Will a deep phenol chemical peel or a CO2 ablative laser be best for rejuvenating my skin? (Photo)

Question

At almost 60 I'd like to go for a one time treatment (most bang for the buck) to rejuvinate my skin, laxity, acne scarring, overall more youthful appearance including the eye area. Which would be better for me and more long term? I live in New mexico so have minimal options and may be looking into Texas for treatment. A longer downtime does not matter. Results are what matter..My photos are quite frightening but, it is what it is. Thank you.

Luis Villar, MD, FACS · Answer

In competent hands, there is no doubt that deep phenol peels are superior to ablative laser, (or any other laser) resurfacing.  We mastered the learning curve and produced a teaching video for physicians with 350 cases when the Coherent Ultrapulse laser first came out. After a few years it became evident, it was no match for Deep Phenol peels and the down time was identical when properly done.  We have abandoned the laser and have reverted to Phenol for superior results.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

So, of course, this is a commonly asked question.  The answer to this question, like the answers to most questions, depend on who you are asking.  I, and I speak for many other physicians many of whom are members of the International Peeling Society, believe that deep chemical peeling, what I call a Hetter or Croton Oil Peel, is simply the very best means of performing facial rejuvenation procedures.  While I appreciate that you don't care about the long down times seen with ablative laser, I also believe that with this prolonged redness comes greater risks of adverse consequences with laser.  I would advise seeing a very experienced chemical peeler for optimal results.  Good luck!

Will a deep phenol chemical peel or a CO2 ablative laser be best for rejuvenating my skin? (Photo)

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Will a deep phenol chemical peel or a CO2 ablative laser be best for rejuvenating my skin? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Phenol Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.