How Long Will Results Last?

Some people elect to repeat light peels every few weeks, but most doctors advise two- to three-month intervals. If light peels are done too often, they will dry the skin, and dryness promotes wrinkles. The exception to having a light peel every few weeks may be using a very light glycolic acid solution that is applied weekly for about six weeks, for the cumulative effect of a light peel.

Medium and deep peels last much longer. Although you might repeat a medium peel after one year if you have still not obtained the results you were aiming for, in most cases and with proper skin care, you're more likely to wait for years. Since modified deep peels remove the entire top layer of your facial skin, they produce permanent changes and a completely new skin surface.

Potential Risks

There are few risks with a light peel, other than possible lingering dryness. If you have had cold sores recently, a few weeks of antibiotic use beforehand is advisable. If the herpes simplex virus that triggers cold sores is currently active in your skin, the peel could trigger a new outbreak with a risk of infection and scarring.

With medium peels there is some risk of permanent scarring, pigmentation change, uneven texture, or demarcation lines. These are uncommon complications when you're in the hands of a highly experienced professional. Infection is also a potential risk. Closely following your doctor's aftercare instructions greatly reduces your risk of infection. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic.

As mentioned earlier, modified deep peels can cause heart rhythm disturbances and lasting kidney damage in some people if too much phenol enters the skin.This risk is reduced when less phenol is used, and careful medical monitoring during the procedure should prevent problems. As with medium peels, permanent skin pigmentation changes, in which skin color becomes paler or uneven, are also possible.

Surgical skin resurfacing may give your face that youthful glow you're hoping for - if you have fair or light-brown skin. Deep peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion are not recommended for types IV,V, or VI on the Fitzpatrick Classification skin type chart. If you fall into one of these categories, talk to your facial plastic surgeon about alternatives, perhaps including microdermabrasion or light to medium chemical peels.

Nonsurgical Procedures

	Two weeks after botox injections.

No doubt you've heard about the many newer, nonsurgical procedures that are available for rejuvenating the skin.Many of these procedures are considered "lunch hour" procedures - you can have them done over your lunch hour and return to work. These procedures are among the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today.

Botox

Botox ™ and Myobloc ™ are brand names for diluted botulinum toxin used in extremely small doses to treat forehead lines, frown lines, smile lines, crow's feet, smoker's lines, marion e tt e lines, chin dents, neck bands, and sagging brows. Injections of Botox smooth the skin, reducing fine lines and superficial wrinkles by preventing the facial movement that causes them.

A Botox treatment is an outpatient procedure that takes five to ten minutes. No anesthesia is needed; discomfort, if any, lasts just a few seconds. Using a tiny needle, the doctor injects small amounts of Botox, one to three injections per muscle, into the muscle surrounding the wrinkle being treated. It may take a few weeks for you to see the benefits, which peak at one to two weeks. Repeat procedures every three or four months are recommended.

You'll want to delay Botox if you are pregnant or nursing or if you're taking certain medications, including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and certain vitamins and herbs. (Your doctor will give you a complete list.)

After a Botox treatment, avoid rubbing the area for 24 hours. Some doctors tell their Botox patients to remain upright for several hours and to avoid alcohol for a few days.

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