Would it be better to have chemical peels before or after laser?

Question

I plan on getting V-beam laser to treat pigmentation from acne, these marks are brownish red in color which leads to believe that they would also do good with peels. Would it be better to do chemicals peels BEFORE or AFTER my V-beam sessions.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,You would likely benefit more from getting a chemical peel before your laser procedure. It should increase the effectiveness of the laser treatment.Have a nice day.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend that you get a physician grade chemical peel a month before initiating pulse dye laser therapy. Make sure you institute a skin protection protocol with wide UV protection and SPF 30+ sun block (Spectrase) as well as an Opti-Ceramide cream for deep moisturization and skin hydration (Elevase). A retinoid product is also recommended in your routine. 
H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

Before.  Not only will removing dead skin beforehand help laser treatments work better and more efficiently, you will also potentially reduce the need for additional laser treatments, since the laser will maintain more energy before it enters the deeper dermis and will be more effective.
For really severe cases, we tend to recommend a peel beforehand for everyone.  The results are much better.

Would it be better to have chemical peels before or after laser?

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