At K2 Dermatology, we’re proud to offer Helix — one of the most advanced laser skin resurfacing platforms available today. Rather than choosing between an ablative treatment or a non-ablative one, Helix lets our providers deliver either, or both, in a single visit — customized to your skin, your goals, and the amount of downtime you can take.
What Is Helix?
Helix by Cartessa is a dual-wavelength resurfacing laser built by DEKA, a leading Italian laser manufacturer, that combines fractional CO2 ablative technology with a 1570nm non-ablative laser in one device. Powered by 70 watts of energy, Helix gives our providers precise control over pulse duration, energy, and treatment pattern — meaning your session is built around your skin, not a fixed setting.
Because Helix can run its ablative and non-ablative modes independently or blended together, our providers can move seamlessly from a quick, no-downtime refresh to a more comprehensive resurfacing treatment, all on the same platform.
How It Works
Ablative resurfacing removes thin, precise columns of damaged outer skin in a fractional (dotby-dot) pattern. As those areas heal, the skin rebuilds itself smoother and firmer, with fresh collagen replacing what was there before.
Non-ablative resurfacing leaves the surface of the skin intact. Instead, it delivers heat energy beneath the skin to stimulate new collagen production — without an open wound and with far less recovery time.
Helix’s advantage is choice: your provider can use one approach, the other, or combine them in a single session depending on what your skin needs and how much downtime fits your schedule
Helix Treatment Options at K2 Dermatology
Helix powers three distinct, purpose-built treatments. Your provider will recommend the right one — or the right combination — after evaluating your skin
CoolPeel
CoolPeel is Helix’s award-winning, no-downtime fractional CO2 treatment, named NewBeauty’s Best CO2 Laser Treatment for four consecutive years. Using DEKA’s exclusive high-pulse technology, CoolPeel delivers short, high-peak-power pulses that resurface skin without the thermal spread that causes traditional CO2 downtime. A full-face treatment takes less than 10 minutes.
Improves: skin tone and texture, sun damage, fine lines, mild laxity, enlarged pores, acne scarring
Recovery: little to none — most patients return to normal activities the same day, with only mild, makeup-coverable redness
Sultra
Sultra is Helix’s gentle, non-ablative treatment. A 1570nm fractional laser targets water within the deeper layers of the skin, warming tissue to stimulate new collagen without removing or disrupting the surface. Because there’s no open wound, Sultra is an easy entry point into resurfacing — or a treatment you can repeat regularly with virtually no interruption to your routine.
Improves: early signs of aging, mild texture and tone concerns, gradual and cumulative skin quality improvement
Recovery: practically none
Fusion
Fusion is exclusive to Helix and combines ablative and non-ablative energy in a single session. By layering CoolPeel-level precision with deeper non-ablative heating, Fusion is built for patients who want more noticeable improvement in fewer sessions and are comfortable with a bit more downtime.
Improves: skin tone and texture, laxity, acne and surgical scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation, pore size
Recovery: more than CoolPeel or Sultra alone, but less than traditional deep CO2 resurfacing — typically a few days of redness, swelling, or light peeling, depending on how your provider blends the settings
Why Choose Helix
- One platform, two technologies — no need for multiple devices or extra appointments
- Fully customizable to your skin type, tone, and downtime tolerance, with options safe for darker skin tones
- Treats more than the face — the neck, chest, and hands respond well too
- Backed by real clinical outcomes and industry recognition
- Pairs well with injectables and other treatments as part of a broader skincare plan
Recovery Time at a Glance
Recovery depends on which Helix treatment — and which settings — your provider chooses. CoolPeel and Sultra are both designed around little to no downtime, so most patients are comfortable returning to work or normal activities right away. Fusion trades a few additional days of redness and peeling for deeper, more dramatic results in fewer sessions. Your provider will walk you through exactly what to expect before your treatment begins.
Meet Your K2 Derm Providers
Every Helix treatment at K2 Dermatology is performed by our experienced Boulder-based team, and every provider on that team is board certified:
- Dermatologists Dr. Cathy Koger, D.O. and Dr. William C. Fix, M.D.;
- Physician assistants Shannon Ross, PA-C, Zoe Nikitas, PA-C; and nurse practitioner Brenda Winski, NP-C.
That combination of board-certified expertise and hands-on Helix training means your treatment plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all setting; it’s built around your skin type, your concerns, and your goals.
Real Results
See what Helix treatments can do. Our patients’ results speak for themselves.
Schedule Your HELIX Consultation
Ready to see what Helix can do for your skin? Schedule a consultation with K2 Dermatology today and find out which treatment — CoolPeel, Sultra, or Fusion — is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About HELIX Treatments in Boulder
What makes CoolPeel different?
Traditional CO2 lasers have long been considered the gold standard for improving wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, blemishes as well as tighten skin and balance tone. They work by removing damaged skin and stimulating collagen production. To achieve these results there is significant injury to the skin causing considerable downtime and risk while the damaged skin heals. That’s where CoolPeel comes in. CoolPeel offers the same results with no downtime due to the fractional ablative technology that no other CO2 device has. You can enjoy tighter, brighter and healthier looking skin with minimal risk of hyperpigmentation, scarring or infection.
How many CoolPeel treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will depend on your treatment goals. Typically 3-5 treatments are recommended spaced 4 weeks apart. Your treatment provider will customize a treatment plan with you.
Is there downtime with the Fusion Treatment?
The downtime depends on your treatment goals and the settings used. You can opt for a more moderate treatment with little to no downtime or if you decide to go with a more aggressive treatment there will be more downtime. Typically the longer downtime is 5-7 days.
When will I see results with Fusion?
Many patients notice an improvement in skin glow and texture after just one treatment, with continued improvement over the following weeks. A series of treatments may be recommended for best results.
What does Sultra treat?
It’s ideal for improving:
- Skin laxity
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars and uneven texture
- Overall skin firmness and tone
Is there any downtime with Sultra?
There may be some redness and mild swelling for 24–72 hours, similar to a mild sunburn. You may also feel a little tight or dry. Most patients resume normal activities the next day.
