Can I rotate with microneedling, Clear and Brilliant and chemical peels?

Question

I’m 40 and I want to get micro-needling to help with hyperpigmentation from acne as well as improve the overall texture of my skin. I have some enlarged pores and a few small acne scars. However, micro needling is really expensive. I wanted to know if I could rotate it with Clear and Brilliant and/or chemical peels. If so what type of chemical peels and how long should I wait in between each treatment?

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

When it comes to cosmetic treatments, and maintenance of results, I love rotating different treatments. I will often use chemical peels (such as the Vitalize Peel, or the Vi Peel), Clear and Brilliant, Intense Pulse Light, and topicals to keep the face looking great. The most important thing for you, is to do a few cosmetic consultations. Without seeing your skin, and knowing whether you need a "bigger bang" before going into maintenance mode, I can't say exactly what is best for you. However, it is always important for the doctor to make a "plan" with you. This should usually include treatment with different devices or products. I don't use microneedling for pigment - but the Infini - a radiofrequency microneedling device can be very effective for acne scarring. In combination with other treatments.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Rotating treatments should be fine. For acne scars, I recommend a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, Cosmelan, subcision and fillers. Co2 is best for acne scars, but Erbium is a great alternative. It will take a series of treatments and will need some treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Selena Lantry, MD · Answer

Yes, rotating different treatments can often give patients better results than one alone, somewhat like cross-training.  While chemical peels, Clear + Brilliant and microneedling would generally work well together, each patient requires a personally tailored approach to best realize their goals. As it is difficult to give specific recommendations without an in-person consultation, I would recommend you speak to a certified medical professional to go over your goals and look at your skin.

Anna Sylwestrowicz, MD, FRCP(C) · Answer

Clear and Brilliant is a very gentle collagen stimulating and resurfacing laser. I would recommend doing it every 2 weeks to 1 month for 4-6 treatments. Microneedling and chemical peels are very primitive and redundant compared to the technology of C&B laser facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Anna Sylwestrowicz MD FRCP(C)
Victoria, BC

Can I rotate with microneedling, Clear and Brilliant and chemical peels?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rotating microneedling, Clearn and Brilliant and chemical peels

Answer: Rotating microneedling, Clearn and Brilliant and chemical peels

Answer: Clear and Brilliant Treatments, Micro needling and Chemical Peels

Answer: Clear and Brilliant Treatments, Micro needling and Chemical Peels

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Can I rotate with microneedling, Clear and Brilliant and chemical peels?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rotating microneedling, Clearn and Brilliant and chemical peels

Answer: Rotating microneedling, Clearn and Brilliant and chemical peels

Answer: Clear and Brilliant Treatments, Micro needling and Chemical Peels

Answer: Clear and Brilliant Treatments, Micro needling and Chemical Peels

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Clear and Brilliant

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