Fractional Laser or Dermabrasion for Chin and Upper Lip Lines?

I am 64. I used to use Retin-A with great success for lines on chin. In recent years, it doesn't correct deep lines in chin and now starting to get them on upper lip. Know that the lines are result of the way my muscles are attached (genetic). Botox is not recommended as it would impair talking. What can be done about this? I have had conflicting views -- a dermatologist recommended fractional laser, and a plastic surgeon recommended dermabrasion. I'm very fair and I fear scarring. I hear that upper lip is most difficult to treat? Please let me know your opinion.

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Researcher7 in Michigan

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Dermabrasion vs Fractional resurfacing

This is a difficult question and I'm afraid no one has the definitive answer. Dermabrasion has the potential to go deeper and be more effective. However, the deeper you go the more risk there is for scarring. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, this is not likely. Fraxel is depth controlled but I have not been impressed with the wrinkle removal benefits. It does seem to improve surface texture and minor pigmentation irregularities.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Dermabrasion

The perioral "wrinkles" can be difficult to treat. Depending on the depth of the wrinkles, dermabrasion works the best. One or two treatments can result in significant improvement of the lines.

Dermabrasion vs Fractional CO2 Laser

I use both fractional CO2 and Dermabrasion to treat the veritcal lip lines. In general, Dermabasion will give you a better result for the lines around the mouth, depending on if it is done correctly. Dermabrasion resurfaces the entire area around the lips and goes deep into the skin. Fractional CO2 lasers can go as deep (depending on the laser and laser settings), however they resurface only a small percentage of the skin. This is one of the reasons that a true Dermabrasion is better in... more