SmoothPeel™

Variable Depth Erbium Laser for Mild to Moderate Resurfacing

SmoothPeel has been replaced in our office by the eMatrix Sublative Rejuvenation System. We've found the eMatrix to give better results with less risk of pigmentation since there is no laser involved. eMatrix is a Radio Frequency energy-based system with customizable adjustments for skin resurfacing, skin lesion removal and acne scars which is appropriate for all skin types and colors.

Dr. Pilest offers SmoothPeel as a single or multiple treatment progressive skin refinishing procedure. Although immediate exfoliation occurs as in microdermabrasion, the SmoothPeel goes deeper into the epidermis, making it the equivalent of a number of microdermabrasion treatments.

SmoothPeel is a perfect procedure for the "crinkly" skin around the eyes. This is an ideal treatment for someone who has weathered skin in the eye area and is looking for a fast improvement.

As a chemical peel alternative, healing is faster and depth of penetration is more controlled. Energy levels are customizable and each pass of the laser removes a precise amount of tissue. By varying the penetration depth and the number of passes, Dr. Pilest can create a completely custom peel without the use of chemicals.

The SmoothPeel, as opposed to higher-powered Erbium laser systems, has the resonator source in the hand piece itself. This eliminates potential "hot spots" and gives greater control in quickly changing treatment depth where needed over various locations on the face.

Healing time with laser resurfacing is quicker than with chemical peels.

Weathered and blemished skin is removed at a chosen depth to soften wrinkles, "expose" troublesome long-term pigmentation for further treatment efficiency and bring new cells to the surface for a smooth, polished healthy glow.

SmoothPeel:
“Each pass removes a precise amount of tissue, unlike chemical peels in which the amount of tissue removed and the time frames are variable.”–James Hsia, Chief Technical Officer-Candela

Adjustable Peel Depths for Adjustable Results

A shallow 10 micron SmoothPeel can be used to gently refresh tired skin or to prepare your skin for further procedures such as the Photofacial. This shallow peel exposes the hyperpigmentation, making the removal of brown pigment more effective. Multiple shallow peels may be used when a single deeper peel is not desired.

A deeper 50-micron peel gives a more substantial resurfacing and retexturization of the skin. Along with Dr. Pilest, you can choose the peel depth and acceptable downtime in reaching your skin improvement objective.

Technical Detail

Erbium produces energy in the mid infrared invisible light spectrum and this energy is 10-15 times better absorbed by water in the skin than the energy from CO2 lasers. This has several consequences: since this laser energy is so well absorbed, it instantly vaporizes skin and tissue so precisely that surrounding skin is hardly affected.

In other words you could say this is a “cold laser” because it does not burn the skin. Because of this, the pain factor and side effects have been greatly reduced, while the degree of precision and control is significantly enhanced. Only a few microns of thickness are removed at each laser pass.

Pre-Peel Suggestions

Refrain from use of retinoids (Retin-A, Avage, etc)
Do not use "at-home" microdermabrasion or exfoliation products
Do not tan - indoor tanning bed or sun

Post Peel Suggestions

Use gentle moisturizers and do not use glycolic products
A cloth facial mask dipped in cold water pulls the heat from the face
Sun block is mandatory to prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation

Related Treatments

IPL for correcting superficial sun damage
Cosmelan for controlling pigmentation and brown spots
Fraxel for fractional skin resurfacing, melasma and acne scars
Vbeam for removing redness and superficial veins and capillaries