When it comes to skincare, there are lots of different options for making your skin look smoother, brighter, and more youthful. Some people opt for chemical peels, others make use of microdermabrasion, and still others go the route of lasers or other types of light treatments. But what’s the difference between chemical peels and microdermabrasion? Chemical peels work by removing layers from the top layer of skin using a chemical solution that causes the skin to peel away. This process also helps improve the texture and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion does much the same thing by using tiny crystals to remove dead cells from your skin’s surface layer.
Both chemical peels and microdermabrasion are great ways to rejuvenate your complexion, but they differ in terms of how long they last. While both methods can give you results that last up to six months at most, microdermabrasion usually only lasts about two weeks before you need another treatment session – whereas a chemical peel can last anywhere from six weeks to six months depending on how much damage it repairs!
Read on to learn more about What Is The Difference Between A Chemical Peel And Microdermabrasion, chemical peel vs microdermabrasion for acne scars
What Is The Difference Between A Chemical Peel And Microdermabrasion
Many of our clients ask us “What’s the difference between microdermabrasion and chemical peels?” As two of our most common procedures, both are extremely popular choices when it comes to skin care treatments.
While there are some similarities between the two, there are a few key differences that people should be aware of when looking for the right treatment for their skin, including cost, recovery, and impact.
Let’s walk through these two types of treatments so you can figure out which option is right for you.
WHAT IS MICRODERMABRASION?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin care treatment that removes dead skin from the outer layer of your skin, working to improve fine lines, aging skin, and discoloration. Essentially it is a deep exfoliation through the use of a vacuum by a professional.
It is pain-free, requires no downtime post-treatment, and is completely safe.
Microdermabrasion treats the following conditions:
- Acne
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dry skin
- Fine lines
- Uneven pigmentation
- Clogged pores
- Rosacea
- Minor scars
- Skin texture problems
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
Like microdermabrasion, a chemical peel treats fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts, and other topical skin issues.
What differs between the two is how the outer layer of the skin is removed to find the new skin underneath. While microdermabrasion gently removes the epidermis by suction, a chemical peel uses a chemical solution to dissolve the skin off.
Chemical Peel Vs Microdermabrasion For Acne Scars
Chemical peel and microdermabrasion are two of the most popular treatments for acne scars. They both have their benefits and drawbacks, which we’ll go into below.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a more precise treatment than microdermabrasion. It’s also more expensive and can cause irritation in some people. But if you have deep acne scars, it may be worth it to try a chemical peel first.
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the top layer of skin using acids that remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth. This helps smooth out acne scars by evening out the texture of your skin. A chemical peel should only be done by a trained professional because there is a risk of burns or scarring if done incorrectly or without proper aftercare instructions.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is less expensive than chemical peels but may require multiple treatments before you see results. The good news is that this treatment is less likely to irritate your skin than chemical peels are! Microdermabrasion uses fine crystals to gently buff away dead skin cells from your face (or other areas), which helps even out the texture of your
Chemical peels treat the following conditions:
- Acne
- Fine lines
- Crow’s feet
- Brown spots
- Sagging skin
- Wrinkles
- Blemishes
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma (patchy facial skin discoloration)
- Scars
A chemical peel works deeper than microdermabrasion, revealing newer skin underneath. Because of this, it does require a few days of peeling. Most dermatologists offer a few different levels of chemical peel in order to customize the process to each client’s needs.
We are now offering the brand new SkinCeuticals Smart TCA Peel. Ask us about this new service today!
MICRODERMABRASION OR CHEMICAL PEEL?
In short: it depends on what you’re wanting to get out of the treatment. If you want an affordable and fast option, microdermabrasion is typically a better choice. But if you want something that lasts longer, you may consider a chemical peel.
Here are a few pros and cons of each treatment for you to evaluate:
| MICRODERMABRASION | CHEMICAL PEEL | |
|---|---|---|
| PROS | Painless & affordableFaster healingGlowing complexionImproves acne, dryness, texture | Long-lasting results (1-2 months)Improves acne, scars, redness, wrinkles, pigmentationMultiple levels/typesMay reduce skin cancer risk |
| CONS | One-size-fits-allNot as targetedRequires multiple treatments | More expensiveMore painfulLonger healing time |
If you’re looking for specific treatment due to certain issues, we’ve compared the two treatments for you to review.
Microdermabrasion vs chemical peel for acne
If you have active acne, chemical peels are a better choice because microdermabrasion can irritate it or even cause more issues. Chemical peels use salicylic acid to reduce further breakouts by exfoliating the dead skin cells.
