Is Dermabrasion or Laser Resurfacing Better For Reduction of Lip Lines?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I would like to know your opinion on what results a person can expect to achieve from perioral dermabrasion percentage wise.

A:  I assume that the basis of your question is how to best improve lip lines and creases around the mouth area from aging. There are numerous methods of skin resurfacing around the mouth, historically dermabrasion was used  and today it is different types of lasers. With dermabrasion (not to be confused with the more superficial treatment of microdermabrasion which would be completely ineffective for lip lines) hat answer would depend on the depth of the vertical lip lines one has and how thick the perioral skin is. There is a tricky balance with the aggressiveness of diamond wheel dermabrasion between getting a good result and causing scarring if one goes too deep. There is also risk with dermabrasion of creating irregular skin removal. This is why the use of lasers today, particularly fractional laser resurfacing, is a much more predictable. Consistent depth penentration because it is computer driven by the settings makes it less risky than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion can be a very effective treatment for lip wrinkles but it requires good operater experience and a lot of artistic skill for consistent results.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana