Micro Laser Peel - (light to moderate) Full Resurfacing

Refined Erbium lasers are a new addition to today's anti-aging arsenal. New technological capabilities allow for an almost infinite choice in how gentle or aggressive these laser peels can be.

Each level provides a different end result, adjustable to fit the lifestyle needs and end desires of the patient. The new Sciton Erbium Laser System allows for treatment depths as minimal as 10 microns (similar to a glycolic acid peel) up to 120 microns (full resurfacing effect.)

MicroLaserPeel, the “weekend” skin peel, treats skin conditions associated with aging and an active lifestyle. You can see improvements in just a few days.

MicroLaserPeel is the ideal treatment for those patients who want improved skin with immediate lasting results, little time off, discomfort, or post-treatment care. Sciton's erbium laser uses a computer-guided scanner to ensure maximum precision and treatment uniformity.

Before and After
5 Months after a 50-micron Micro Laser Peel

Does this sound like you?
“I’ve always been active. Years ago I was unaware of the effects of sun and wind on my skin. Although I don’t feel as old as I sometimes look I’m not ready for surgery or a long recovery process, but I’d love to look as young as I feel!”

What is the MicroLaserPeel?
It is a minimal to full epidermal laser peel that precisely removes the outermost layers of the skin. The procedure is individually tailored to the nature of the problem to be corrected:

wrinkles
scars
keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions)
pigmentation problems
overall sun damage

Who should consider a MicroLaserPeel?
The patient looking for better results than microdermabrasion or light chemical peels can offer, yet, still has little time for the healing process.

How is the MicroLaserPeel different from Microdermabrasion?
Generally, Microdermabrasion only removes the outer layer (stratum corneum, 10-15 microns) of the skin. Although Microdermabrasion, typically performed by an Esthetician, is an ideal "polishing" procedure, more long-term visible effects require deeper peeling. The MicroLaserPeel is a minimal-to-full epidermal peel (20-50 microns). Because this procedure goes deeper into the epidermis, it is the perfect step between Microdermabrasion and deeper peels. In our Total Dermatology office only Dr. Pilest will perform your MicroLaserPeel.

How often does a MicroLaserPeel need to be done?
One procedure could be sufficient for at least 6 to12 months, but additional procedures can be performed as required. A package of three to four treatments may be best for you. Dr. Pilest will determine what is necessary to achieve the best results.

What can I expect from the treatment?
Smoother, healthier more vibrant skin. You will notice a significant and immediate change in skin texture and tightness.

What type anesthesia is used?
A topical anesthetic such as Ela-max, Emla or Betacaine Plus is applied thirty to 45 minutes before the procedure.

Do I have to wear any type of dressing or bandage after the procedure?
No! MicroLaserPeel is NOT like a CO2 or deep chemical peel and requires nothing more than a protective ointment such as Aquafore or Vaseline. This is used as a barrier to keep the air away from your skin while you grow new epithelium (like baby skin cells). You will probably use it for one to two days. After that, a moisturizer can be used.

How long is the healing process?
The healing process varies from patient to patient but will generally take from two to four days. The procedure can be performed on Thursday or Friday and you can return to work the following Monday. Immediately following the procedure you will feel as if you have a bad sunburn. You will have minor sloughing and itchiness the following day. By day two, redness will begin to fade and by day three any redness can be easily covered by makeup.

Dr. Pilest will advise you on how best to protect your skin to maintain the benefits you will see from your MicroLaserPeel.

Other Micro Laser Peel Photos

Before, immediately after and 1 month after a 40-micron MicroLaserPeel

Before and 1 week post a 25-micron peel
(Photos source Sciton)

Before and after five 10-micron peels

Microlaser Peel Healing Process

Click the link below to view
MicroLaserPeel Procedure Video

Overall Benefits

Microlaserpeels provide a more youthful look.
Microlaserpeels provide improved skin texture.
Microlaserpeels provide improved elasticity.
Microlaserpeels improve the appearance of acne scars.
Microlaserpeels are safe, reliable, outpatient procedures.
Microlaserpeels are relatively painless.
Microlaserpeels can be performed with local or topical anesthesia.
Microlaserpeels have fewer unwanted side effects and complications.
Microlaserpeels can be used on the neck, hands and chest.
Healing is more rapid because Microlaserpeels cause less redness, swelling and bruising

Full Resurfacing

The Erbium Laser Full Resurfacing selection gives a CO2-like skin-smoothing effect with the advantages of precision control and shorter recovery time (4-7 days as opposed to 2 weeks with CO2 ). It is often used following surgical procedures that do not affect surface skin (as is frequently the case with plastic surgery facelifts).

Precision control of peel pattern and computer-guided laser pulsing are what make the Sciton laser stand out from lasers of the past. This ensures that areas of the facial skin that is thinner are not "over-treated" - a vitally important aspect of full resurfacing. The integrated controls prevent demarcation lines that were tell-tell signs of peels prior to this new technology.

You may have seen people who had laser resurfacing and there would be a distinct "dividing line" where the peeled skin would be lighter and tighter and the unpeeled skin was darker and cosmetically displeasing The Sciton Erbium Laser eliminates this effect and the treated areas feather into untreated areas leaving no visible division.

Area resurfacing may be selected. Areas that are of concern can be selectively treated. Many patients choose to only treat around the eyes and mouth.

Why would I choose an Erbium Laser Resurfacing over CO2?

CO2 Laser	Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Recovery 10-14 Days	Recovery 4-7 Days
Requires Anesthesiologist	None Required In-office procedure
Redness lasts up to 4 months	Redness fades within 4 weeks
Wrinkle improvement up to 80%	Wrinkle improvement up to 70%