinoids & retinol — stop 5–7 days before
  • Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA, glycolic, salicylic) — 5–7 days before
  • Benzoyl peroxide & strong actives — 5–7 days before
  • Scrubs & physical exfoliation — 1 week before
  • Waxing, threading & depilatories (treatment area) — 2 weeks before
  • Sun, tanning beds & self-tanner — no active tan — 2+ weeks before
  • History of cold sores? Let us know — we may prescribe an antiviral

Your Kit — The ALASTIN Procedure Enhancement System

Your care plan is built around a curated set of ALASTIN products chosen for the specific demands of laser resurfacing — used to prime the skin beforehand and support it as it heals:

  1. Gentle Cleanser — a soothing, non-stripping cleanse.
  2. Regenerating Skin Nectar — TriHex Technology® supports the skin’s recovery.
  3. Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer — replenishes and comforts the skin barrier.
  4. Broad-Spectrum SPF — daily mineral protection, essential after any laser.

Begin about 2 weeks before to prime the skin. After treatment, resume once Dr. Economides clears you — and wear SPF every day.

After Your Treatment — Supporting Your Skin

  • Cleanse gently and pat — never rub — Moisturize to keep skin calm and comfortable.
  • SPF every morning — non-negotiable while healing.
  • Avoid heat, sweat, sun & active ingredients until cleared.
  • Don’t pick, scratch, or peel any flaking skin.

Pigment Suppressor — If Recommended

If you’re prone to melasma or dark spots — or have a medium-to-deep skin tone — Dr. Economides may start you on a pigment-suppressing (brightening) regimen about 2–4 weeks before treatment. Used as directed, it helps lower the risk of post-treatment darkening (hyperpigmentation). Pause it on treatment day, and resume only once your skin is cleared.

HELIX Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs

  • Professional, kind and highly recommended!

    Dr Economides did my Botox and temple filler perfectly!! He listened to my concerns and answered all my questions. Professional, kind and highly recommended!!

    Katherine K.

  • I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides

    I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides in Arlington, VA. I wanted facial rejuvenation that looked natural — refreshed, not pulled or overdone — and that is exactly what he delivered.

    Michael K.

  • I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides

    Dr. Economides came highly recommend by a number of skilled respected doctors. I had a neck lift, face lift and eyebrow lift. Dr. Economides and his staff have been readily available to answer any questions-pre or post surgery. I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides for your plastic surgery.

    Virginia H.

  • Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon.

    Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon. He is honest in his assessments, as he explains what will and will not change after a procedure. I’m very pleased with the results of my facelift. Dr. Economides and his entire staff are professional, kind, and personable.

    Donna M.

  • Dr Economides is the best.

    I’m thrilled with the results of my neck lift & lower facelift. Highly recommend!

    Valerie C.

  • I highly recommend Dr. Economides.

    I had a hernia repair and abdominoplasty with diastasis rectus repair, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only did he resolve my medical concerns, but my abdomen looks amazing—I love my belly button again for the first time in over a decade!

    Monica M.

  • I couldn’t be happier with my experience

    I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Dr. Economides and his team. I can confidently say that I love my results! My tummy tuck and breast reduction have truly changed my confidence and comfort in my own body. The recovery process has been smooth, and any questions or concerns I had were always addressed with professionalism and kindness.

    Diana F.

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Schedule Your Consultation

Your consultation is where we narrow down which HELIX treatment makes sense for you. We’ll review your skin, discuss what you’d like to improve, and compare CoolPeel, Sultra, and FUSION. We’ll also discuss the expected recovery, so you know what to plan for before scheduling treatment.

To schedule a HELIX consultation at our Chevy Chase practice, call (301) 800-7762 or use the online patient portal.

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