Skin resurfacing includes varieties of major permanent and long-term plastic surgery, less-invasive mid-range surgical procedures, and non-invasive temporary skin treatments. Our skin resurfacing articles explain a variety of skin conditions and treatments. This Consumer Guide gives you a wealth of information to help you make the best decisions for your condition and take the right steps towards achieving your goals.

Chemical peels serve many cosmetic and corrective purposes, from wrinkles and skin discoloration to removing pre-cancerous growths. There are a lot of types of peels to choose from.

Along with aging come wrinkles, skin discoloration, enlarged pores, sun damage, and freckling. Chemical peel is one of the most popular treatments for an aging face. In the United States, one million chemical peels were performed in 2005.

Many conditions and imperfections can be treated with a chemical peel; however, there are several that require additional or alternative treatments. Other treatment options may include facelift, brow lift, and chin or cheek implants. Laser skin resurfacing, collagen fillers, Botox, and Restylane can be incorporated into your treatment plan as well. Combination treatment plans tend to be the most successful.

Chemical peel can improve the appearance of:

• fine lines
• hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration or age spots)
• enlarged pores due to an improper daily skincare regimen
• light sun damage
• light freckling
• minimal scarring
• treatment for the face, arms, legs, neck, chest, and hands

Chemical peel cannot improve the appearance of

• deep wrinkles
• sagging, hollow, or fatty skin
• deep sun damage or freckling
• deep scarring

There are many types of chemical peels on the market today. There may be one chemical (i.e., glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid) or a combination of chemical agents used in the solution. These chemical solutions are offered in various strengths. The doctor will select the appropriate strength and combination of chemical agents based on your condition. The chemical peel may be classified as a light or superficial peel, medium, or deep peel.

The procedure is performed in a physician's office by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, and more often by a licensed aesthetician or RN. Deeper peels require anaesthesia, lighter peels often do not. The procedure takes about 15 minutes, then one to three weeks of recovery. The number of treatments varies among individuals. Final results can last up to several months.

During the procedure, the treatment provider will apply the chemical solution to the affected area, most often over the entire face. The chemical agents then work to separate and "peel" the outer surface layers of the skin. These layers often contain dead skin which is removed during the process. The chemical agents serve to stimulate the generation of new skin cells through the healing process. During the application, patients may experience a cool, warm, or hot sensation that can last for ten minutes or more. This feeling may be accompanied by stinging.

The aging process, including new fine lines and age spots, will continue over time. A maintenance program of chemical peels may be part of your long-term plan.

In order to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications, follow the directions of the treatment provider carefully. The post-op instructions will warn against any use of makeup or exposure to the sun for up to two weeks. You will need sun block SPF 15 or higher to go outside.

The reaction to a chemical peel depends upon many factors, including skin type and peel strength. During the first two weeks, the skin may break out until it is renewed at the end of recovery. Additional reactions can be similar to sunburn. Lighter peels can produce redness and skin peeling for a few days. Deeper chemical peels can result in blisters that burst, scabs, or skin peeling for up to two weeks. This may be accompanied by swelling. In the case of a severe reaction, the doctor may prescribe ointments, creams, oral steroids, and the use of dressings. The treated skin is highly susceptible to injury after treatment. It is important to communicate any adverse conditions or reactions to your doctor.

The doctor will recommend a daily skincare regimen that is essential to the healing process. Be sure to follow your doctor's regimen and report any complications that result from the peel or from the new skincare regimen.