One advanced platform. Multiple approaches to fractional skin resurfacing.
HELIX pairs a fractional 10,600 nm CO₂ laser with 1570 nm non-ablative technology. The modalities can be used independently or together, allowing a clinician to tailor the approach to individual skin concerns and recovery considerations.
HELIX laser treatment at Preferred SurgicalSpecialized care in our treatment roomHaley Wilmoth with the Cartessa HELIX laser system
Understanding the three HELIX treatment families
HELIX / 01
CoolPeel®
A fractional CO₂ resurfacing approach designed to target surface-level concerns with less residual heat than more intensive traditional CO₂ settings. Frequently discussed for uneven texture, visible pores, and fine lines. Some redness and recovery time may still occur.
HELIX / 02
Sultra
Fractional 1570 nm non-ablative laser energy heats tissue without intentionally removing the skin surface. It may be considered for textural concerns and collagen remodeling, with treatment plans dependent on skin assessment.
HELIX / 03
FUSION
HELIX can combine fractional ablative CO₂ and non-ablative 1570 nm energy in one treatment. The balance can be customized; recovery requirements depend on the selected settings and individual response.
What concerns can fractional resurfacing address?
Uneven texture and the appearance of enlarged pores
Fine lines and visible photoaging
Selected scars, including some acne or surgical scars
Overall skin-surface irregularities and tone concerns
What to consider before treatment
Not every concern or skin type is appropriate for every laser setting. Medical history, skin pigmentation, prior scarring, sun exposure, medications, and healing capacity all matter. Possible adverse effects include redness, swelling, pigment changes, infection, and scarring. More intensive resurfacing generally involves more recovery than superficial treatment.
Any post-treatment skincare plan should follow instructions from the treating clinician; products that are appropriate for daily use may not be appropriate immediately after resurfacing.
02 / Professional skincare
ZO® Skin Health
A thoughtful skincare routine begins with the essentials.
ZO Skin Health organizes care around Getting Skin Ready®—cleanse, exfoliate, and tone—followed by targeted products selected for skin concerns and daily sun protection. Different skin types call for different products, rather than a single routine for everyone.
Our in-office ZO Skin Health selectionSkin health products available in our office
01
Cleanse
Remove sunscreen, debris, makeup, and excess surface oil. ZO examples include Gentle Cleanser and Hydrating Cleanser.
02
Exfoliate
Help remove built-up surface skin cells when appropriate. Exfoliating Polish is one option; frequency depends on skin tolerance.
03
Tone
Address remaining surface oil and prepare for the rest of a routine. Examples include Complexion Renewal Pads and Calming Toner.
Products for different skincare concerns
BARRIER & DAILY CARE
Daily Power Defense
ZO's barrier-support serum is designed to help defend against environmental stressors and improve the look of premature aging.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT
Illuminating AOX Serum
An antioxidant-focused serum intended to support skin against everyday environmental exposure and the appearance of dullness.
TEXTURE & FIRMNESS
Growth Factor Serum
A cosmetic serum developed to support the appearance of elasticity, smoothness, and skin density over time.
UNEVEN SKIN TONE
Brightalive® Skin Brightener
A non-hydroquinone brightening option for the appearance of uneven tone and discoloration.
Daily sun protection matters
Broad-spectrum sunscreen is a foundational part of daily skin care. ZO offers sunscreen formats such as Daily Mineral SunShade Broad Spectrum SPF 45 and Sheer Fluid Tint SPF 45. Product suitability depends on skin type, sensitivity, and preference.
Skincare around laser treatments
Laser recovery may require a temporary change to usual skincare products. Exfoliants, retinoids, and other active formulations should not be resumed immediately after resurfacing unless the treating clinician advises it. Specific post-procedure plans depend on the treatment performed.
Preferred Surgical Associates · ZO Skin Health
Explore ZO Skin Health products
Browse ZO Skin Health products using our practice-associated shopping link. Product selection and checkout take place on the ZO website.
Understand important distinctions and risks of medically administered products.
Injectable aesthetic products are regulated medical treatments, and different formulations have different labeled indications and safety requirements. Information here is general education rather than product selection or individualized treatment advice.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
BOTOX® Cosmetic
A botulinum toxin product with FDA-approved cosmetic indications in adults. Its prescribing information includes warnings about serious potential side effects, including spread of toxin effects and swallowing or breathing difficulties.
INJECTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE
JUVÉDERM®
A family of hyaluronic-acid dermal fillers. Risks can include swelling, bruising, infection, and serious complications if filler enters a blood vessel, including tissue damage or changes in vision.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
DAXXIFY®
DAXXIFY® (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is a prescription botulinum toxin type A product with FDA-approved indications for moderate-to-severe frown lines and cervical dystonia in adults. Treatment requires individualized clinical assessment and review of important risks.
