July 04, 2026

CoolPeel vs Traditional CO2 Laser: What’s the Difference?

CO2 laser treatments are widely considered the gold standard for improving skin texture, wrinkles, and acne scars. But not all CO2 resurfacing is the same.

One of the most common decisions patients face is choosing between CoolPeel CO2 laser treatments and DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser resurfacing.

Both treatments use the same core CO2 technology, but they deliver very different results, downtime, and overall experiences. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right treatment for your skin goals.

This guide breaks down CoolPeel vs DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser treatments, including results, recovery, cost considerations, and which option may be appropriate for you.

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing is an advanced treatment that uses fractional carbon dioxide laser energy to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen production.

It is used to treat:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Sun damage and pigmentation
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Skin laxity

CO2 resurfacing works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering a healing response that produces smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.

At The Skin Chic, CO2 laser resurfacing includes two baseline treatment options: CoolPeel Laser and DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser. Both baseline treatments include the face and neck, with the option to add the chest or hands as treatment enhancements.

All CO2 laser treatments are exclusively performed at our Shore Drive location in Virginia Beach.

What Is CoolPeel?

CoolPeel is a lighter, low-downtime version of CO2 laser resurfacing.

It uses the same CO2 technology but delivers energy in a more controlled, superficial way, allowing for skin improvement without the extended recovery associated with more intensive CO2 treatments.

CoolPeel is ideal for:

  • Early signs of aging
  • Mild texture concerns
  • Maintenance treatments
  • Patients who want minimal downtime

CoolPeel Pricing at The Skin Chic

CoolPeel Laser is $800 and includes treatment of the face and neck.

The chest and hands can be added as enhancements when you want to extend your treatment to additional areas.

  • CoolPeel Laser – Face + Neck: $800
  • Chest Add-On (Décolleté Treatment): +$400
  • Laser Hand Add-On Treatment: +$400

Please refer to our treatment menu for the most up-to-date pricing. Pricing is subject to change.

What Is DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser resurfacing is the more intensive of The Skin Chic's two baseline CO2 treatments and is designed for deeper correction.

This treatment may be appropriate for more advanced concerns, including:

  • Deeper wrinkles
  • Acne scarring
  • Significant sun damage
  • Skin laxity and advanced aging

DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser provides a more intensive resurfacing approach than CoolPeel, with a more involved recovery period and greater degree of correction when appropriate.

DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser Pricing at The Skin Chic

DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser is $2,300 and includes treatment of the face and neck.

Like CoolPeel, the chest and hands can be added as enhancements.

  • DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser – Face + Neck: $2,300
  • Chest Add-On (Décolleté Treatment): +$400
  • Laser Hand Add-On Treatment: +$400

Please refer to our treatment menu for the most up-to-date pricing. Pricing is subject to change.

CoolPeel vs DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser: Key Differences

Understanding how these treatments differ will help you choose the right option.

Treatment Intensity

  • CoolPeel delivers lighter resurfacing
  • DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser provides more intensive correction

Downtime

  • CoolPeel: minimal downtime, typically a few days of redness
  • DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser: more structured recovery that varies based on treatment intensity and your individual healing response

Results

  • CoolPeel improves tone and texture gradually
  • DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser can provide more significant correction for advanced skin concerns

Number of Treatments

  • CoolPeel may be incorporated into an ongoing treatment or maintenance plan
  • DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser may be selected when a more intensive resurfacing treatment is appropriate

Cost

  • CoolPeel Laser is $800 for the face and neck
  • DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser is $2,300 for the face and neck
  • The chest and hands can each be added for $400

Can You Add the Chest or Hands to Your CO2 Treatment?

Yes. Both CoolPeel and DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser include the face and neck as the baseline treatment area.

If your concerns extend beyond the face and neck, the chest or hands can be added as enhancements during your treatment.

Chest Add-On (Décolleté Treatment)

The chest can be treated during the same session to extend your laser results beyond the face and neck. This add-on can help improve sun damage, fine lines, crepey texture, and uneven skin tone in an area that often shows signs of aging early.

The Chest Add-On is $400 when added to another CO2 laser service.

Laser Hand Add-On Treatment

A laser hand treatment can be added to rejuvenate the skin on the hands, helping reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and sun damage while improving skin texture and tone.

