MicroLaser Peel
Dr. Brock Lanier, MD, FACS | OncoPlastic Surgery in Newport Beach
How It Works
The MicroLaser Peel (MLP) is a laser skin resurfacing procedure that uses an erbium laser to precisely remove a thin layer of damaged skin across the entire area of treatment. This stimulates the production of new collagen, leading to improved skin texture and tone.
The MicroLaser Peel is designed for patients seeking more dramatic results than microdermabrasion or light chemical peels, but less downtime than deeper laser skin resurfacing.
MicroLaser Peel: at a glance
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MicroLaser Peels (MLP) straddle the divide between deep and superficial. MLP is typically considered a medium depth laser.
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Non-surgical, performed in the clinic.
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Usually 30-60 minutes. Most patients benefit from topical numbing medicine. If a very shallow MLP is performed, then it can be done without the need for anesthesia. Patients may experience some warmth or tingling during the laser procedure.
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The MicroLaser Peel, while generally safe, does carry some potential risks and side effects. These include:
Common Side Effects
Redness and swelling: The treated area may feel like a sunburn and appear red and swollen for several days.
Itching and peeling: Minor sloughing and itchiness are normal, especially on the day following treatment.
Acne or milia: Temporary acne breakouts or tiny white bumps (milia) may occur, possibly due to the use of occlusive ointments during healing.
Potential Complications
Pigmentation Changes: Hyperpigmentation: Increased skin pigmentation, more common in patients with darker skin tones. Hypopigmentation: Decreased skin pigmentation, which can be long-lasting or permanent.
Infection: Viral infections: Herpes simplex virus (cold sore) outbreaks may occur. If you have a history of cold sores, they can be prevented with medication. Bacterial or fungal infections: These are possible but less common.
Scarring: Scarring is rare, but remains a potential risk.
Other Risks: Prolonged redness: In some cases, redness may persist longer than expected. Post-resurfacing contact dermatitis: Increased skin sensitivity to mild irritants, causing disproportionate irritation. Sun sensitivity: Treated skin may be more susceptible to sun damage for several weeks post-treatment.
Due to these potential risks and complications, it is recommended to choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.
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At home. There is downtime after the MicroLaser Peel, usually between 1- 7 days (depending on the depth of the MLP). Total healing time can be a a few days longer after that.
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During the healing period you’ll need to rest by avoiding strenuous exercise - think staycation. You’ll be able to perform your everyday activities (eating, bathing, light chores). Walking around your neighborhood (10-15 minutes) at an easy pace is encouraged. It will be important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sun protection.
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You can expect to see improvements starting around the 2-week mark. The improvements from MLP can continue to develop over time up to 6 months after treatment.
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Depending on a patient’s individual concerns, MicroLaser Peel is commonly combined with fractional lasers and BroadBand Light (BBL). It can also be combined with many other options, such as Botox or fillers.
Keep in mind this is general information about a typical or usual experience. Individual experiences can vary.
Treatment Areas & Concerns
The most common area treated is the face. However, this versatile peel can also be performed on other areas of the body including the neck, chest, & hands.
What are the benefits and risk of a MicroLaser Peel?
MicroLaser Peel Benefits
MLP’s offer several potential benefits, including…
Improved skin texture and tone: achieved by removing dead skin cells and stimulating new cell growth.
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles: The treatment stimulates collagen production, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Minimized pores
Fading of hyperpigmentation: decrease the appearance of sun damage, age spots, and melasma.
Improved skin cell turnover: The treatment stimulates new collagen and skin cell growth, resulting in firmer, more elastic skin.
Enhanced effectiveness of skincare products: Removing the top layer of dead skin allows for better penetration and absorption of skincare products.
Non-invasive treatment: significant benefits without the need for surgery or needles.
Customizable treatment: the depth of the MLP can be precisely controlled to address specific skin concerns and skin types.
Long-lasting results: The effects of a chemical peel can last for several months, especially with proper skincare maintenance.
MLP Risks
While generally safe, the MicroLaser Peel does carry some potential risks and side effects. These include:
Common Side Effects
Redness and swelling: The treated area may feel like a sunburn and appear red and swollen for several days.
Itching and peeling: Minor sloughing and itchiness are normal, especially on the day following treatment.
Acne or milia: Temporary acne breakouts or tiny white bumps (milia) may occur, possibly due to the use of occlusive ointments during healing.
Potential Complications
Pigmentation Changes:
Hyperpigmentation: Increased skin pigmentation, more common in patients with darker skin tones.
Hypopigmentation: Decreased skin pigmentation, which can be long-lasting or permanent.
Infection:
Viral infections: Herpes simplex virus (cold sore) outbreaks may occur. If you have a history of cold sores, they can be prevented with medication.
Bacterial or fungal infections: These are possible but less common.
Scarring: Scarring is rare, but remains a potential risk.
Other Risks:
Prolonged redness: In some cases, redness may persist longer than expected.
Post-resurfacing contact dermatitis: Increased skin sensitivity to mild irritants, causing disproportionate irritation.
Sun sensitivity: Treated skin may be more susceptible to sun damage for several weeks post-treatment.
Due to these potential risks and complications, it is recommended to choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.
Who is it for?
Compared to deeper resurfacing procedures, a MicroLaser Peel typically has a shorter recovery time but still provides substantial results. Good candidates are individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to address issues like:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Uneven skin tone or texture
Acne and acne scars
Sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Age spots and freckles
MicroLaser Peel is a very popular option for both men and women in all age groups.
How is it performed?
MLP’s are performed in the comfort of the clinic.
The skin is cleaned and protective eyewear is applied.
The laser is carefully brushed over the skin, removing the top layers.
The depth of treatment can be precisely customized from very, very shallow to medium depth, depending on the patient's needs and desired results.
It usually takes about 30-60 minutes to perform.
After your treatment…
After the procedure, the treated area may be red, swollen, and slightly crusty (depending on the depth of laser treatment). Cooling compresses and moisturizing creams are applied to soothe the skin. It is essential to protect the treated area from the sun with sunscreen and avoid harsh skincare products.
Recovery & Results
At home. Expect downtime with the MicroLaser peel, typically 1-7 days depending on the depth of treatment. During the healing period you’ll need to rest by avoiding strenuous exercise - think staycation. You’ll be able to perform your everyday activities (eating, bathing, light chores). Walking around your neighborhood (10-15 minutes) at an easy pace is encouraged. It will be important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sun protection.
You can expect to see improvements starting around the 2-week mark. The MLP works progressively, with initial changes becoming apparent soon after treatment and continuing to develop for up to 6 months.