Our practice uses DAXXIFY in both aesthetic and therapeutic care. The medical purpose, FDA approval status, possible benefits, and risks depend on the condition being evaluated.
FDA-approved / Aesthetic
Frown lines between the brows
DAXXIFY is approved in adults for temporarily improving moderate-to-severe glabellar lines associated with certain facial muscles.
FDA-approved / Therapeutic
Cervical dystonia
DAXXIFY is also approved for adults with cervical dystonia, a condition that causes involuntary neck muscle contractions and may affect head posture and comfort.
Common questions about DAXXIFY
What makes its formulation different?
DAXXIFY contains botulinum toxin type A and uses a peptide-containing formulation. Peptides are short chains of amino acids; in this medication, they help stabilize the active ingredient. Product units are not interchangeable with those of other botulinum toxin products.
How soon are effects noticed, and how long can they last?
In frown-line clinical studies, some patients reported improvement within two days, and more than half had no or mild frown lines at six months. Those study findings are not a guarantee for an individual patient and do not establish the same timeline for therapeutic use.
What about other therapeutic uses?
The FDA-approved therapeutic indication is cervical dystonia in adults. Any other therapeutic application would be off-label and must be considered individually by a qualified clinician; approval for one condition does not imply approval for another.
Important safety information
Like other botulinum toxin products, DAXXIFY carries a boxed warning: toxin effects may spread beyond the injection area. Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. DAXXIFY should not be used by people with certain allergies to botulinum toxin products or with infection at the intended injection site.
Potential effects include headache, eyelid drooping, facial muscle weakness, and—when used for cervical dystonia—neck-related weakness or discomfort. Review your medical history, all medications, and the full official safety information with your clinician.
These brief summaries do not replace FDA-approved labeling, individual clinical assessment, or informed consent. These are medical products with important risks and age restrictions. Any decisions about them belong with appropriately licensed medical professionals.
Manufacturer-provided, consented treatment examples. Credits are listed with each comparison; these cases were not necessarily treated at Preferred Surgical Associates.
Treatment results gallery
Explore documented treatment progress after photos are reviewed and approved for publication.
The original before-and-after comparisons are preserved without retouching or selective cropping. Treatment settings, timing, patient responses, and results may differ. Select any image to view it at larger size.
CoolPeel — 1 treatment
Courtesy of Revive Skin Bar · Cartessa-supplied comparison
HELIX — DEKA Pulse
Courtesy of Giovanni Cannarozzo, MD · Cartessa-supplied comparison
CoolPeel — 3 treatments
Courtesy of Lotus Aesthetics and Wellness · Cartessa-supplied comparison
HELIX FUSION — 1 treatment
Courtesy of Zen Spa · Cartessa-supplied comparison
HELIX FUSION
Courtesy of Zen Spa · Cartessa-supplied comparison
HELIX — CO₂ and DEKA FUSION
Courtesy of Antidote Aesthetics · Cartessa-supplied comparison
HELIX — 2 treatments
Courtesy of United Medical · Cartessa-supplied comparison
CoolPeel — 1 treatment
Courtesy of The Spa House · Cartessa-supplied comparison
HELIX treatment videos
Cartessa-provided educational and promotional videos. Videos only load when selected; sound is optional.
HELIX FUSION — treatment overview · Provided by CartessaHELIX — technology highlights · Provided by Cartessa
Patient education & resources
Your treatment guide library
Clear information to help you prepare questions, understand treatment categories, and discuss options with our clinical team.
For general education only. This material does not replace individualized medical advice or product-specific safety information. Discuss your medical history, allergies, medications, and treatment expectations with an appropriately licensed professional.
Haley S. Wilmoth, RN, BSN · Aesthetics at Preferred Surgical
Meet your aesthetic nurse
Haley S. Wilmoth, RN, BSN
Aesthetic Nurse Specialist
Haley brings nearly three decades of nursing experience to Preferred Surgical Associates. Her background in surgical care, recovery, nursing supervision, and ambulatory services informs a safety-focused, individualized approach.
With additional training in skin care, skin rejuvenation, and the Cartessa HELIX CO₂ laser system, Haley helps patients explore aesthetic treatment options suited to their goals. She is also a member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN).
Whether you're exploring options for the first time or continuing a skincare routine, our team can discuss services and help you decide on appropriate next steps.
Explore payment-plan options for eligible aesthetic treatments directly through our practice’s Cherry page. Eligibility, approval, and financing terms are determined by Cherry.