Laser Peel Overview
Although they achieved excellent wrinkle removal, older laser treatments included very long recovery periods and were not flexible enough to give patients many options. Newer technologies allow for better, more precise control. With the latest tools, Dr. Siegel can tailor facial laser peels to your needs and lifestyle. When you undergo a laser peel treatment with an experienced doctor, your recovery doesn’t need to be as long or labor-intensive. Dr. Siegel is considered a top specialist in laser skin peels in Houston. If you’d like to undergo laser rejuvenation therapy, he will create a custom treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
The Laser Peel Process
Consultation
Patients who want to pursue laser face peels begin by meeting with Dr. Siegel. During this first appointment, he will examine your face, discuss your cosmetic concerns with you, answer any questions you have about laser peel effects, and create a personalized treatment plan for you. Whether you’re looking to improve facial lines, remove wrinkles, diminish the appearance of scars, restore damaged skin from excessive sun exposure, reduce pore size, or combat general signs of aging, Dr. Siegel will create a specific plan for you that addresses each concern. He will take into account your aesthetic preferences, medical needs, and the amount of time you have available to heal. There is no set amount of time for this consultation appointment. Dr. Siegel will meet with you for as long as you need to feel informed, confident, and comfortable moving forward with laser rejuvenation therapy.
Preparation
Since each patient and each laser peel treatment is unique, there is no one standard way to prepare for your appointment. Dr. Siegel will give have guidelines for your specific procedures or plan to help you enjoy all the laser peel benefits while remaining healthy and safe. Generally speaking, you should plan on avoiding any medications that could interfere with the treatment, drinking enough water, and staying out of the sun to avoid a sunburn.
Procedure
On the day of your laser peel, you’ll come to our comfortable Houston office. Dr. Siegel may numb your face before the procedure for your own comfort, although this is not always necessary. The precise techniques Dr. Siegel uses to perform your treatment will depend on your aesthetic preferences, medical needs, and several other factors. The length of your laser peel may be anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. Dr. Siegel will take as much time as he needs to deliver your desired results in a safe and effective way. For the procedure, he will use the Lumenis® Ultrapulse™ Fractional CO2 laser. It’s the most customizable and versatile laser for skin rejuvenation therapy- providing powerful single treatments with minimal recovery time. This technology, coupled with Dr. Siegel’s experience and expertise, will safely deliver younger skin with a short recovery time.
Recovery
After your laser peel, Dr. Siegel may place bandages over treatment areas to protect them and help you heal more comfortably. Most patients are able to return to work immediately, although some take the rest of the day to rest. You will most likely need to use a special antibacterial moisturizing cream a few times a day for several days following treatment. While Dr. Siegel takes precautions to minimize swelling, it is normal for some patients to experience inflammation after a laser peel. Ice and painkillers can help alleviate discomfort or swollen treatment areas. About a week after your laser peel, your treated skin cells will flake and ‘peel off’ so that your body works to create a fresh and revitalized layer of skin- a vital part of the rejuvenating process. Your skin should be mostly recovered several weeks after your laser peel, and you’ll continue to heal and see results from your treatment for several months.
Laser Peel FAQ's
Especially when you work with an experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Siegel, laser peels are very safe. At our Houston practice, we use a state-of-the-art laser, high-quality materials, and precise techniques to minimize any risk to patients. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Siegel will customize a treatment plan specifically for your skin tone, cosmetic preferences, and medical needs to help ensure that you remain safe and healthy while revitalizing your skin to the best of our ability.
Microdermabrasion involves superficially exfoliating the outermost layers of the skin. This is accomplished by using micro-crystals that “abrade” the skin, and a vacuum effect that immediately removes the resulting dead skin cells. In contrast, a laser peel enhances your look by modifying deeper layers of skin. Since a laser peel is a more intensive treatment, it can help with a wider range of aesthetic issues and typically offers more dramatic results. Microdermabrasion can improve the appearance of very fine wrinkles and scars, making it an excellent choice for patients who want to brighten their skin but are not dealing with more severe signs of aging, such as scars, deeper wrinkles, pigmentation, or sun damage. Laser rejuvenation therapy, however, can help soften more pronounced wrinkles, remove scars, minimize the appearance of blemishes, and generally improve skin texture. Since it is a more rigorous treatment option, a laser peel requires some recovery time, while microdermabrasion requires very little healing.
If you have relatively minor cosmetic complaints and want to upgrade your skin with virtually no recovery, microdermabrasion may be the correct choice for you. However, if you want to more substantially enhance your facial appearance or reverse more severe signs of aging, and you are willing to take some time to recover, a laser peel can be a more appropriate option. Dr. Siegel will help you determine which treatment (or combination of treatments) suits your needs and preferences at your initial consultation.
The two primary types of laser peels are CO2 laser peels and Erbium laser peels, named for the type of laser they use to revitalize your skin. CO2 lasers are usually more powerful, while Erbium lasers offer milder effects. Dr. Siegel uses the Lumenis® Ultrapulse™ Fractional CO2 laser. Fractional CO2 lasers are some of the most advanced on the market. They maintain the intensity of a CO2 laser while minimizing side effects and shortening recovery time. Dr. Siegel can further discuss which type of laser peel may be right for you at your first appointment.