Microdermabrasion vs chemical peel for wrinkles
If you have light wrinkles, microdermabrasion or light chemical peels can help. For deeper wrinkles, a medium or deep chemical peel is the best option.
Microdermabrasion vs chemical peel for sun damage
For rough skin caused by sun damage, microdermabrasion or a light chemical peel will work. If you have severe damage or are at risk of melasma, medium or deep chemical peels are better suited.
As you can see, chemical peels will ultimately provide better, more targeted relief when it comes to specific issues. But for some people, it’s a less ideal option because of its higher cost and downtime, making microdermabrasion a better choice.
CAN YOU GET MICRODERMABRASION AND CHEMICAL PEEL TOGETHER?
Yes! In fact, they work extremely well together to thoroughly cleanse and improve your skin. While you can’t get them at the same time, you can use both to optimize your professional exfoliation treatments and target different skin issues in a way that won’t overly irritate your skin.
When you combine the two treatments, you can reduce the side effects of both and maximize your good-skin time without a lengthy recovery.
KANSAS CITY MICRODERMABRASION AND CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENTS
We are a leader in the Kansas City area for microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments. Our medical aestheticians are trained experts in these two spa services. Our dedication to customer satisfaction and support makes us one of the best dermatologists in Kansas City.
Forehead lift without surgery
Help! My Eyebrows are Drooping
Have you ever pulled your brows up slightly toward your hairline and thought, “Wow, I look so much better!” Everything goes south as we age, including our brows. If you’re noticing you look a little more tired than usual when you look in the mirror, you’re not alone. At a certain age, usually in our 40’s and 50’s, you’ll see a difference in where your brows used to be positioned and where they are now. It’s called the ‘Droopy Brow’.
In addition to your brows drooping or sagging, you’re probably noticing a few more lines across your forehead and some laxity on your upper eyelids and brow line. You see, our brows, forehead, and upper eyelids are all connected, and as they begin to droop, you begin to look tired or look older than you feel. Another sign of a droopy brow is when your brows start to look flat instead of the raised arch you once had. Technically, your brow line should be positioned just above your orbital or eyebrow bone.
What are my options?
There are several ways to combat facial aging of the upper face, including injections, minimally invasive procedures, surgical and non-surgical. The first is through plastic surgery. The surgery is known as an eyebrow lift or a forehead lift, and it’s been popular for decades. But now, there are also non-surgical and less invasive ways of treating your aging issues. We’ll go over all your options to make an informed decision on what’s right for you.
1. SURGICAL Brow Lift
If you want to restore the bright, wide-eyed look of your younger days, reduce forehead wrinkles, and reduce the 11’s between your eyes, a surgical eyebrow lift may be good to achieve it. There are several techniques for the procedure. Your plastic surgeon might use different size incisions and different incision placements based on how you’ve aged and your facial anatomy.
While thousands of brow lifts are performed successfully every year, surgery isn’t for everyone, and many people feel like they don’t have the time to spend in recovery mode. If you do decide on surgical options, you need to be aware of the potential risks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, some of the possible health complications with brow lift surgery include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Loss of hair around the incisions
- Elevated hairline
- Facial asymmetry
- Facial nerve injury with weakness or paralysis
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Unfavorable scarring
Recovery time for a brow lift is between 1-2 weeks. Depending on your type of work, you may return as early as 1 week. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 2 weeks after the surgery.
2. NON-SURGICAL Brow Lift
Another option for restoring your brow placement and reducing wrinkles is with a non surgical brow lift procedure using the latest technology in ultrasound. In the past, ultrasound procedures have been painful and provided minimal results. But with the newest, FDA cleared ultrasound technology, Sofwave can revitalize the skin without surgery and dermal fillers.
Sofwave is performed in a physician’s office, using topical numbing creme, and it takes only about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.Patients can immediately go home, go out to dinner, put on makeup, basically do whatever they need to do without any worries. In clinical studies, 88% of patient’s appearance was marked as “improved” or “significantly improved” 12 weeks later after just one treatment.
Here’s how the process works… The Sofwave device heats the mid-dermal tissue at the right depth and temperature to rejuvenate collagen fibers and improve aging skin’s overall appearance. This collagen stimulation is a non surgical brow lift. In addition to upper face rejuvenation, it is also used on the lower face and neck. And best of all, it’s safe for all skin types and colors.
One of the world’s experts in non-invasive rejuvenation is Dr. Jason Pozner, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Boca Raton, Florida. He says patients today are looking for results from a single treatment, and that’s what Sofwave can offer.
