Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peel, or Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Posted January 22, 2018 in Non-Surgical Skin Options

Are you looking to refresh the appearance of your skin? Here we look at three minimally invasive procedures (microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing) that can be used to give your skin a fresh, new feel.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a treatment where a small instrument loosens dead skin cells and gentle suction removes them. Dr. Ip gently exfoliates the skin with a dermabrasion handpiece that releases a stream of micro-crystals onto your face. Sweeping or circular motions ensure even and comprehensive treatment and the machine’s vacuum attachment suctions the dead cells immediately to reveal the smoother skin below. Microdermabrasion is most effective if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of superficial skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, or pigmentation issues. It is not effective in cases of deep scars or major pigmentation problems. Patients often undergo anywhere between five and 12 treatment sessions every two to three weeks depending on their desired results.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel uses a specific chemical formulation to remove damaged outer layers of skin. The chemical solution (which varies depending on the procedure) is brushed on your face and left for a certain amount of time before being neutralized or washed away. There are three types of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep.

Light Peel

During a light chemical peel, the chemical solution of salicylic acid or glycolic acid is applied to the skin and left for up to 10 minutes. You may feel mild stinging during this time, and then a neutralizing solution is applied and the skin is washed. A light chemical peel is most effective for acne scars, lines in your skin, or mild pigmentation issues.

Medium Peel

A medium chemical peel uses trichloroacetic acid and is effective against acne scars, deeper wrinkles, or more uneven pigmentation issues. After the solution is left on the skin for a few minutes, a cool compress is used to soothe the skin.

Deep Peel

A deep chemical peel is most effective against deep wrinkles and more severely sun damaged skin. Anesthesia is used for patient comfort, and carbolic acid, or phenol, is applied to the skin until it turns grey or white. This may be performed several times, with 10 to 20 minutes between applications.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other skin blemishes. Dr. Ip uses either an erbium laser or a CO₂ laser to renew the skin in the target areas with precision. This procedure can require up to six weeks of preparation, and a local anesthetic is often used during treatment.

With each treatment, your skin will ultimately look firmer and smoother. Which one is right for you? To learn more, call our Newport Beach location at (949) 548-0300, our Beverly Hills location at (310) 839-0776, or our New York location at (855) 742-8800.