How to Choose Between Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and Laser?

Do yourself a favor and don't try to choose the treatment modality. Instead, make your effort be one of choosing a physican who listens to you and who is experienced in these various modalities, all of which may be effective in certain situations. good luck!

For acne scarred and discolored skin, you probably need a variety of treatments to get the best results. Lasers help with the scarring while chemical peels do better for discolorations. Microdermabrasions do good to maintain your complexion once you get it cleared up and the way you like it. Fraxel laser $1000 each; light chem peels $250 each; Microdermabrasions $100 each.

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 Whether you choose a peel, a laser treatment or dermabrasion is a choice you make with your doctor.  All can give you the same results.  I personally think that the laser treatments can be more precise.

It all really depends on what is best for you skin. Based on your description, it sounds like you would benefit greatly from laser. However, without seeing you in person, it is hard to tell for sure. If you are looking for a mild change over time, then chemical peels may be better. If you want immediate and effective treatment and have time for recovery, then laser may be best. Good luck.

I am a fan of chemical peels and microdermabrasion for early photoaging, discoloration, and mild acne, but if you have scars, lasers work better. The gold standard is Ultra Pulsed CO2 laser (fractional is safest and more than adequate for mild scars), but the downtime can be a problem. Fraxel restore is great for mild scars and has little downtime and is useful for ethnic skin, so it is my first choice for what you describe.

You should do either a medium depth chemical peel (35%TCA) or Erbium Laser Resurfacing. I am assuming you are a pure caucasian. Do it in winter when sun is not out much and practice strict sun protection After you recover, start Sculptra injections on the face in the areas of acne scarring. regards