Dr. Jason Pozner
Pozner says, “Sofwave’s technology is different from the earlier versions of ultrasound treatments where many patients complained of the pain involved, and some patients, around 20 percent, said they didn’t see any significant difference in their skin.”
Sofwave is faster, gentler and you can typically see desired results after only a couple of treatments.
3. MINIMALLY INVASIVE Thread Lift
An eyebrow thread lift is considered a minimally invasive procedure, and it can tighten your eyebrows sagging skin and wrinkle and lift them, to achieve a more youthful look. Just as the name implies, physicians insert a small needle and dissolvable thread under the skin, thread it up and attach it in an inconspicuous location such as the hairline. Some threads have tiny barbs that hook into the tissue allowing the thread to ‘pull up’ your underlying tissues form.
As the threads dissolve after about six months, they create new collagen in the area. The procedure is relatively quick and not too painful. However, this procedure is only temporary, and you will most likely need additional treatments. Threads can cause some soreness, bruising, swelling, and puckering of the skin, but most people can go back to their natural activities within a week.
Which treatment is right for you?
When asked, most people will say they would prefer to go the non surgical brow lift route if possible. They’re busy, they don’t want to spend time recovering, and they want to get back to their everyday life sooner than later.
Contact your doctor for the initial consultation to help you determine which non surgical brow lift procedure is best for your droopy brows!
Temporal brow lift
Developing wrinkles and fine lines are not the only signs of facial aging. Aging can affect your brow and forehead regions as well. You will see that with age, your brow will droop down, causing you to look much older and tired as time goes on.
If you’re not happy with the look of your brow, you can undergo a surgical procedure known as a brow lift. There are different types of brow lift techniques depending on one’s own specific needs, but the temporal brow lift has the least risks and minimal recovery time.
What is a Temporal Brow Lift?
A temporal brow lift, also known as the lateral brow lift, includes the process of making changes in the forehead area while lifting the eyebrows at the same time. It is used to correct the outer one-third position of your eyebrow while giving the eye a very attractive look.
The Different Types of Brow Lift Surgeries
The different types of brow lift surgeries include a coronal lift, endoscopic lift, trichophytic lift, transblepharoplasty brow lift, non-surgical brow lift using neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport), and the temporal brow lift.
There are two other brow lift techniques that are not very popular due to the huge scars left behind by the incisions used. These techniques are now limited to patients suffering from severe eyebrow asymmetries caused due to trauma or facial nerve paralysis.
Temporal Brow Lift – Procedure
A temporal brow lift is mostly performed along with eyelid surgery but can be performed on its own as well. The procedure involves the surgeon making approximately one-inch incisions behind the hairline, just above the forehead.
The underlying tissue of the brow area is then lifted and repositioned for the desired results. The procedure will require only local anesthesia.
The Benefits of the Temporal Brow Lift Surgery
A temporal brow lift has a number of great benefits that include: has innumerable benefits unlike other brow lift surgeries as it involves the least risk with good results. The benefits include:
• A refreshed, vibrant, and aesthetically appealing look.
• Minimal Downtime and less risks.
• Hidden post-surgical marks since the incisions are made behind the hairline.
• The end-result can last for years.
Temporal Brow Lift – Recovery
After the surgery is completed, there is no need to spend even a night at the hospital. In fact, you can carry on with your normal daily activities within a week. The heavily sagging eyebrows will be gone after you heal completely. You will instead have perfectly positioned eyebrows.
Other brow lifts like trichophytic and endoscopic brow lifts, on the other hand, leave behind bruises that last for approximately ten days.
Temporal Brow Lift vs Other Brow Lifts
Your surgeon is the best person to talk to to determine the correct brow lifts for you. This will depend on your preferred look and type of brows, which includes your hairline. Temporal lift is best for those whose medial brow is in a good position and the lateral brow is flat or downsloping. It helps in improving the aesthetics of the eye.
However, there is no doubt that the lateral or temporal brow lift is the safest among all brow lifts as it involves less risk and shorter healing time.
Microdermabrasion And Chemical Peel Together
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are both effective treatments for acne scarring, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. They work by removing the top layers of skin, which causes your body to produce new collagen. Microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation that uses tiny crystals to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Chemical peels use a variety of chemicals — including glycolic acid, salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid — to cause similar results.
While microdermabrasion can be performed on its own, chemical peeling is usually done in conjunction with microdermabrasion procedures or other cosmetic procedures like facials and laser resurfacing. A medical aesthetician or dermatologist can determine if you’re a good candidate for combined treatments based on your skin type and condition.