Question:
What is the difference between dermabrasion and a chemical peel? How does each treat the skin?
Answer:
Both dermabrasion and chemical peel are different means of resurfacing the skin. A chemical peel was performed by applying an acidic solution to the skin which penetrates and causes the skin to peel. Different levels of solution can be applied to cause differing levels of correction and improvement. These differing levels entail varying length of recoveries. Dermabrasion is a mechanical sanding wheel which removes the outer layer of the skin. It can also be done to different levels however, in general it is used for significant scarring or deep wrinkles. The recovery from dermabrasion is usually significant and while the results can be impressive it has the highest risk of scarring and loss of pigmentation.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
