Chemical Peels Vs. Fraxel Laser
Chemical peels and Fraxel laser treatment are both used as nonsurgical cosmetic antiaging solutions. Both treatments have the similar intentions, but the approach, procedure and effects differ slightly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Uses
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Chemical peels and Fraxel laser treatment are used to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration (usually due to sun damage) and other textural and pigmentation irregularities of the skin, such as acne scars. These treatments are ultimately used to yield smoother, softer and younger-looking skin.
Chemical Peel Features
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Chemical peels are treatments that involve placing a chemical solution over the face that dissolves the cells of the superficial (outermost) skin layer to yield a fresh, more radiant layer of skin beneath. Peels vary in strength by the type and concentration of the chemical solution used. Only deep phenol peels have downtime.
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Fraxel Laser Treatment Features
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Fraxel laser treatment involves use of a handheld or overhead device that emits energy-concentrated laser beams at target "problem" sections of the skin. The beams penetrate the skin's surface and create tiny wounds deep in the dermis to trigger healing with new skin cell and collagen generation. There is no downtime.
Side Effects and Recovery
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Side effects of a chemical peel vary with the peel's strength but may include redness, swelling, mild discomfort and blistering. The skin peels and flakes off as it heals, which may require up to a week (or two weeks for phenol peels). Fraxel side effects include pink skin that may look and feel like a sunburn for weeks after treatment. Dark-skinned patients run the risk of hyperpigmentation (dark discoloring) after treatment.
Results
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Fraxel likely requires multiple treatments, and the full results aren't visible until a few months after treatment. A mild peel shows instant results, while a deeper peel will reveal full results once the skin heals, which may require a week or two. Results of a mild to medium chemical peel are less dramatic than with Fraxel, though a deep peel and Fraxel are comparable in their antiaging effects.
Cost
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The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that the national average surgeon fee per procedure for a chemical peel is $870 (this could vary greatly, depending on location, type of peel, etc.). The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery reports that Fraxel treatment cost ranges from $400 to $1,000 per session.
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