Laser Skin Resurfacing and Chemical Peels

UT Southwestern Medical Center plastic surgeons are experts in determining which laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels will work best for each patient.

As one of the premier cosmetic and reconstructive surgery clinical and research centers in the country, UT Southwestern leads the way in discovering new ways to use laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels to attain a natural look.

Individualized Plans for the Best Results

Laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels are effective options for some patients but not for everyone. We can determine if the results will be successful based on a patient’s skin type, gender, ethnicity, and other factors. 

All of our surgeons have completed extensive training in plastic surgery, typically six to nine years after completing their medical residencies. Our board-certified surgeons have passed rigorous written and oral exams to receive board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

After an evaluation, our plastic surgeons will suggest safe, effective options – without bias for any one treatment or product. We have found that, for some patients, combining treatments produces the most natural, refreshed look. Our goal is simply to achieve the best results for each patient.

Treatment Options

Photorejuvenation

Uses

• Correcting benign skin issues, such as blemishes and skin imperfections
  
• Reducing superficial pigmentation, such as dark spots from sun-damaged skin, aging, or other biological factors
• Minimizing pore sizes
  
• Decreasing redness from rosacea and flushing
• Eliminating unattractive small veins
  
• Evening out skin discolorations
  
• Improving the skin’s appearance on the face, neck, hands, arms, chest, and back
  

How It Works

• Non-laser technology using broad-spectrum light reaches below all levels of the skin to target pigment and vascular issues that are causing the damage.
  
• Treatment includes a series of five to six treatments initially, followed by one to three yearly treatments for maintenance.
• Results can be seen in five to 10 days after initial treatment.
  
• There is no downtime – patients are back to regular activities on the same day.
  

Microlaser Peel

Uses

• Removing the skin's tough, dull, outer layer to reveal younger skin beneath
• Promoting the growth of newer skin cells while removing superficial, damaged skin layers
• Brightening the complexion dramatically
  

How It Works

• Laser technology removes a controlled 30 millionths of an inch of skin tissue at a time.
• Patients can go back to work or activities with makeup in one to two weeks and more strenuous activity in two to three weeks.
• Thin layers of skin are removed and replaced by newer skin growth.
  
• The recovery time takes one to two months for swelling and redness to completely subside.

Fractional and Full Ablative Resurfacing (Active FX)

Uses

• Restoring the skin to a more youthful appearance
  
• Treating wrinkles, scars, acne marks, pigment problems, and other skin issues
  
• Providing effective treatment for women and men of all skin colors
  

How It Works

• Laser resurfacing skin treatment technology improves skin texture, tone, and firmness in just one treatment.
• Fractional resurfacing uses laser technology to remove a controlled 30 millionths of an inch of skin tissue at a time.
• Patients can go back to work with makeup in seven to 10 days and more strenuous activity in two to three weeks.
• Thin layers of skin are removed and then replaced by newer skin growth.
  
• Heat causes collagen deposition. Results continue to evolve over the next three to six months.
• The recovery time takes one to two months for swelling and redness to go away completely.

Levulan Photodynamic Therapy

Uses

• Treating acne scars, age spots/brown spots, and melasma (mask of pregnancy)
  
• Rejuvenating the skin
  
• Reducing pore size
  
• Rejuvenating sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, and shoulders
  

How It Works

• Levulan therapy works in conjunction with pulsed light.
  
• The system uses light to treat actinic keratoses, or rough patches of skin caused by excessive sun exposure, which can develop into squamous cell carcinomas.
• A topical solution is first applied to the skin. The area is then exposed to a blue light, which destroys the actinic keratoses.