The Laser Hand Add-On Treatment is $400 when added to another CO2 laser service.

How Do You Choose the Right CO2 Treatment?

The best treatment depends on your skin goals, lifestyle, and tolerance for downtime.

Choose CoolPeel If You:

  • Want subtle, consistent improvement
  • Cannot accommodate significant downtime
  • Are maintaining results from previous treatments
  • Have mild skin concerns

Consider DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser If You:

  • Want a greater degree of visible correction
  • Have acne scars or deeper wrinkles
  • Are comfortable with a more involved recovery
  • Have more advanced skin concerns

Patients in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and across Hampton Roads often start with a consultation to determine which CO2 treatment aligns with their goals.

What Results Can You Expect?

CoolPeel Results

  • Brighter skin tone
  • Smoother texture
  • Subtle collagen stimulation
  • Gradual improvement over time

DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser Results

  • More significant wrinkle reduction
  • Improvement in acne scars
  • Firmer, tighter-looking skin
  • Long-term collagen remodeling

DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser provides a more intensive approach when greater correction is appropriate, while CoolPeel offers a lighter resurfacing option with less downtime.

How Long Do Results Last?

CoolPeel

  • Results can be maintained with an appropriate treatment and skincare plan
  • Ideal for ongoing skin maintenance

DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser

  • Results can last for years depending on skincare, sun protection, natural aging, and other factors
  • Collagen remodeling continues after the initial healing period

Many patients combine CO2 resurfacing with treatments like microneedling or customized facials to extend and maintain results.

Is CoolPeel or DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser Worth It?

Both treatments can be worth it, but for different reasons.

CoolPeel Is Worth It If You Want:

  • Minimal downtime
  • Gradual improvement
  • A maintenance-focused approach

DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser May Be Worth It If You Want:

  • A greater degree of correction
  • Long-lasting improvements
  • A more intensive resurfacing treatment

The key is choosing the right treatment for your skin, not just the lowest cost option.

CO2 Laser vs Other Treatments

Patients often compare CO2 resurfacing to other options.

Compared to PicoSure Pro

  • CO2 targets resurfacing and texture
  • PicoSure Pro focuses on pigmentation and skin revitalization
  • The Skin Chic is the only med spa in the Hampton Roads region offering advanced PicoSure Pro laser treatments

Compared to Microneedling

  • CO2 provides more intensive resurfacing
  • Microneedling is less invasive with less downtime

Compared to Facials

  • CO2 is corrective
  • Facials are maintenance and preventative

These treatments are often used together for a comprehensive skin strategy.

CO2 Laser Pricing at The Skin Chic

The Skin Chic now offers two baseline CO2 laser treatments, both of which include the face and neck.

Treatment Treatment Area Price
CoolPeel Laser Face + Neck $800
DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser Face + Neck $2,300
Chest Add-On (Décolleté Treatment) Chest / Décolleté +$400
Laser Hand Add-On Treatment Hands +$400

Please refer to our treatment menu for the most up-to-date pricing. Pricing is subject to change.

Where to Get CO2 Laser Treatments in Virginia Beach

Choosing an experienced provider is critical for both safety and results.

At The Skin Chic:

  • CO2 treatments are fully customized
  • CoolPeel and DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser are available
  • Both baseline treatments include the face and neck
  • Chest and hand enhancements are available
  • Treatments are performed using advanced technology
  • All CO2 laser treatments are exclusively offered at the Shore Drive location

Patients throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake trust The Skin Chic for advanced, results-driven CO2 laser resurfacing.

That's a Wrap: CoolPeel vs DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser

CoolPeel and DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser treatments are both effective, but they serve different purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • CoolPeel is ideal for lighter resurfacing and minimal downtime
  • DEKA Fractional CO2 Laser provides a more intensive resurfacing option for greater correction
  • Both baseline treatments include the face and neck
  • The chest and hands can be added as treatment enhancements
  • Pricing reflects the treatment selected and any additional treatment areas
  • Choosing the right treatment depends on your skin goals

If you are considering CO2 laser treatments in Virginia Beach, a consultation will help determine the best approach for your skin and desired results.

Written by The Skin Chic