Chem. peel or microdermabrasion

[Eric]

I just had a quick question, I am going to the derm. office next week and am not sure whether to get a light chem. peel or microdermabrasion.  My pores are large and I have some light knicks left over from some acne, nothing deep , just superficial.  I know that microdermabrasion is new and I hear alot of good about it, but is it as safe as they say it is?  Or is mostly hype?  I just would like to know before i maybe get this procedure done.  I would appreciate your opinion on whether just to get a light peel or the microdermabrasion.

[Rob]

what about marks on other sensitive areas of the body? Can light peel creams be reccomended for use on or near the genitals and if so which product is best?? I have some discoloured skin on the edge of my penis from an earlier chemical burn. THe skin isnt scarred just a noticable shade darker and i would like to try and even it out so there isnt such a great variation. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Eric:

I don't think you'll go wrong with either, and they are both quite safe.  (I have to say that "light peel" is an imprecise term, but if it refers to glycolic, then it is safe.  As for efficacy, I'd give the nod to microdermabrasion.  It doesn't change the skin anatomy completely, but it can always be touched up.

Best,

Dr. Rockoff