What is Derma Laser Peel?
A Derma Laser Peel is a quick and effective treatment that uses a special laser to address conditions on the top layer of your skin. The treatment removes a thin layer of damaged skin to improve texture and provide a more youthful appearance. It provides superior results because it can be administered with great precision of depth. The procedure is performed in our office and can be custom tailored to your specific skin conditions and desired outcome. Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas are the face and neck, though some people also treat the chest and hands.
The following conditions can be treated with Derma Laser Peel:
- Mild wrinkles
- Scars
- Keratosis
- Sun damage (e.g., freckles)
- Pigment irregularities
How it works
The Derma Laser Peel’s laser beam is scanned over a treatment area to precisely ablate (vaporize) a very thin layer of skin, removing old, damaged tissue. Removing the top layer eliminates some of the damaged cells that can give skin a tired, aged look such as superficial blemishes and pigment irregularities. As the skin heals, fresh cells grow and resurface the treated area. The result is healthier-looking skin, often with reduced wrinkles and improved color evenness. Patients often say that it looks like their skin went from looking tired to vibrant.
During treatment
Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. The physician will position the laser handpiece above the skin and will hold it in place as the computer-guided scanner moves the laser beam around the treatment area. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
One of the primary advantages of Derma Laser Peel is that it causes little pain because it does not penetrate very deep into the skin. At its most shallow settings, most people can tolerate treatment with no anesthetic at all. At deeper settings, a topical numbing cream is typically used.
Excellent results can be obtained in just one treatment, however the number of treatments needed may vary from patient to patient. Your physician can personalize a plan based on your specific needs and may chose to combine Derma Laser Peel with other aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.
After treatment
Immediately after the treatment you will notice that the skin has a “frosty” appearance. This is the dehydrated skin that will peel away within next few days following the treatment. You may experience some skin redness and a sensation resembling a sunburn, as well as mild swelling. You may be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. Your skin will be sensitive to ultra-violet light after the procedure, so you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. It is recommended that you always use some level of solar protection to avoid sun damage and premature aging of your skin.
Depending on the depth of treatment, most patients feel comfortable enough to return to work within 3 to 4 days – an attribute that has given rise to the nickname “the weekend peel.”
Because only the outer layer of skin is treated, most patients notice an obvious improvement in tone, texture and color evenness once the skin heals in approximately 3-4 days.