Healthy skin is radiant, and nothing is a better indicator of wellness and beauty than glowing skin. Over time, sun exposure, aging, acne, and environmental factors can lead to wrinkles, discoloration, rough texture, and other visible skin concerns. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are effective treatments for rejuvenating the skin to recapture a brighter, clearer, smoother complexion.
Dr. Vincent Hung is triple board certified in internal medicine, plastic surgery, and dermatology. With his unique qualifications and extensive experience, he has provided patients with beautiful results for decades at his practices in Newport Beach and Pasadena.
Chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments are designed to rejuvenate the skin by eliminating damaged surface layers and making way for new, healthier skin.
Chemical peels use carefully formulated solutions to exfoliate the skin in a controlled manner. As the treated skin gradually peels away, it reveals smoother, more even-toned skin underneath while also stimulating collagen production.
There are several types of chemical peels used to treat different skin concerns.
These lighter peels help refresh dull skin and improve mild discoloration or rough texture, making them a popular option for patients seeking gentle skin rejuvenation.
Great for patients with oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid peels are oil-soluble and penetrate deep into the skin to unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and improve overall skin clarity.
TCA peels penetrate more deeply into the skin and are often used to treat moderate wrinkles, sun damage, and pigmentation concerns. These medium-depth peels offer a sweet spot of more noticeable rejuvenation while still involving a manageable recovery.
For more dramatic resurfacing, deeper peels, such as croton oil and phenol peels, can address deeper wrinkles and more advanced sun damage. Dr. Hung is particularly recognized for his expertise with the croton oil peel, a powerful resurfacing treatment that can significantly improve stubborn perioral lines (often called smoker’s lines).
Instead of chemical solutions, laser skin resurfacing uses focused laser energy to remove damaged skin and stimulate new collagen production. Laser and light treatments can range from gentler procedures with minimal downtime to deeper resurfacing treatments that dramatically improve wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.
There are several types of lasers with a variety of applications.
CO2 lasers are among the most powerful laser options, removing the outer layers of skin to treat deep wrinkles, scars, severe sun damage, and skin laxity. These ablative lasers stimulate collagen production and deliver dramatic rejuvenation, but with more downtime.
Erbium lasers are ablative lasers that provide effective skin resurfacing with a slightly gentler approach than CO2 lasers. They are commonly used to treat fine lines, mild to moderate wrinkles, and sun damage while offering a shorter recovery period.
Fractional lasers can be ablative (remove tissue) or non-ablative (heat tissue without destroying it). They treat the skin in microscopic columns of energy (versus a single beam), leaving the surrounding tissue intact to support faster healing. These treatments stimulate collagen production and improve concerns such as acne scars, uneven texture, and early signs of aging with less downtime than ablative resurfacing.
Non-ablative lasers target deeper layers of the skin without removing the outer surface. These treatments are ideal for patients looking to gradually improve fine lines, mild discoloration, and skin tone with minimal downtime.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is technically not a laser but a light-based treatment that targets pigment and redness in the skin. IPL therapy helps reduce sun spots, redness, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone, helping restore a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Dr. Hung customizes every resurfacing treatment to ensure patients achieve natural-looking improvements that enhance their skin without over-treating it. In many cases, chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments can be combined or performed in a customized sequence to achieve smoother skin texture, improved tone, and more comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
Advanced treatments, such as TCA, croton oil, and phenol peels, can provide deeper resurfacing and more dramatic results, especially for wrinkles around the mouth, forehead, and eyes.
Chemical peels and laser resurfacing can be excellent options for patients who wish to improve the appearance and quality of their skin without undergoing surgery.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Some deeper resurfacing treatments, such as phenol peels and many types of lasers, are not recommended for patients with darker skin tones due to the risk of pigmentation changes. During your consultation, Dr. Hung will recommend the safest and most effective treatment for your needs.
Treatment begins with a thorough cleansing of the skin to remove any oils and debris.
For chemical peels, Dr. Hung will apply the selected solution to the treatment area. Generally, these solutions work by gently breaking down the outer layers of damaged skin. Some peels require a neutralizing solution to be applied before the end of the session, and may involve surgical bandages and ointment.
Laser resurfacing treatments use controlled laser energy to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen remodeling beneath the surface. Most treatments are complete in less than an hour, and topical numbing medication or mild sedation may be used to ensure comfort.
Recovery after chemical peels or laser resurfacing depends on the depth of treatment.
Light peels, such as glycolic or salicylic acid peels, typically involve minimal downtime. Patients may experience mild redness and light flaking for a few days as the skin refreshes itself. IPL and non-ablative lasers also have minimal downtime, and may involve some redness, moderate swelling, darkening of brown spots, and flaking.
Medium and deep peels, such as TCA, croton oil peels, or phenol peels, require a longer recovery period as the skin heals and regenerates. Ablative lasers also have a more involved recovery that includes oozing, scabbing, and significant redness lasting several weeks.
Dr. Hung will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions for your specific procedure. Careful sun protection is essential following all resurfacing procedures to support healing and maintain optimal results.
Once healing is complete, most patients notice smoother, brighter, healthier-looking skin.
Deeper treatments can significantly improve wrinkles, pigmentation, and texture, particularly around the mouth and eyes.
With lighter treatments, a series of sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal improvement.
The cost of chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments can vary widely, depending on the type and depth of treatment. Lighter treatments are often less expensive than deeper resurfacing treatments, such as ablative lasers and croton oil or phenol peels, which involve more advanced care and a longer recovery.
During your consultation, Dr. Hung will create a treatment plan suited to your goals and skin needs and provide you with more detailed pricing information.
Dr. Vincent Hung is uniquely qualified to perform advanced skin resurfacing procedures. He is triple board certified in internal medicine, plastic surgery, and dermatology, giving him an exceptional understanding of both cosmetic skin rejuvenation and skin health.
Dr. Hung is particularly recognized for his expertise in croton oil peels, one of the most powerful chemical resurfacing treatments available for improving deep wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.
Patients trust Dr. Hung for his meticulous approach and firm commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality.
If you are interested in chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing in Pasadena or Newport Beach, Dr. Hung can help you choose the treatment that best supports your skin goals and concerns.
To learn more, contact Dr. Hung’s office at (626) 432-5032 (Pasadena) or (949) 574-8292 (Newport Beach). You may also complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation
Before and After Photos - individual results may vary
Some images may be models.
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