Skip to content 
Helix Laser treatment
Edgewater, MD
Youthful Obsession is proud to be the first and only medical spa in Anne Arundel County offering the Deka Helix Laser — one of the most advanced and versatile skin resurfacing systems in the world. For patients in Edgewater, Annapolis, Severna Park, Pasadena, Crofton, and throughout the Chesapeake Bay region, this means access to a transformative laser treatment that simply isn't available anywhere else locally.
Under the clinical direction of Dr. Christine Rooke, CRNP, the Helix Laser at Youthful Obsession is used to address fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and skin laxity — with customizable treatment settings that allow us to tailor every session to your exact skin concerns and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a lunchtime refresh or a more comprehensive resurfacing, the Helix delivers.
At Youthful Obsession, we guide you through the BBL laser healing process, providing expert care and personalized support. Our treatments promote skin rejuvenation, reduce imperfections, and ensure safe, effective results.
WHAT IS THE DEKA HELIX LASER?
The Deka Helix is a revolutionary fractional laser system that combines two powerful wavelengths in a single treatment: a 2940nm ablative CO2 laser and a 1570nm non-ablative laser. This dual-wavelength approach makes it unlike any other laser on the market — it can simultaneously resurface the skin's surface and stimulate collagen deep within the dermis, producing results that previously required two separate procedures.
The ablative component (2940nm) removes thin layers of damaged skin with precision — reducing fine lines, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation at the surface. The non-ablative component (1570nm) penetrates deeper without disrupting the skin surface, generating heat that triggers significant collagen remodeling, tightening, and elastin production. Used together or independently, these wavelengths give Dr. Rooke and her team the ability to customize every treatment with a level of precision no single-wavelength laser can match.
YOUR THREE HELIX TREATMENT OPTIONS
The Helix platform offers three distinct treatment modes, each targeting different skin concerns and downtime tolerances. Dr. Rooke will recommend the right option — or combination of options — based on your skin assessment at consultation.
CoolPeel
CoolPeel uses the Helix's fractional CO2 ablative energy to gently resurface the skin's surface — targeting fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, age spots, large pores, and textural irregularities. CoolPeel delivers the benefits of traditional CO2 laser resurfacing with significantly less downtime, making it the preferred option for patients who want visible improvement but need to return to social or professional activities quickly. Most patients experience redness and mild flaking for up to 24 hours, with the majority resuming normal activities the next day.
Sultra
Sultra uses the Helix's non-ablative 1570nm energy exclusively, heating deeper skin layers without removing the surface. Because it works beneath the skin rather than on it, Sultra has virtually no downtime — most patients experience only temporary redness or flushing that fades within hours. Sultra is ideal for patients seeking collagen stimulation, skin tightening, and texture improvement without any visible peeling or recovery. It's a popular choice for patients with active social schedules or those new to laser treatments.
Fusion (CoolPeel + Sultra combined)
Fusion combines both CoolPeel's ablative resurfacing and Sultra's non-ablative deep heating in a single session — giving patients the benefits of both wavelengths simultaneously. The result is more comprehensive rejuvenation than either mode alone can achieve. Fusion downtime varies depending on the settings used, ranging from mild redness for a day (at gentler settings) to up to a week of redness and swelling at more aggressive intensities. Patients who have had Sciton Halo treatments will find Fusion delivers a comparable — and in many ways superior — experience.
WHAT CAN HELIX LASER TREAT?
The Helix is one of the most versatile laser platforms available, effective on the face, neck, chest, and body:
- Fine lines and wrinkles — surface and deeper dynamic lines
- Acne scarring — boxcar, rolling, and ice pick scars
- Hyperpigmentation — sun spots, age spots, and melasma
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Large pores
- Skin laxity — mild to moderate looseness on the face and neck
- Sun damage — years of accumulated photodamage
- Crepey skin on the arms, chest, and above the knees
- Forehead wrinkles and frown lines — as a longer-lasting alternative to neuromodulators
- Neck and decolletage rejuvenation
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The Helix Laser is suitable for most skin types and tones, with the Sultra and lower-intensity Fusion settings particularly well-suited for patients with darker skin tones who are not ideal candidates for aggressive ablative treatments. You may be an excellent candidate if:
- You have fine lines, wrinkles, or acne scars you'd like to visibly improve
- You've noticed changes in skin texture, tone, or elasticity over time
- You want more dramatic results than non-laser treatments like microneedling or peels can achieve
- You're interested in a longer-lasting alternative to neuromodulators for forehead and eye area concerns
- You're willing to follow a thorough pre- and post-care protocol to protect your results
You may not be a good candidate if you are currently pregnant or nursing, have active cold sores or herpes in the treatment area (we can manage this with antiviral medication), have recently tanned or used self-tanner, or are on certain photosensitizing medications. Dr. Rooke and her team will review your full health and skincare history at your consultation before making any recommendation.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT
Your Helix Laser appointment at Youthful Obsession is a careful, clinically supervised experience from start to finish. Here's what a typical appointment looks like:
- A thorough skin assessment and review of your health history is completed before any treatment is performed
- A topical numbing cream is applied 30-45 minutes before your treatment to ensure comfort throughout the session
- Your skin is cleansed and protective eyewear is provided
- Dr. Rooke and the Youthful Obsession providers pass the Helix handpiece over the treatment area in a precise pattern — the sensation is typically described as a warm, prickling heat with minimal discomfort
- Treatment time ranges from 20-60 minutes depending on the area and settings used
- Immediately after, the skin will appear pink-to-red and feel warm — similar to a moderate sunburn
- A soothing mask and aftercare instructions are provided before you leave
RECOVERY TIMELINE — WHAT TO EXPECT DAY BY DAY
CoolPeel recovery
- Day 1: Skin is pink-to-red, feels warm and tight. Some mild swelling possible. Keep skin moisturized and protected.
