Sapien Signature Protocols
Time is a construct
Deka Duo + BBL
Aging might be inevitable, but looking like it is optional. This comprehensive protocol combines the two most proven technologies in aesthetic medicine to literally turn back the clock. We start with BBL Hero to aggressively target and remove years of sun damage, redness, and age spots. We immediately follow with the Deka Duo CO2, customized to a deeper resurfacing setting than a standard CoolPeel. This vaporizes deep wrinkles, erases stubborn texture, and tightens laxity. If you want to undo a decade of sun worship in one week, this is the treatment.
the details
treatment length
120 Minutes
recommended treatments
monthly
interval
every 4-6 weeks
recovery time
5–7 days
Strictly No Sun: You must be your natural skin tone. We cannot use BBL or CO2 on tanned skin. Avoid sun exposure and self-tanner for 4 weeks prior.
Prescription Numbing: This is an aggressive treatment. Please arrive 60 minutes early so our numbing cream has time to fully work.
Stop Actives: Discontinue Retin-A, Tretinoin, and exfoliating acids 7 days prior.
Cold Sores: You must start an antiviral medication 24 hours prior to treatment to prevent a flare-up from the heat.
Step 1: The Color Correction (BBL): We start with BBL Hero. You will see bright flashes and feel “snaps” of heat as we clear the pigment and redness from the skin.
Step 2: The Resurfacing (Deka Duo): We switch to the CO2 laser. Unlike the lighter CoolPeel, we dial this up to target deeper wrinkles and texture. It feels like intense static heat.
The Cooling: We use a powerful Zimmer chiller (cold air) throughout the entire session to keep the heat manageable.
Day 1 (The Burn): You will feel like you have a severe sunburn for 12–24 hours. Your skin will be hot and swollen.
Day 2–3 (The Darkening): Your pigment will darken (from BBL) and your skin will turn bronze and rough (from CO2). You may see a grid pattern.
Day 4–7 (The Peel): The rough, bronzed skin will peel and flake off. Do not pull it. Let it shed naturally to reveal the pink, fresh skin underneath.
Stay Moist: For the first 48 hours, keep your skin heavily occluded with the post-procedure balm or Aquaphor. Do not let it dry out.
Vinegar Soaks: To manage the heat and keep the skin clean, we recommend soaking gauze in a solution of white vinegar and water (1 tsp : 1 cup) and applying it to the face 3–4 times a day.
Sleep Elevated: Use an extra pillow for the first 2 nights to help with swelling.
Total Sun Ban: Your new skin is extremely sensitive. You must avoid direct sun completely for 2 weeks and wear SPF 50+ thereafter.
Protocol Includes
frequently asked questions
FAQ
Intensity.
Tone Shift: Uses BBL + CoolPeel (a lighter, no-downtime CO2 mode). Good for maintenance and surface polish.
Time is a Construct: Uses BBL + Deka Duo (deeper CO2 settings). This goes deeper to delete heavy wrinkles and significant texture. It requires more downtime (about a week) but delivers more dramatic results.
It is spicy. Because we are treating deeply, you will feel the heat. We use strong topical numbing and chilled air to get you through it. Most clients find it uncomfortable but quick.
Yes. Unlike milder treatments that require a series of 6, “Time is a Construct” is powerful enough that many clients are happy with just one major session a year to reset their skin.
No. Both BBL and aggressive CO2 pose a high risk of hyperpigmentation for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). We would recommend RF Microneedling or Moxi for a safer alternative.
Yes! This combo is incredible for removing “liver spots” and crepey skin on the hands and décolleté. Just remember that the body takes longer to heal (10–14 days) than the face.