When it comes to comparing lasers and chemical peels, San Francisco Bay Area facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Stanley Jacobs maintains that peels are the superior choice for skin rejuvenation.

While both methods are widely used throughout the United States and around the world, Dr. Jacobs explains to his patients that the results are not comparable. Rejuvenating the skin is about more than simply reducing the appearance of dark spots and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Though laser skin resurfacing can accomplish these cosmetic goals, it does so by essentially “melting” collagen in the skin, which is remodeled and augmented by new growth. Skin may be smoother, but it can have a plastic or waxy look, more akin to a mass-produced doll than a living face.

Chemical peels allow for more nuance and technique on the part of the doctor, who can use as much or as little as necessary of the solution wherever it’s needed, and can choose the formula’s strength as well. Treatments are remarkably customizable, leading to refreshing results unique to each patient.

Another major advantage of chemical peels is that their strength can be regulated to safely complement a facelift, as with Dr. Jacobs’ SynergyLift™. Intense lasers are not appropriate for simultaneous pairing with a sophisticated surgical procedure, but a peel can provide a rejuvenating effect that enhances newly lifted and tightened tissues.

The ultimate goal of any surgical procedure or nonsurgical treatment should be to convey youth—with results that are as natural looking as possible. Chemical peels provide that in a way lasers do not. An added plus is that chemical peels require less downtime and healing than laser resurfacing treatments, so patients can enjoy their beautiful results sooner and with less hassle.

Contact Dr. Stanley Jacobs’ office to learn more about chemical peels in the San Francisco Bay Area. Call his Healdsburg office at (707) 473-0220 or his San Francisco office at (415) 433-0303.