- Day 2-3: Mild flaking or peeling begins. Do not pick or scrub — allow skin to shed naturally.
- Day 4-7: Skin returns to normal appearance. Texture and tone improvement begins to emerge.
- Week 2-4: Continued improvement as collagen production increases. SPF 50 is non-negotiable.
Sultra recovery
- Day 1: Temporary redness and flushing, similar to a mild sunburn. Usually resolves within hours.
- Day 2+: Most patients have no visible signs of treatment. Normal activities resume immediately.
- Week 2-4: Gradual improvement in skin texture and tone as collagen rebuilds beneath the surface.
Fusion recovery
- Days 1-2: Redness, warmth, and possible swelling — intensity varies based on the settings used. Mild Fusion feels similar to CoolPeel. Aggressive Fusion may involve more pronounced redness and swelling.
- Days 3-5: Peeling and flaking as the skin surface sheds. Keep skin moisturized — do not pick.
- Day 7-10: Most visible signs of treatment resolve. Skin looks cleaner and more refreshed.
- Weeks 2-12: Progressive collagen remodeling continues — the best results develop over 3-6 months.
RESULTS AND HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
Helix Laser pricing at Youthful Obsession depends on the treatment mode selected, the area being treated, and the number of sessions in your plan. As a general guide:
- CoolPeel (face) — starting from $1000 per session
- Sultra (face) — starting from $1000 per session
- Fusion (face) — starting from $1400 per session
- Neck, chest, and body areas — priced at consultation based on area size
- Package pricing is available for series of 3 or more treatments
We provide complete, transparent pricing at your consultation — no surprises and no pressure. Check our Specials page for current promotions, and ask about our YO! VIP Club membership for ongoing savings on all Helix Laser treatments.
PATIENT RESULTS
To view more patient results from Youthful Obsession, visit our gallery at /our-gallery/ or check our Instagram @youthfulobsession.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is the Helix Laser different from Sciton Halo?
The Sciton Halo is a popular dual-wavelength fractional laser and the Helix Fusion produces very similar outcomes — many of our patients who previously had Halo treatments have found Helix Fusion comparable or superior, particularly for deeper collagen stimulation and skin tightening. The Deka Helix uses a 2940nm ablative wavelength (vs Halo's 2940nm) combined with a 1570nm non-ablative wavelength, and offers greater customization of the ablative-to-non-ablative ratio. The practical difference for patients is that the Helix is available at Youthful Obsession — the only provider in Anne Arundel County — while Halo requires traveling to a different practice.
Is the Helix Laser painful?
With topical numbing cream applied 30-45 minutes before treatment, the vast majority of patients find the Helix very tolerable. Most describe the sensation as a warm, prickling heat — more intense at higher settings but never sharp or unbearable. For patients with lower pain tolerance, we can adjust treatment settings or offer additional comfort measures. Dr. Rooke and the Youthful Obsession providers will discuss your comfort preferences before beginning.
How long do Helix Laser results last?
Results from a full Helix treatment series typically last 1-2 years, depending on your age, skin condition, sun exposure habits, and skincare routine. The collagen your skin produces in response to treatment naturally breaks down over approximately 2 years — annual maintenance treatments keep the results sustained and continue building on your initial improvement over time.
Can the Helix Laser be used on the body?
Yes — the Helix is effective on the face, neck, chest (decolletage), arms, hands, abdomen, and above the knees. It's particularly popular for treating crepey arm skin and chest sun damage that can be difficult to address with other treatments. Body area pricing is discussed at consultation based on the size of the treatment area.
Can Helix Laser be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely. Helix Laser pairs exceptionally well with BBL Hero for comprehensive pigmentation and texture improvement, Genius RF Microneedling for maximum collagen stimulation and skin tightening, and dermal fillers or Sculptra for patients addressing both texture and volume concerns simultaneously. Dr. Rooke and the Youthful Obsession providers frequently design combination treatment plans for patients seeking the most comprehensive rejuvenation in the fewest sessions.
Why is Youthful Obsession the only place I can get Helix in Anne Arundel County?
Youthful Obsession was the first medical aesthetics practice in Anne Arundel County, Maryland to invest in and offer the Deka Helix system. Dr. Rooke pursued advanced training in Helix applications specifically because she believed it offered the most versatile and effective laser resurfacing option available — and the results have confirmed that belief. If you've been searching for Helix laser treatment near Annapolis or Edgewater, we are your only local option.
Ready to experience what the Helix Laser can do for your skin? Youthful Obsession is the only provider of the Deka Helix Laser in Anne Arundel County — located at 165 Mitchells Chance Road in Edgewater, MD, just 10 minutes from downtown Annapolis and easily accessible from Severna Park, Pasadena, Crofton, and throughout the region. Call us at (410) 696-5009 or book your complimentary consultation online. New patients are always welcome.
