DEKA Tetra Pro in Singapore
The DEKA Tetra Pro CO2 laser at IN Eternity Clinic, a designated DEKA Centre of Excellence: its modes as DEKA describes them, the treatments that use it, and who it may not suit.
WhatsApp to Enquire →Key facts ↓The DEKA Tetra Pro is a 10,600 nm carbon dioxide (CO2) laser with fractional and focused modes. At IN Eternity Clinic on Orchard Road it runs the SCAR3 (S3) acne-scar protocol and 4D Scar Reconstruction, lighter resurfacing for texture, and the removal of small benign lesions such as syringomas. Expect about five to seven days of healing after fractional work.
- Maker and model: Tetra PRO, made by DEKA, which lists a CO2 laser source at 10,600 nm with 40 W of power [1].
- Pulse shapes: DEKA’s PSD (Pulse Shape Design) offers S-Pulse, D-Pulse, H-Pulse and continuous-wave modes [1].
- Scanners: DEKA lists the DOT PRO (Hi-Scan DOT) and Scar 3 PRO scanning systems, a 20 x 20 mm scanner area, SmartTrack stacking from 1 to 5 levels and a Derma Scan system with integrated smoke evacuation [1].
- CO2 vs erbium in Asian skin: in 24 Asian patients treated split-face, more than half of scar severity improved on 65 in 100 CO2 sites and 55 in 100 erbium sites at six months; the difference was not significant, and CO2 was more uncomfortable [2].
What is the DEKA Tetra Pro?
The DEKA Tetra Pro is a carbon dioxide laser from DEKA of Florence that emits at 10,600 nm, a wavelength absorbed strongly by the water in skin.
Because skin is mostly water, each pulse turns a tiny volume of tissue to vapour, and a thin rim of heat around it starts collagen remodelling. That is ablation. It is also known as the SmartXide Tetra PRO, after DEKA’s SmartXide line of CO2 lasers; DEKA’s current product page calls it the Tetra PRO. What sets the effect is how the beam is delivered: as a scanned grid of microscopic columns (fractional), as a stacked deep pattern for scars, or as a focused beam for single lesions [1].
| Feature | What DEKA states | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Laser source | CO2, 10,600 nm | Water-absorbed infrared light that vaporises tissue and heats the collagen around it |
| Power | 40 W | Enough output to cover a larger area per pass |
| Pulse Shape Design (PSD) | S-Pulse, D-Pulse, H-Pulse and continuous wave | The balance between vaporising and heating can be shifted |
| Scanner | 20 x 20 mm area; SmartTrack stacking, 1 to 5 levels | Pulses can be stacked to reach deeper in the same spot |
| DOT PRO | Hi-Scan DOT scanning system | Fractional resurfacing for texture and lines |
| Scar 3 PRO | Scar-focused scanning with reduced energy at depth | The basis of the SCAR3 (S3) acne-scar protocol |
| Derma Scan | Scanner with 4-inch and 7-inch focus handpieces and an integrated smoke evacuator | Focused work on lesions and surface resurfacing |
IN Eternity Clinic is a designated DEKA Centre of Excellence (2026), and the Tetra Pro underpins its scar and resurfacing work. Dr Sin Yong is first author of a clinical paper in preparation on S3 Resurfacing for acne scarring on the Tetra Pro, with members of DEKA’s clinical research team as co-authors.
How does a fractional CO2 laser remodel scars?
It vaporises microscopic columns of skin and heats the collagen around them; healing from the untouched skin between columns rebuilds collagen over the following months.
Older CO2 resurfacing removed the whole surface of the treated area, which meant long healing and a high risk of lasting colour change in darker skin. Fractional delivery treats only a fraction of the surface in each pass. The untouched bridges of skin heal the columns quickly, which is why the surface usually recovers in about a week rather than several weeks.
Three settings decide what the laser does. Energy sets how deep each column reaches; density sets how much of the surface is treated; stacking sets how many pulses land on one point. A deep, narrow, low-density setting remodels the dermis under a scar; a shallow, wider setting polishes surface texture; a focused beam removes a small growth layer by layer. In a split-face study in Asian patients, fractional CO2 and fractional erbium gave comparable scar improvement at six months, with more discomfort on the CO2 side [2].
A CO2 laser treats the surface and the dermis. It does not release the tethering bands under rolling scars or replace lost volume, which is why scar plans combine it with subcision, TCA CROSS or an injectable where needed.
Which treatments use the DEKA Tetra Pro at IN Eternity Clinic?
