Laser or Peel?? - Beauty & Cosmetics Message Board

arsalan88 · 04-01-2007, 06:50 PM

Whats would be or is better for reducing the appearance of minor scars? Which one would give longer lasting results? If laser then what kind of laser amd if chemical peel then what kind of peel?

kind1 · 04-05-2007, 08:26 PM

I am actually dealing with a similar question in trying to decide whether to have a tca (medium) chemical peel (heard that glycolic isn't nearly as dramatic results as tca peel) or some kind of laser treatment. I have hyperpigmentation and otherwise a dull, sort of sallow complexion. For a chemical peel, I believe that they generally recommend going to a dermatologist as opposed to an esthetician for at least any kind of chemical peel. Even with the glycolic peels, if left on too long or not done correctly say by an ethetician who doesn't have the training, education and experience as a doctor, burns can occur and then an even bigger mess :)

And as for the tca peels, I've heard that the face turns a brown color and then a real sunburned appearance after that. If I've heard correctly, it might take up to two weeks til one can look somewhat presentable, but please don't quote me on that and instead talk with a dermatologist about it.

There are some contraindications for getting a tca peel which is a concern of mine. Those who get cold sores/herpes can be at risk for getting a breakout after such a peel though the dr may prescribe an anti-viral such as voltrax(sp?) for two weeks following the peel. Each case is different and scarring can occur with either procedure as nothing is (unfortunately) fool-proof. Though if you go to a derm, please go to one that is board-certified and is in good standing with the medical association or some accrediting organization. Perhaps you can search those so-called 'top docs' and those other key words to try to find a dr that is well-respected.

arsalan88 · 04-05-2007, 08:48 PM

I can definetly relate to you. The TCA peel cost about $1800-$5000, there are websites that sell the peel for only $50-$60 so that you can do them yourself. The thing is that i have never done a peel before and dont know how to do it or what will happen? A laser cost about $900, but i've heard that the laser radiation is bad for your DNA and can cause problems in later life. So I dont know what to do and who to ask. It seems like who ever I go to see tries to give me the most expensive treatment when my scarring is not that severe, its really minor and only visible in bright light like when the sun is out. Should I try the peel myself, and test it on a spot before applying it to my face. Or is a peel too serious that it should be done only by an esthetician. Get the laser? What would you do?

kind1 · 04-12-2007, 08:05 PM

Sorry for the delay in responding. I would definately Not do the chemical peel yourself! There is too much risk for burns and more scarring. I've heard or read that laser can produce hyperpigmentation (like dark spots), and some have been disappointed with the results. They have said that they wish that they tried a less invasive procedure beforehand such as the tca (medium depth) skin peel. I'm just going to save up my money for the peel. I have a dermatologist appointment next week and hopefully the dr will agree that I am a good candidate for it as far as skin tone and such.

As far as the price, I'm thinking that the price of $5,000 is referring to a phenol (deep) peel which is way more invasive and risky of a procedure. Anesthesia needs to be administered and the procedure needs to be done in a hospital setting with one's vital signs monitored. (I was quoted a price of $800 for tca peel.) Regardless of which resurfacing technique you choose, I would think that the best results can come from a physician as opposed to an esthetician or us untrained people ;)

arsalan88 · 04-14-2007, 12:00 PM

I rather have my skin look artificial than it look now. Like it doesn't matter to me how bad it hurts but just that it works and works right. I dont have any pits or deep scars, they're minor ans make my skin look uneven. Which treatment will make my skin look perfectly clear, like wax. I have seen that ipl doesn't give dramatic results. I want my skin to look completely flawless and almost artificial. Will a peel do that and what type of peel? I just feel like i need to have my top layer of my skin peeled off. Rather than a laser enhace my skin from underneath to fill the scars. IDK what would you suggest.