Laser Resurfacing Albany - Skin Resurfacing Upstate New York

Serving Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Capital District and Troy, New York

The Deal with Peels

Today’s skin resurfacing options are so numerous, that it can be confusing to know just where to begin when contemplating a rejuvenation program. Clearly, there is no single treatment that is right for all people, rather it is the correct balance of clinical needs, lifestyle demands, and financial resources. In this article, I have tried to give you an overview of the kinds of treatments available through our practice and their relative indications.

Medical peels go a step beyond conventional home exfoliation treatments to achieve controlled wounding to a depth that is suitable for the specific skin condition. Traditionally, chemical peels are divided into three categories: superficial, medium and deep peels. A superficial peel penetrates no deeper than the outermost layers of the epidermis. These are true “lunchtime” peels and include peels such as glycolic, salicylic acid, and lactic acid peels. They cause minimal down time and the exfoliation that is caused can go unnoticed by all but the most discerning eyes. It is important to consider these peels not in isolation but rather as part of a series to achieve the maximum benefit. One of my favorite superficial peels is a Jessner’s peels which is made up of a combination of acids including salicylic and lactic. This peel causes a bit more peeling than the others, but I believe the results speak for themselves.

Medium depth peels are defined as peels that penetrate into the dermis. These peels typically based on trichloroacetic acid and cause substantially more exfoliation. The recovery is longer, averaging about one week. This peel targets more intense photodamage. Falling out of favor are the true deep peels or phenol based peels. This peel has greater toxicity and down time which we can avoid now with other combination techniques.

An alternative to chemical peels are laser peels. There is more precision with a laser peel relative to a chemical peel. They are in general a bit more expensive based on the added cost of equipment. Erbium laser based peels, produce very predictable levels of wounding which can be titrated down to fractions of a millimeter. This enables the physician to peel as little or as much of the skin as he or she feels necessary. Laser peels also introduce the element of thermal heating. The heating of the skin produces a stimulus for collagen formation and skin smoothing. All things being equal, a comparable depth laser and chemical peel, the laser peel would produce more skin improvement.

Fraxel™ laser resurfacing represents yet another form of laser skin resurfacing technology which is quite remarkable. Fraxel™ resurfacing technology borrows from laser resurfacing by producing a controlled skin wound but does so on a microscopic level, laying down a series of non-overlapping tiny spots. Only a portion of the skin’s total surface area is treated with each session, so it takes about five sessions to complete a full facial treatment. The end result is similar to a deep laser peel but without a prolonged recovery period.

I recommend that individuals who are serious about embarking on a rejuvenation program, or just want to learn more about their options, consider attending a seminar or scheduling an individual consultation.

Arthur N. Falk, M.D.
Dr. Falk is the Medical Director of the Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Skin Care located at 35 Hackett Boulevard in Albany.

If you want to learn more about what The Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Skin Care of North Eastern New York can offer you, please take a look at our website and contact our plastic surgery center today to schedule a consultation.