What’s The Difference Between the Top 4 Facial Treatments

Botox. Microdermabrasion. Chemical peels. Laser facials. With so many great options when it comes to facial treatments, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. When it comes to looking your best, and experiencing the boost of confidence that loving what you see in the mirror provides, there are lots of facial treatments out there that can get you close to your goal. So what’s the difference? Read on to find out. 

Top 4 Facial Treatments in Atlanta

The most popular facial treatments in Atlanta are Botox, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser facials. Why are these four facial treatments the most-wanted ones in Atlanta? Because they work with the surface of the skin to erase the signs of aging and deliver more youthful-looking skin. It’s how they do it that’s different. 

Botox

Botox is the #1 aesthetic in the world, and for good reason. Botox temporarily restricts muscle movement in the tiny muscles of the face responsible for some of our most bothersome wrinkles, particularly between the eyes (the 11s), on the forehead, beside the eyes (crow’s feet), and around the mouth. 

Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles underneath the offending wrinkle. If the muscles can’t move, then the skin cannot bend, and therefore the wrinkle fades away on its own. For deep wrinkles, Botox can help, but an injectable like Juvederm may be necessary for complete smoothness. 

You’re gonna love the results, which take about a week to set in. Botox’s wrinkle-removing power typically lasts about four months, but some patients can go as long as six months between treatments. How long Botox results last depends on the patient’s unique metabolism, how expressive they are, and other factors we can discuss with you at your appointment. 

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Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a bit like exfoliating on steroids. It was first practiced in the 1500s in Egypt when surgeons would use sandpaper to smooth scars. Fortunately, microdermabrasion has come a long way since then! 

Microdermabrasion gently removes the uppermost surface of the skin to even out texture, erase sun spots, reduce the appearance of scars, minimize wrinkles and fine lines, smooth acne scars, and more. Our patients love microdermabrasion because, even though microdermabrasion sounds like a heavy-duty procedure, it’s quite gentle. There’s no pain and no downtime, just instant results. 

There are many different types of microdermabrasion systems out there, but at our office, we use the DermaSweep MD system, which employs a patented bristle technology that sweeps away dead skin while the vacuum suction cleans pores, removes debris, and stimulates collagen production. 

You’ll see results from microdermabrasion right away, and your results will look better and better in a couple of weeks afterward as collagen production ramps up after the procedure. If you love your results and want to maintain them (and you will!), you can have microdermabrasion done every two to four weeks. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are not as scary as they sound! Unlike the chemical peels of days past, today’s chemical peels are more gentle to the skin and provide better results with less (or no) downtime. 

Chemical peels, like microdermabrasion, work to rid the surface of the skin of dead cells, debris, and other imperfections. Most patients use chemical peels to help reduce acne scars, dull and uneven textures, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels are available in superficial, medium, and deep. Which one is right for you depends on the intensity of the results you’d like to experience. 

Chemical peels don’t hurt, but you may feel a sensation of heat and light stinging while the peel is on your skin. This can be mediated by cold compresses. In general, the deeper the peel, the more discomfort you’ll feel. Also, the natural sensitivity of your skin can factor into the sensation you’ll feel during a chemical peel. 

Your skin is likely to be slightly more sensitive in the days following your chemical peel, so make sure you use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer and stay out of the sun for a few days post-peel. 

Chemical peel results are typically long-lasting, and the deeper the peel, the longer the results last. Deep peel results can last several months. 

Laser Facial

Like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, laser facials are used to erase surface imperfections from the skin and help improve the look of fine lines, dullness, enlarged pores, acne and acne scars, and even rosacea. 

Laser facials are non-ablative, meaning that they do not break the surface of the skin. Non-ablative laser facials heat the tissue beneath the skin’s surface to encourage new collagen production and to speed up cell turnover, leading to younger-looking skin. Most people need a series of laser facials spaced two to four weeks apart to see the results they want. 

There’s no downtime and no pain with laser facials. You may experience some slight redness for a few minutes to a few hours after your treatment. If you’ve ever had acne scars or broken capillaries treated with lasers in the past, know that a laser facial feels nothing like that! Those treatments can be painful, but a laser facial is not. Numbing cream isn’t even necessary. All you’ll feel is a bit of warmth. 

Even though the lasers for laser facials are gentle, they’re still quite powerful, which means certain measures must be taken to protect the skin before and after your appointment. We ask that our patients avoid tanning for three weeks before their facial. After the facial, your skin will likely be slightly more sensitive to the sun, so we ask that anyone having a laser facial wear SPF 30 or higher after their appointment (which you should always be doing anyway)! 

Get a Consultation for Facial Treatments in Atlanta

Want to know more about Atlanta’s most popular facial treatments? We’re happy to answer all your questions and help you find the right facial treatments for your unique skin. Click here to book your free consultation today.