Is Chemical Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing the Best Treatment for Me?

Question

Hi there, I am currently investigating either a Chemical peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing, ideally I'd like to spend £1500 (I think about $2200). I have fair and sensitive skin (blue eyes, and light brown hair) and am 38 years old, I would like to know what treatments you would recommend.

	Reason for treatment is to ideally diminish lines on forehead and around eyes and also reduce the size of pores, thank you (btw I live in the UK but am happy to travel to the US).

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

In general, for more controlled and dramatic results, laser skin resurfacing tends to work better. In the past, chemical peels were the way to go, but with the newer lasers out in the market, you can achieve a more controlled and safer result than a chemical peel can give you.

	In the past, phenol chemical peel produced the most dramatic results. I think more doctors have moved away from this procedure secondary for the reasons sited.

	Hope that helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

If you are looking for a quicker response of treatment then I would suggest you consider the Fraxel Laser. Fraxel is the "magic eraser" and I love this laser.  We have had fabulous results with the Fraxel.  I do recommend that you consult a board certified dermatologist with experience with Fraxel for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

For wrinkle reduction, the gold standard non-surgical treatment would be CO2 Laser.  This is excellent but has a very high likelyhood of causing skin depigmentation.  It makes wide pores narrower.  There is some risk of scarring.
In my experience, peels are also effective, but will leave pores wider, in many instances.  I am not sure if there is a peel that won't cause this effect on pores.
Coblation acts like laser, only uses radio frequency energy waves rather than light like the laser, to create its effects.  Coblation is about 85% as effective as CO2 laser, and is less likely to cause burns or depigmentation.
Another option might be a combination of brow lift and laser/coblation, perhaps blephaorplasty and laser or coblation.
Also, don't forget that botox will work with wrinkles, and is less expensive.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Reducing fine lines and pore size can be accomplished with so many different modalities. I prefer lasers because I think they afford less of a downtime and more accuracy than a chemical peel.

Is Chemical Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing the Best Treatment for Me?

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser, or Coblation VS Peel

Answer: Laser, or Coblation VS Peel

Answer: Laser treatments are more accurate, with lesser downtime

Answer: Laser treatments are more accurate, with lesser downtime

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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Is Chemical Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing the Best Treatment for Me?

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser, or Coblation VS Peel

Answer: Laser, or Coblation VS Peel

Answer: Laser treatments are more accurate, with lesser downtime

Answer: Laser treatments are more accurate, with lesser downtime

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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