Whether you seek a chemical peel or dermabrasion for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic/cosmetic surgeon is of paramount importance. The surgeon will examine your skin to assess factors that could affect the outcome of the surgery and to determine the proper procedure for your condition. You and your surgeon will explore your attitudes toward surgery, and discuss realistic expectations and risks. Trust is built through these discussions, and the agreement between surgeon and patient is a prerequisite for a successful outcome to the surgery.

After you and your surgeon decide to proceed with a chemical peel or dermabrasion, all options for the procedure will be discussed along with the risks. You will also receive information relating to each procedure. Bear in mind that neither chemical peel nor dermabrasion can correct sagging skin or halt the ageing process. Furthermore, as some chemical peels lighten skin colour, you must make a commitment to use sunblock.

Following a thorough medical history, your surgeon will advise you as to anaesthesia options, the surgical facility being used, any additional surgery options, and the costs for the procedure. Your surgeon may also suggest other surgery, either before or after your resurfacing procedure in order to enhance your overall appearance.

The skin is composed of the epidermis and the dermis. Within the dermis are two layers, both of which are constructed of collagen, long fibres that loosen and stretch with age and sun damage. If the deepest layer, the reticular layer, is damaged, scars result, while the upper layer of the dermis, the papillary layer, heals from injuries without scarring.

In a chemical peel, the surgeon applies one of several chemicals to the skin. Glycolic acid is the mildest. TCA, trichloroacetic acid, can be used in varying strengths for longer-lasting smoothness. The deepest peel is done with phenol.

Before any peel, the face is first thoroughly cleansed with a solution to remove oil and to prepare the skin for deepest penetration. As the chemical is applied, the epidermis is removed, and the chemical penetrates into the first layer of the dermis.

Dermabrasion is a surgical technique where by some deeper scars and wrinkles can be smoothed. The surgeon uses a local anaesthetic and/or a freezing agent to render the skin numb. Then, using a high speed rotating brush, the surgeon removes the top layer of skin to the appropriate level for the best results. The size and depth of scars and the degree of wrinkling determine the length of the surgery.

Laser surgery is used to resurface facial skin with wrinkles caused by excess sun exposure, "crow's feet," and acne scarring. The high energy, amplified light waves of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporise the top layer of skin instantly, with no beeding and minimal trauma to the surrounding skin.

Immediately following a chemical peel or dermabrasion, the surgeon may apply a dressing to your skin. Swelling and "crusting" of the skin are normal, and ointments to keep the skin supple will be applied for seven to 10 days following surgery. The redness of skin that persists after the initial healing phase will usually fade in about 4 weeks.

The surgeon often recommends a soft diet, avoidance of extremes in temperature and any activity that would cause stress to healing skin.

It is imperative that you follow the post-operative instructions of your surgeon to the letter. Should you experience any increase in redness or itching in the days after surgery, notify your surgeon immediately.

In one to two weeks after surgery, new skin will emerge that is pinkish, finer, and free of many wrinkles. But it will take several weeks for all the redness to vanish. Follow-up care involves using sunblock in order to protect the skin while new pigment is created.

Patients will notice that the skin remains lighter for a long time after surgery, but that condition will usually subside when the skin's pigment level has been restored.

Facial plastic/cosmetic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature ageing that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel about yourself.

Article courtesy of American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery