MicroLaserPeel

What is the MicroLaserPeel™?

It is one of the newest advances in skin resurfacing, an epidermal laser peel that very precisely removes a minimal amount of skin to the full epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. The procedure is individually tailored to the nature of the problem to be corrected: wrinkles, scars, keratoses, or pigmentation problems. It is performed using the Sciton laser, recognized as the preferred method of skin resurfacing because it provides the advantages of multiple laser procedures while greatly reducing the risks and down time.

Who should consider a MicroLaserPeel™?

The ideal patient is someone, of any skin type, who is looking for better and more long lasting results than those produced by microdermabrasion or light chemical peels, but still wants a relatively short healing process.

How is the MicroLaserPeel™ different from Microdermabrasion?

Generally, microdermabrasion only removes the outer layer (stratum corneum, 5-10 microns) of the skin. Although the results are pleasing and the downtime is minimal to none, patients may find it inconvenient to keep up with the ongoing treatments needed to maintain results.

The MicroLaserPeel™ is a minimal to full epidermal peel (15-60 microns or more). Because this procedure goes deeper into the epidermis, and, sometimes into the uppermost dermis (the next deepest skin layer), it is the perfect step between microdermabrasion and deeper peels or deeper laser treatments.

How often does a MicroLaserPeel™ need to be done?

At least two monthly treatments are required initially, but additional procedures can be performed as required. A package of three to four treatments may be best for you. Dr. Bock will give you his recommendations.

What can you expect from a MicroLaserPeel™ ?

You should have smoother, healthier more vibrant appearing skin. You will notice a significant and immediate change in skin texture and tightness when compared to microdermabrasion. Fine lines and wrinkles, as well as discolorations should be improved. If you have acne scarring, you will usually notice progressive improvement with each treatment. The amount of improvement will vary from one person to another. Both genetic factors and the depth of each MicroLaserPeel™ will affect the degree of improvement. The risks of the MicroLaserPeel™ are primarily those of discoloration. This is quite uncommon, since each treatment is relatively superficial and produces very little heating of the skin. If you have a darker skin type, we will have you get a lightening cream that will be used before and after the treatment. This will further reduce the risk of color change. Another known risk is a flare up of herpes simplex in someone who carries the virus. It is important that you notify us if you have ever had a herpes infection anywhere on your face. If so, we will start you on oral antiviral medication.

What type anesthesia is used?

A topical anesthetic cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure. For treatments requiring more than one pass of the laser beam, the anesthetic cream may be reapplied during the procedure. For additional comfort you may direct the air flow from the Zimmer Cooler.

Do you have to wear any type dressing or bandage after the procedure?

No. You will be given a jar of laser healing cream that you should keep for all your laser procedures. This is used as a barrier to keep your skin moist, while it heals. You will probably use it for two to three days. We will recommend a moisturizer that you can use after that.

How long is the healing process?

The healing process varies from patient to patient but will generally take from three to five 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 moderately bad sunburn. You will have redness and darkening of the skin, beginning the following day. By day two to three peeling will begin and the redness will begin to fade. You can purchase a gentle exfoliating cream that can be used, when there is only minimal tenderness, to speed the removal of the flaking. After two to three days, when there is only minimal tenderness you may use a very non-irritating mineral makeup, such as our GloMinerals.

Why should I choose California Skin & Laser Center to have the MicroLaserPeel™ ?

First, to the best of our knowledge, we are the only facility south of Sacramento to offer this procedure. At this time, there is no other laser out there that is able to perform comparably. Second, and equally important, at California Skin & Laser Center, our major concerns are your satisfaction, your comfort, your privacy, and your safety. All treatments are supervised or performed by a board-certified dermatologist with many years of successful experience in a large variety of cosmetic procedures. We have many treatment modalities available and can recommend the one or two that are most likely to meet your needs. In many ways, it is important for us to continue to have happy, satisfied patients. We are here to meet your needs and to try to help you realize your aspirations.