Micro Laser Peel in San Diego with Dr Amir Karam

What is MicroLaserPeel?

Our Micro Laser Peel in San Diego is a resurfacing treatment that removes a thin layer of damaged skin resulting in a more luminous, younger-looking appearance. You will notice a reduction in fine lines, mild wrinkles, and pigmentation, as well as improvement in the overall tone and texture of the skin. The procedure is performed in the office with limited downtime and is customized to your specific skin conditions and goals.

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What conditions can be treated with MicroLaserPeel?

Mild wrinkles
Scars
Keratosis
Sun damage
Pigment irregularities

How many treatments will I need?

Excellent results can be obtained in just one treatment, however, the number of treatments needed may vary from patient to patient. A personalized plan will be created for your specific needs to give you the best overall results. This plan could include but is not limited to: multiple treatments, combination treatments, and/or treatments combined with products.

How do I prepare for MicroLaserPeel?

Please discontinue the use of retinol products 24 hours prior to procedure.
An antiviral medication will be prescribed to start 1 day prior to procedure to prevent the occurrence of cold sores.
The amount of downtime is dependent upon the depth of the treatment. The length of time required to wear an occlusive border can range anywhere from 2-5 days.

What should I expect day of procedure?

Upon arrival for your San Diego Micro Laser Peel, you will be brought back to the laser room. Pre-procedure photos will be taken, a consent for the procedure will need to be signed, and confirmation of pre-procedure instructions will be discussed. If pre-procedure instructions have not been met, the treatment may need to be rescheduled.
Prior to treatment, a thin layer of topical numbing is applied and left on for approximately 15 minutes. After the desired amount of time it is removed and the face is cleansed in preparation for treatment.
The procedure is then performed.
The Zimmer may be used during treatment for comfort. The Zimmer assists in cooling the skin during and post procedure.

What should I expect upon completion of the MicroLaserPeel?

A frosty appearance may be seen immediately following the procedure. This is the dehydrated skin that will peel away within the next few days.
Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) are very common following this procedure.
Erythema can persist for 24 hours – 1 week depending upon the depth of the laser. Edema is typically a short-term response.
A feeling of tightness, warmth, and mild discomfort is also very common following this procedure. It is important to remember that everyone’s level of discomfort is different.
A protective barrier of Aquaphor or laser balm will be applied to the treatment area(s) following the procedure.

How do I take care of my skin following the MicroLaserPeel?

Use of a cold compress or ice packs will help to relieve the swelling. To avoid further swelling, you may choose to sleep propped up on 2 – 3 pillows the first night after treatment.
A cold compress or ice packs may also be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours post treatment.
Post treatment discomfort may be relieved by oral pain relievers; i.e. Extra Strength Tylenol.
Please continue the prescribed antiviral as directed until the bottle is empty.
Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser; (i.e. Cetaphil) beginning the morning after the treatment. Use your hands to gently apply the cleanser and water and finish by patting dry with a soft cloth. Be careful not to rub the treated area and do not use any type of exfoliator until skin is fully healed; (i.e. Clarisonic).
After cleansing your face, reapply the occlusive barrier, (i.e. Aquaphor) taking care to cover all treated areas. The occlusive barrier is needed to provide a protective barrier that will hold moisture into the skin and provide protection to the skin from pollutants in the air as the skin heals. As a rule of thumb, the occlusive barrier is needed 1 day per 10 microns of skin treated or once skin has re-epithielized. For example: a 20 micron MLP = 2 days of wearing the occlusive barrier. Reapply the occlusive barrier as needed. Do not allow the treated area to dry out.
When showering, be sure to wash your hair behind you to avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area.
Peeling and flaking generally occur within 24 hours post treatment and should be allowed to come off naturally. DO NOT PICK, RUB, OR FORCE OFF ANY SKIN DURING THE HEALING PROCESS. THIS COULD RESULT IN SCARRING AND INFECTION! Gently washing the skin more frequently will help to promote the peeling process.
Once skin has healed (no longer wearing the occlusive barrier), you may begin to wear a mineral makeup which will allow the skin to breathe and continue to heal. At that time, a sun block should also be worn on a daily basis to help prevent hyper/hypopigmentation from direct and indirect sunlight.
Please avoid strenuous exercise and sweating for 1 week after treatment or until skin has fully healed.
Please avoid direct sun exposure until the skin has fully healed.

How long will it take to recover?

Depending on the depth of your Micro Laser Peel in San Diego treatment, most patients feel comfortable enough to return to work within 2 – 5 days. It is important to remember that not everyone heals at the same speed and it would not be unusual if the healing process were to take longer.

When should I expect results?

Because only the outer layer of skin is treated, most patients notice an obvious improvement in tone, texture, and discoloration once the skin heals.
You may resume your normal skin care regimen typically 2 days after the required number of days of wearing the occlusive barrier.

Warning

There may be some degree of swelling immediately after your San Diego Micro Laser Peel treatment, however, if you have excessive swelling or any of the following signs of infection, you should contact the office immediately. Signs of infection include:

Unusual drainage
Increased warmth at or around the treated area
Fever of 101.5 or greater

Remember

Patient response can vary after an MLP treatment. Erythema (redness) and possibly edema (swelling) are the desired responses within a few minutes after the completion of the procedure. The degree of redness and length of healing time will increase with the depth of your peel and can vary from patient to patient.

How do I maintain my results?

For maintenance and to achieve optimal results, recommended products should accompany these treatments. These products include: growth factors, retinol, antioxidants, and sunblock with at least 7% zinc oxide or titanium oxide.

Growth Factors: Proteins that stimulate collagen and elastin to help restore thickness and resilience to the skin over time.

Retinol: Speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation process; therefore, evening out discoloration, boosting collagen, and preventing thinning of skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E fight free radical damage and keep our cells healthy by reducing cell mutations that can later lead to skin cancer and aging.

Sunblock: Prevents premature aging by protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.

Before & After