Which is Better, a Deep Chemical Peel or Resurfacing Laser Surgery for Acne Scars?

asked 1 year ago by AndreaMarie in Cleveland, OH
Latest answer by Lawrence Kass, MD
Question viewed 466 times
Tags: age 18-24, acne scars, laser, options

I need help with my face. I'm only 18 years old and have acne scars, some mild acne, and deep forehead wrinkles. I would like for my face to be smoothed out and have an even complexion. I also heard a deep chemical peel is great for getting rid of yellowness in facial skin, which I want to get rid of. I'm looking to get smooth, light skin. What procedure will be best for my skin problems?

5 answers to Which is Better, a Deep Chemical Peel or Resurfacing Laser Surgery for Acne Scars?

Most acne scarring needs several modalities to get the best results.

Most acne scarring need either excisions, punch grafting, subcisions, filling or dermabrasions first. Chemical peeling and laser treatments are less likely to obtain a good result if the scars aren't surgically treated first. Sincerely, David Hansen,MD

David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Deep chemical peel or laser resurfacing for acne scars -- it's a toss-up

Personally, both modalities would be beneficial for the treatment of deep acne scars. I generally advise my patients that the most important thing to consider when contemplating a resurfacing technique is the experience of the doctor whose help you are seeking. Some doctors only do laser procedures and vice versa. I think you can get equally good results with each. But I do agree that additional modalities may be necessary to achieve optimal results such as... more

Lawrence Kass, MD
Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon

The Palette Approach to Acne Scars

There is usually no one procedure that will fix acne scars. The scars need to be evaluated and characterized and then a plan of improvement made. I always remind patients with acne scars that we will never achieve pre-acne skin. We always approach but never achieve 100% change. Reasonable expectations are very important.

Barry Resnik, MD
Miami Dermatologist

Treating acne scars

While chemical peels can be somewhat useful in treating "pitted" acne scars, the factionated CO2 lasers and Er:YAG lasers give more reproducable and better results with less chance for bad reactions to treat overall acne scaring. At times more than one laser with localized chemical peeling as well as surgical subcision and radiofrequency or focused ultrasound skin tightening can give the best results. It is therefore best to see a physician who is expert in all techniques and has a... more

Mitchel Goldman, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

An actual personal consultation is need to answer this question for you.

Every case of acne scaring is a bit different. What might work great for someone else may not be ideal for you. Facial tightening brought about by chemical peeling or laser resurfacing can be helpful but not at all curative for acne scaring. Ultimately neither of these modalities is perfect. Generally, laser resurfacing requires less expertise on the part of the surgeon to perform well. However, it also can be more prone to skin depigmentation and long term skin... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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