Light Laser resurfacing ‘Micro Peel’ for Pigmentation/Sun Damage
Micropeels are a perfect treatment for persistent melasma.
What is a Micro Peel?
A micro peel is a light resurfacing procedure which carefully removes the outermost layer of skin cells. The older surface skin sheds away which leaves new, smoother and revitalised skin.
The procedure leads to an overall improvement in the skins appearance by reducing dry and dull surface skin, removing surface pigmentation & melasma, and improving fine lines and skin texture.
This is an ideal treatment for patients looking to improve the overall appearance of their skin without the longer downtime of more traditional resurfacing procedures.
What skin concerns can Micro Peel improve?
Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
Reduction in surface pigmentation & melasma
Reduced pore size
Smoother skin texture and reduced surface blemishes
Healthier more vibrant looking skin
Improvement in the appearance of scars
Before & After | Laser Resurfacing Micro Peel
How does it work?
The Micro Peel is achieved with a carbon dioxide laser to deliver energy to the skin creating microscopic columns of ablated tissue. This type of laser energy is broken up into tiny columns and delivered in a polka dot fashion across the skin and is called ‘fractionation’. This type of fractionated laser is much safer than older full resurfacing lasers and has significantly less downtime.
After these columns of energy are delivered to the upper layer of skin (epidermis), it peels away over the days following leaving a new layer of skin behind. The skin in between the ablated columns assists in regeneration and collagen remodelling resulting in improved skin quality and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
The Micro Peel laser settings can be adjusted to vary the depth and density allowing your treatment to be individualised to your specific needs by your practitioner. The Micro Peel intensity can range from a minimal to a full epidermal peel.
How is a Micro Peel different to Laser Genesis or the Cutera V+ (pigment/vascular) laser at HCDL?
Laser Genesis and Cutera V+ both use non-ablative laser energy to heat and treat skin various concerns without ablation (ie: no tissue vaporisation).
A Micro Peel laser gently but effectively vaporises skin tissue layer by layer resulting in an epidermal peel from minimal to full depending on the settings used.
How many treatments are required?
One treatment will be sufficient to see an improvement in skin quality. A series of 2-3 treatments will result in more dramatic results. Maintenance treatments 6-12 monthly for ongoing rejuvenation and collagen remodelling is a great option for those looking to add something more to their skin care and anti-aging routine.
What happens before and during the procedure?
You will need to arrive 60 minutes before your procedure to have a topical anaesthetic applied. HCDL has a private waiting room while the aesthetic is taking effect.
After approximately 60 minutes the anaesthetic will be cleansed away. Protective eye-wear is worn during the procedure which takes approximately 30 minutes. During the procedure a machine (called a Zimmer fan) blows ice-cold air onto the skin to provide additional comfort. An ointment is applied to the skin afterwards to act as a barrier.
Is the procedure painful?
With use of both the topical anaesthetic and cooling fan most patients describe only mild to moderate discomfort, and it is usually well tolerated.
How do I care for my skin after a Micro Peel?
It is recommended you use gentle cleansers and greasy non-fragranced moisturisers for several days following your procedure. It is also recommended you pause the use of any active ingredients such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, AHA’s, vitamin C or Vitamin A compounds for 1 week after your Micro Peel.
Diligent sun protection is also very important to reduce any pigmentation or additional redness post laser.
Detailed written instructions on how to care for your skin post Micro Peel are provided.
How long is the recovery process?
The healing process can vary for each patient and the intensity of the parameters used.
Immediately after the laser you will feel a burning sensation to the skin (similar to a mild-moderate sun burn) which lasts several hours and then subsides. Cool packs or simple paracetamol are not usually necessary but may be used to reduce discomfort.
For the first 24-48 hours after a Micro Peel it is normal to have mild-to-moderate redness and swelling which can be more noticeable in the mornings. By day 2 most of the redness and swelling has subsided or can be covered with light makeup.
24-48 hours after the procedure a light crust forms on the skin which feels like sandpaper. Over the subsequent 3-5 days this light crust peels away leaving new, smoother, more vibrant looking skin behind. During this shedding process it is very important you don’t pick at your skin and regularly apply greasy moisturisers.
Most patients have recovered by day 4-5. After the skin regenerates it can occasionally remain pink for a several weeks. This is more common in patients with very fair skin, and these patients should be extra diligent with their sun protection post laser.
How do I book in for treatment and what is the cost?
Book in for a consultation with one of our Dermatologists or book in directly with one of our Nurses for a Micropeel treatment. Please note, your results will vary depending on your age, degree of sun damage and skin type, as well as what parameters your doctor or nurse uses. Depending upon the settings used some patients report significant changes in only a single treatment.
For prices please refer to our ‘Fees and Packages’.
For more information about this procedure, including costs for the consultation and treatment contact our team on (02) 4003 7693.