Laser peel Basics

Laser peel is a process where the laser is programmed to take off a very precise thickness of skin. The remaining healthy skin will then replace the old surface with a healthy more even layer of new skin. This process removes fine lines, wrinkles, evens up color and generally will improve the youthfulness and vitality of the aging face.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of the laser over a chemical peel?

A chemical peel done in the hands of someone skilled and experienced in doing them can produce similar results to a laser peel. Unlike a chemical peel which involves placing acid of varying strength on the face, the laser uses a carefully programmed precisely controlled beam of light to remove a precise depth of skin. This control is very difficult for even the best persons doing a chemical peel to duplicate. The more deeper laser peels are more reliable and more predictable giving better uniform appearance.

Does it hurt?

It can but this is controlled by applying a topical facial cream that numbs the skin. This is done in the clinic 30-45 minutes before the procedure. Taking Tylenol if this medication is appropriate for you an hour or so before the treatment can help. We have a cooling machine that will reduce the sensation greatly. Most people can tolerate the pain with little difficulty resulting in an effective and safe treatment.

Is it expensive?

Not really especially when compared to the alternatives such as a surgical face lift. For a 15 micron peel we charge $625. We can sell a package of 4 peels for $2200 which will generally result in a very striking improvement in less than 6 months. Deeper peels will cost more as appropriate.

Do I have to have my picture taken for a laser peel?

We would prefer you did. We will treat you with or without before and after photographs. The photographs we take are used by us in this clinic to take care of you. They will be the best way to monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments to your treatments. We will not take any photographs without your permission. We will not use the photographs for any reason without your permission. We may want to show portions of your photographs to other clients so they can see our treatment results. We may want to show portions of your photographs to other doctors so they can compare our treatments to theirs. We may attend scientific meetings or publish scientific papers to explain our treatments to other doctors with similar clinics. We may want to display portions of your photographs on our website do show interested persons our results. If we do, you will be asked again for your permission to do so, even if you have given permission earlier when you signed your consent for treatment form.

What about men?

Men do have laser peels. Generally men have much more reason to have a laser peel than women. Wearing makeup is considered odd by our society and most men will not be successful when trying to cover up uneven color or wrinkles. Fixing permanently a blemish or spot or uneven face tones with a laser peel is often satisfying especially for a man and those around him. Men who suddenly find themselves back in the dating world or in competition with younger men at their jobs are usually glad they took the time to enhance their appearance.