Laser resurfacing and chemical peels both offer similiar results:  regenerate and refresh the skin through resurfacing resulting in diminishing pores, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.  However, each work in a different fashion.

Laser resurfacing is a controlled penetration depth with the ability to enhance the result by increasing the number of laser passes in a desired area.  Chemical peels are effective based on the amount of time the acid peel is in contact with the skin as well as the concentration of the acid. 

Chemical peels disrupt the bonds of the dead skin cells causing them to flake away revealing new, soft, fresh skin.  There are varying levels of chemical peels such as Light, Medium, and Deep.  Chemical peels vary by the type of acid used.  Acids varying in molecular weight.  Molecular weight determines how deep the peel is able to penetrate.  The smaller the molecule, the deeper the penetration.  The deeper the peel, the longer the down time.  The longer the down time, the best, longer lasting result. 

Light Chemical Peels are the most mild and are effective in reducing acne, minimal sun damage, and fine lines.  Usually light peels are administered in a series of three to six spaced a month apart.

Medium Chemical Peels will target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tones.  They also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Depending on your desired results, one to three medium chemical peels will be needed.

Deep Chemical Peels are the more effective at resulting in a total skin resurfacing through the treatment of severe wrinkles, lines, and sun damage.  Usually, only one deep peel treatment is needed.

There are varying laser resurfacing techniques; however, Dr. Guanciale offers the following resurfacing treatments:  MicroLaserPeel, ProFractional, and the BBL PhotoTherapy. 

The MicroLaserPeel is a laser treatment that is stronger than microdermabrasion and equal to a medium chemical peel.  This treatment results in tighter, brighter, healthier skin with a downtime of 3 days.

The ProFractional treatment is effective for fine lines, wrinkles, aged and sun damaged skin.  This treatment is a lighter treatment resulting in little to no downtime.

The BBL PhotoTherapy treatment will reduce age spots, sun damage, and freckles restoring the skin to a healthy, vibrant look with a more uniform color.  With the use of photothermal therapy, you will need a series of these treatments to reach the desired result.

Like any procedure or treatment, there are potential risks to having any type of resurfacing or peel.  It is possible that you will experience pigment changes, scarring, and/or increased milia (small, raised, white bumps).   The risk of scarring increases if you pick at the shedding skin during recovery. 

Contact Dr. Jerry Guanciale at 843.995.5005 to schedule a consultation today to determine skin treatment is best for you.  Dr. Guanciale offers both laser resurfacing as well as varying levels of chemical peels. 

Dr. Guanciale is a Board Certified General Surgeon and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. 

Tags: chemical peels, laser resurfacing

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 4th, 2009 at 7:28 am and is filed under Sciton Laser Procedures, Skin Resurfacing/Chemical Peels. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.