Acne-scar work, Dr Sin Yong’s S3 and 4D Scar Reconstruction protocols, lighter resurfacing for texture, and the removal of small benign lesions run on the Tetra Pro.
| Treatment | What the Tetra Pro does there | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| SCAR3 (S3) for acne scars | Point-shots into individual scar pits, then a lighter fractional pass over the surrounding skin | CO2 laser for acne scars |
| 4D Scar Reconstruction | The surface and dermal layers of a layered plan that also treats tethering (subcision) and lost volume | 4D Scar Reconstruction |
| CO2 laser | Fractional resurfacing for texture and enlarged-looking pores; focused work on selected lesions | CO2 laser in Singapore |
| Ice-pick and boxcar scars | CO2 point-shots or S3 resurfacing, alongside TCA CROSS where suited | ice pick scar treatment, boxcar scars treatment |
| Syringomas | Pinhole-style treatment of individual bumps, or a fractional pattern across a cluster, in stages | syringoma removal |
| Xanthelasma | Layer-by-layer removal of the plaque with controlled depth, after a lipid check | xanthelasma removal |
| Milia and small growths | A tiny opening for clustered milia; spot treatment of seborrhoeic keratoses once confirmed benign | milia removal, skin tag removal |
For acne scars as a whole, including which scar types respond to what, see acne scar treatment in Singapore. The S3 Resurfacing Lift is the lighter, lower-density use of the same platform for uneven texture and enlarged-looking pores.
How does the Tetra Pro differ from other resurfacing devices?
It is ablative: it removes microscopic columns of skin, so it reaches scars more directly than non-ablative lasers, with more healing time.
| DEKA Tetra Pro (fractional CO2) | FSX laser (thulium and erbium glass) | RF microneedling | Fractional pico | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Vaporises columns of skin and heats the collagen around them | Heats columns without removing skin | Insulated needles deliver heat at a set depth | Very short pulses create tiny zones of injury under the surface |
| Main uses at IN Eternity | Deeper acne scars, texture, selected lesions | Redness, pores, tone, fine lines, active acne, eyelids | Rolling and shallow boxcar scars, pores | Mild texture and marks |
| Usual visible recovery | About five to seven days of crusting; pinkness for weeks | Less visible scabbing; redness usually brief | A few days of redness | Usually brief redness |
| Pigment risk in Asian skin | Generally the highest of the four; planned around | Generally lower | Generally lower | Generally lower |
Dr Sin Yong describes the choice between S3 resurfacing and the FSX Laser as a choice between two of his own treatments: S3 on the Tetra Pro has more downtime, with darker areas while the skin heals, and FSX leaves less visible scabbing, so recovery is easier to manage. Deep scars generally need the reach of CO2; skin quality and redness generally suit FSX. The wider comparison is in CO2 vs RF microneedling vs pico for acne scars and fractional laser in Singapore.
Is the DEKA Tetra Pro safe for Asian skin?
It is used on skin types III to V, but darkening after resurfacing is the main risk, so energy, density, spacing and aftercare are planned around it.
Ablative lasers injure the surface, and brown skin often responds to injury by making extra pigment. This post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation usually fades over weeks to months, but it is worth avoiding. In practice that means lower density in darker skin, deep but narrow columns where scars need depth, longer gaps between sessions, careful wound care and strict sun avoidance while the skin heals, which takes planning in Singapore’s sun and humidity.
- A test area can be treated first where the response is uncertain.
- Skin preparation and aftercare are explained in writing before treatment.
- Healing scabs are left to shed on their own; see laser scab care.
- Sessions are spaced so that redness and any darkening settle before the next.
Care after lasers and peels is set out on the aftercare page.
Who may not suit treatment on the DEKA Tetra Pro?
Treatment is usually postponed for active acne or infection in the area, a fresh tan, recent oral acne medication, pregnancy, or a tendency to keloid scars.
- Active acne, infection or an eczema flare in the area. Acne is controlled first; see acne treatment.
- A history of cold sores around the mouth, which needs planning before resurfacing near the lips.
- Recent oral acne medication. Timing is discussed, because healing can be affected.
- A tendency to keloid or raised scars. Ablative resurfacing may be avoided or kept very conservative.
- A fresh tan, or no chance to avoid the sun while the skin heals.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Elective resurfacing is postponed; see pregnancy and breastfeeding safety.
- A spot that has not been examined. Growths are diagnosed before any laser removal.
- Needing no visible recovery at all. A non-ablative option may suit better.
If CO2 is not the right tool, Dr Sin Yong says so and suggests what is.
What Dr Sin Yong checks before using the Tetra Pro
- Which scar types are present: ice-pick, boxcar, rolling or a mixture, and which are tethered from below.
- Whether acne is still active, and what has been used to treat it recently.
- Your skin type, history of darkening after treatment, and any keloid tendency.
- For lesions: the diagnosis first, including whether a growth needs examining rather than removing.
- How much recovery time you can take, and your plans for sun and travel while the skin heals.
- Whether subcision, TCA CROSS, FSX or an injectable belongs in the plan alongside the laser.
General clinical observations used at consultation; they describe what is checked, not any individual result.
What happens at a DEKA Tetra Pro session?
After assessment and numbing, the scanner delivers point-shots and fractional passes, or a focused beam treats single lesions; the skin then heals over about a week.
