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Fractional CO2 Lasers and Chemical Peels are two most commonly used cosmetic procedures for skin resurfacing. There is a wide array of cosmetic and non-cosmetic skin conditions that can be treated using these two procedures, including facial wrinkles and creases, acne and acne scars, pigmentation problems, textural irregularities, birthmarks, varicose veins and a lot many. The ultimate objective of these procedures is to yield a fresher, smoother and softer layer of skin.
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peeling is a skin resurfacing technique that uses an acidic solution to peel off outermost layer of skin comprising of damaged, dead skin cells. Once the damaged skin layers have been peeled off, a healthier and younger-looking, radiant layer of skin is revealed. Peels vary in strength based on the concentration of acid used in the chemical solution. Superficial and medium peels do not involve any downtime, whereas deep peels containing phenol require down time of a few days.
What is Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing?
Fractional CO2 laser is an advanced form of traditional, gold standard carbon dioxide lasers. The procedure combines efficacy of CO2 lasers with a latest technique which uses the laser beams in a fractionated manner to cause microscopic wounds at a controlled rate in the deeper layers of skin, while leaving the outer layers of skin as well as surrounding tissues intact. This triggers healing process as well as regeneration of skin cells and collagen. Fractional CO2 lasers also do not involve any downtime.
Comparison of Chemical Peels and Fractional CO2 lasers:
While both these procedures are really effective, dermatologists believe that Fraxel lasers provide greater accuracy, precision and predictability for skin resurfacing as compared to chemical peels. Furthermore, the former also offers more control to the dermatologist, as compared to chemical peeling in which doctor only has chemical solutions of varying strengths. However, the experts have also a unanimous agreement upon the fact that chemical peeling is more efficient, safe and reliable as compared to laser skin resurfacing.
When it comes to treating problems deeper in the skin, lasers are best. Chemical peels can only treat mild to moderate fine lines, acne scars and pigmentation problems, but lasers have the ability to penetrate into deeper layers of skin as well. Peeling is also less expensive as compared to lasers, so it has an edge over the latter from economic point of view as well.
That said, it is your doctor’s job to figure out which treatment will be best for you. He will examine your condition, your skin type and several other factors as well before formulating a customized skin rejuvenation treatment plan for you.
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peeling is a skin resurfacing technique that uses an acidic solution to peel off outermost layer of skin comprising of damaged, dead skin cells. Once the damaged skin layers have been peeled off, a healthier and younger-looking, radiant layer of skin is revealed. Peels vary in strength based on the concentration of acid used in the chemical solution. Superficial and medium peels do not involve any downtime, whereas deep peels containing phenol require down time of a few days.
What is Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing?
Fractional CO2 laser is an advanced form of traditional, gold standard carbon dioxide lasers. The procedure combines efficacy of CO2 lasers with a latest technique which uses the laser beams in a fractionated manner to cause microscopic wounds at a controlled rate in the deeper layers of skin, while leaving the outer layers of skin as well as surrounding tissues intact. This triggers healing process as well as regeneration of skin cells and collagen. Fractional CO2 lasers also do not involve any downtime.
Comparison of Chemical Peels and Fractional CO2 lasers:
While both these procedures are really effective, dermatologists believe that Fraxel lasers provide greater accuracy, precision and predictability for skin resurfacing as compared to chemical peels. Furthermore, the former also offers more control to the dermatologist, as compared to chemical peeling in which doctor only has chemical solutions of varying strengths. However, the experts have also a unanimous agreement upon the fact that chemical peeling is more efficient, safe and reliable as compared to laser skin resurfacing.
When it comes to treating problems deeper in the skin, lasers are best. Chemical peels can only treat mild to moderate fine lines, acne scars and pigmentation problems, but lasers have the ability to penetrate into deeper layers of skin as well. Peeling is also less expensive as compared to lasers, so it has an edge over the latter from economic point of view as well.
That said, it is your doctor’s job to figure out which treatment will be best for you. He will examine your condition, your skin type and several other factors as well before formulating a customized skin rejuvenation treatment plan for you.