Lasers and chemical peels are two of the most popular skin rejuvenation treatments available today, and both can correct signs of aging and sun damage. So, which treatment should you get? In many cases, laser resurfacing is the best choice, but because everyone’s skin needs are unique, what’s best for someone else might not be the right choice for you. Here are some recommendations from Dr. Poris to help you decide which of these skin rejuvenation treatments might be best for you.
About Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser skin resurfacing reverses the effects of aging by destroying damaged, aging skin. Some lasers remove the surface skin from the treated area while others remove columns of damaged skin. After the treatment, the body naturally replaces the old, damaged skin with a fresh, healthy layer of skin tissue. A customized treatment approach can address damage ranging from fine lines to deep creases, giving you beautifully smooth and youthful skin with long-lasting results.
About Chemical Peels
Chemical peels reverse the effects of aging by destroying damaged, aging skin. A specially formulated chemical solution is applied directly to the skin, left for a period of time, then removed. Over the following days, the damaged skin peels away and the body naturally replaces it with a fresh, healthy layer of skin tissue. A customized treatment approach can address damage ranging from fine lines to acne scars, giving you the beautifully soft, smooth, and blemish-free skin you desire.
Here are some insights from Dr. Poris to help you choose between these treatments.
Which requires fewer treatments? Laser treatments typically require fewer sessions than chemical peels to achieve similar results. Sometimes, you can achieve greater depth and efficacy with one laser treatment versus multiple chemical peels.
Which treatment goes deeper? Most spa-based chemical peels stay very superficial, while laser treatments can resurface deeper layers.
Which treatment is more convenient? Dr. Poris regularly performs both laser treatments and chemical peels in-office. However, patients undergoing deeper chemical peels for the full face will require anesthesia and must be treated in the operating room. Generally speaking, laser treatments are more convenient for our patients because they can offer deep rejuvenation without requiring a visit to the operating room.
Which treatment offers the most correction? Both chemical peels and laser treatments can provide significant skin rejuvenation. But while certain chemical peels target one specific condition, laser can target multiple conditions at once. This may not provide any additional benefits for patients who need correction for only one skin concern, but patients who need treatment for a wider range of concerns may be better advised to choose laser skin resurfacing.
Which treatment is best for patients going to the operating room? For patients going to the operating room, a deep chemical peel with phenol is very corrective for the right skin color/type.
Which treatment is better for patients who don’t want to be put under anesthesia? If you’re looking for corrective results and do not want to be put under anesthesia, in-office deep laser resurfacing is a great option.
Which treatment is better for fine lines and wrinkles? A series of three Moxi™ laser treatments will go far in correcting fine lines and wrinkles.
Which treatment is best for sun spots? Sun spots can be corrected with a combination of BBL (light) and Moxi™ laser resurfacing.
Which treatment is best for melasma? Our Moxi™ non-ablative laser is the best treatment for melasma.
Which treatment is best for acne scars? In general, laser treatments such as the NanoLaserPeel™ are better for acne scars.
Ultimately, the choice between laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels will depend on a number of factors, including your skin type, skin concerns, and the severity your skin damage/signs of aging. Dr. Poris would be happy to discuss your options with you and recommend the best treatment for your needs.
To book your appointment with Dr. Poris today, call (407) 558-1616 or contact us online.