- Assessment. Scar types are mapped, or lesions diagnosed, and the plan, likely number of sessions and recovery are agreed.
- Preparation. Cleansing, consented photographs and numbing cream, applied for about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Protection. Laser-safe eye shields are worn, and smoke is extracted during treatment.
- Treatment. Point-shots go into individual scars, then a lighter fractional pass covers the area; lesions are treated individually.
- Straight after. The skin feels hot and looks red and swollen; fine crusts form over the following days.
- Healing and review. The surface usually heals in about five to seven days; pinkness can last weeks. Further sessions, if needed, are usually spaced six to eight weeks apart.
Recovery day by day is described on the CO2 laser in Singapore page.
Where can I have DEKA Tetra Pro treatment in Singapore?
The Tetra Pro is used at IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210, near Orchard MRT, after a consultation with Medical Director Dr Sin Yong.
The clinic was designated a DEKA Centre of Excellence on 24 July 2026 by DEKA and its Asia-Pacific distributor NeoAsia; DEKA is among the device makers that have invited Dr Sin Yong to share his clinical expertise internationally. Neither fact promises an individual result; what matters for you is the plan made for your scars and skin.
How medical devices are registered in Singapore is explained in HSA registration explained. Fees depend on the area, the scar types and the number of sessions and are given in writing after assessment; see fees. Every device at the clinic is described in aesthetic devices at IN Eternity Clinic.
“A CO2 laser is not strong or weak. It is set. Depth for the scar, density for the skin around it, and spacing for the pigment that Asian skin wants to make.”
Frequently asked questions
Is the DEKA Tetra Pro available in Singapore?
Yes. The DEKA Tetra Pro is available at IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210, a designated DEKA Centre of Excellence. Dr Sin Yong uses it for acne scars, S3 and 4D Scar Reconstruction, texture and small benign lesions. Treatment follows a consultation at which the plan and recovery are agreed.
Is the Tetra Pro the same as the SmartXide Tetra PRO?
Yes. The clinic refers to it as the DEKA SmartXide Tetra PRO, after DEKA’s SmartXide line of CO2 lasers. DEKA’s current product page calls it the Tetra PRO and describes a 10,600 nm CO2 source with 40 W of power, PSD pulse shapes and DOT and Scar 3 scanning systems.
What is the SCAR3 (S3) mode?
SCAR3 is a scar-focused scanning approach on the Tetra Pro. At IN Eternity Clinic it is used for point-shots into individual acne-scar pits followed by a lighter fractional pass, which is the basis of the S3 protocol. Settings are chosen per scar type, and it is often combined with subcision or TCA CROSS.
Does DEKA Tetra Pro treatment hurt?
Numbing cream is applied beforehand, and most people describe a hot, prickling sensation during the passes. The skin feels like a sunburn for a few hours afterwards. Comfort depends on the area and the depth of treatment, and settings can be adjusted during the session.
What is the downtime after a Tetra Pro treatment?
After a full-face fractional session, the surface usually heals in about five to seven days, with fine crusting and swelling at first. Pinkness can last for weeks, and sun protection is essential while it settles. Small lesion treatments heal faster, often as a small crust that sheds within a week or two.
How many Tetra Pro sessions will I need for acne scars?
It depends on scar types and depth. Scar plans typically involve three to six sessions about six to eight weeks apart, so collagen can remodel between them, often combined with subcision or TCA CROSS. Dr Sin Yong gives a likely range at assessment and reviews it as scars respond.
Is the Tetra Pro better than FSX for acne scars?
They do different jobs. The Tetra Pro is ablative and reaches deeper scars, with more downtime and darker areas while healing. FSX is non-ablative, with less visible scabbing, and suits skin quality, redness and lighter scarring. Dr Sin Yong chooses between them, or combines them, at assessment.
Can the Tetra Pro remove moles?
A mole is examined before anything is removed, because laser destroys the tissue a laboratory would need. Where a lesion is confirmed benign, CO2 can be used for some growths, such as seborrhoeic keratoses or syringomas. Moles that raise concern are excised for laboratory examination or referred.
Book an assessment
IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210. By appointment with Medical Director Dr Sin Yong. Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm. WhatsApp or call +65 8815 3008. At IN Eternity Clinic a consultation fee applies, and it is waived if you go ahead with any medical treatment; the fee is S$120.
International KOL — CLASSYS · HIRONIC · DEKA · ALMA · FOTONA · LUTRONIC
References
- DEKA. Tetra PRO, product page (dekalaser.com), 2026. Read 28 October 2026. dekalaser.com
- Manuskiatti W, Iamphonrat T, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Eimpunth S. Comparison of fractional erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet and carbon dioxide lasers in resurfacing of atrophic acne scars in Asians. Dermatol Surg 2013;39(1 Pt 1):111-120 (online 2012). doi:10.1111/dsu.12030
These sources describe mechanisms and general evidence. They are not a promise of any individual result; suitability is decided at an in-person assessment.