Deciding whether to receive a chemical peel or laser resurfacing is an important step in addressing age-related changes to your skin, sun damage, and other concerns. On one hand, chemical peels remove impurities from the skin by exfoliating it. On the other hand, laser skin resurfacing uses laser energy to penetrate the skin and target impurities. The best option for you depends on the issues you are looking to address and your skin type. For example, some laser treatments are not suitable for some Fitzpatrick skin types.
Dr. Alyson Wells is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who has helped thousands of patients improve the quality of their skin. Whether you decide on laser resurfacing or a chemical peel, the team at Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa can help you enhance your appearance for beautiful, natural-looking results.
Contact our office or call (410) 628-8200 to learn more!
About Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a topical solution that removes the outermost layers to improve the tone, texture, and quality of your skin. With peels, Dr. Wells can address acne scars, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage for a brighter, smoother appearance. If you have a dull complexion, chemical peels can brighten your appearance by increasing your skin’s levels of collagen and elastin–proteins that help your skin maintain its youthful appearance, structure, and elasticity. (1)
Types of Chemical Peels
We offer several different types of chemical peels to refresh your skin:
- Superficial Peel: To address mild signs of skin aging and/or damage, Dr. Wells can refresh your skin with a light treatment that typically contains glycolic or lactic acid.
- Moderate Peel: With a medium-strength peel, Dr. Wells can address fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and/or pigmentation for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.
- Deep Peel: With a stronger peel, Dr. Wells can address mild laxity, significant wrinkles, and/or skin damage.
Treatment Process
During a chemical peel, Dr. Wells will apply the treatment to your skin in a thin, even layer. The length of your treatment will depend on the type of peel you receive, the condition of your skin, and your aesthetic goals. After your peel, you may experience scabbing and/or peeling while your skin heals. You must avoid excessive sun exposure and wear sunscreen to protect your skin from damage while your skin recovers. Dr. Wells may also recommend a topical cream or moisturizer for optimal results, depending on your situation.
About Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing can address fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation with beams of laser energy that increase your skin’s levels of collagen and elastin.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing is a treatment that can improve the appearance of your skin by diminishing dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and mild skin laxity with a process known as selective photothermolysis, which vaporizes and removes the topmost layers of skin. The treatment can address wrinkles around the eyes (periocular wrinkles), (2) and other changes to your skin texture from aging. (3) Dr. Wells can also address blemishes and scars while preserving the surrounding tissue. CO2 lasers can address both raised (hypertrophic) (4) and sunken (atrophic) scars.
Candidates & Consultation
The most effective treatment for you will depend on your medical history and skin type. Suitable candidates would typically like to address skin damage, signs of aging, and/or discoloration. You must have realistic expectations about the results you can achieve.
During your consultation, Dr. Wells will examine your skin and create a personalized plan for your aesthetic goals based on your Fitzpatrick skin type. If you have more melanin in your skin, Dr. Wells may recommend a series of lighter treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Wells will provide specific instructions about how to prepare and recover for the best results. Dr. Wells can also recommend additional treatments if you have additional goals.
To learn more about the additional treatments we offer, see the blog!
Preparation
To prepare for a chemical peel or laser resurfacing, you should avoid excessive sun exposure that could damage your skin and take good care of your skin in the weeks leading up to your appointment. You should also stop drinking alcohol 24-48 hours before your treatment. We can also provide specific instructions to help you care for your skin, including skincare products that you can use at home in the weeks leading up to your treatment.
Results
Your results will depend on the type of skin rejuvenation treatment you receive. Afterward, you can enjoy a more even skin tone and a smoother skin texture. To maintain your results, you should avoid excessive sun exposure since UV light contributes to up to 80% of the signs of skin aging. If you experience changes to your skin, Dr. Wells can help you maintain your results with a touch-up treatment.
Additional Skin Treatments
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers add natural-looking volume to the skin for a plumper appearance. With flexible formulas that move fluidly with your facial expressions, Dr. Wells can diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and mild laxity for a more youthful look. Dr. Wells offers fillers for both deep and delicate tissue so you can enjoy natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Microneedling
Microneedling increases your skin’s collagen levels with tiny needles that penetrate the skin. The treatment can address mild signs of aging and brighten your skin by addressing scars and/or discoloration. Most patients need a series of microneedling treatments to achieve results, and Dr. Wells can combine the treatment with facials to refresh your appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Wells will examine your skin to create a plan for optimal results.
DermaSweep Microdermabrasion with Epi-Infusion
DermaSweep microdermabrasion with epi-infusion treatments will exfoliate the skin and clarify the pores for a brighter, smoother appearance. The treatment hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid and clarifies the pores with salicylic acid for lasting results. The gentle treatment can significantly improve your skin, and Dr. Wells can perform a series of treatments to refresh your appearance.
Skincare Products
We also offer a range of skincare products to help you improve your skin:
- SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum can address wrinkles, fine lines, and changes to your skin’s texture from aging.
- Wells B5 Hydra Gel moisturizes your skin with hyaluronic acid and Vitamins B3 and B5 to help you achieve a smoother skin texture. The gel is infused with peptides–amino acids to support your skin and immune system, and is well-tolerated by multiple skin types, including acne-prone skin (non-comedogenic).
- Wells CE Ferulic Acid is a retinoid that improves skin cell turnover to address skin damage, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation for a smoother appearance and more even skin tone.
Cost of a Chemical Peel or Laser Resurfacing in Baltimore
The cost of a chemical peel or laser resurfacing will depend on your treatment plan. Dr. Wells can provide an all-inclusive quote to help you achieve your body goals. Dr. Wells can also discuss financing to help make your treatment more accessible. Do not wait to refresh your skin when a well-tolerated treatment can improve your appearance with minimal downtime. Learn how chemical peels and laser resurfacing can brighten your skin and diminish signs of aging for lasting results!
Contact our office or call (410) 628-8200 to get started at our office in Cockeysville.
FAQ
Can I combine a chemical peel or laser resurfacing with other treatments?
Yes, many patients receive facials or additional treatments to refresh their skin as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
How will I know if a chemical peel or laser resurfacing is right for me?
We can perform a physical examination during your consultation and create a treatment plan for your specific goals.
What if I experience changes to my skin after receiving a chemical peel or laser resurfacing?
If you experience changes to your skin, we can perform a touch-up appointment to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Will I have scarring after a chemical peel or laser resurfacing?
You will likely not have scarring after a chemical peel or laser resurfacing. The well-tolerated treatments have helped thousands of patients improve their appearance without incisions.
How long do the results of a chemical peel or laser resurfacing last?
The results are long-lasting if you take good care of your skin and avoid excessive sun exposure, which could cause fine lines and wrinkles.
Do chemical peels and laser treatments hurt?
We apply a topical anesthetic to keep you comfortable during your treatment. Most treatments only require a local anesthetic, but some deep peels require sedation.
References
- Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: a Paradigm Shift in the Field of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. 2022;12(1):e2022018. doi:https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.1201a18
- Kotlus BS. Dual-Depth Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing for Periocular Rhytidosis. Dermatologic Surgery. 2010;36(5):623-628. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2010.01516.x
- Tretti Clementoni M, Galimberti M, Tourlaki A, Catenacci M, Lavagno R, Bencini PL. Random fractional ultrapulsed CO2 resurfacing of photodamaged facial skin: long-term evaluation. Lasers in Medical Science. 2012;28(2):643-650. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-012-1116-1
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
