Skin Treatments & Procedures Resource Center

Skin treatments and procedures address various skin concerns, from acne and aging to varicose veins and excess body hair, scarring, stretch marks, and pigmentation. Procedures like chemical peels; laser therapy; facial fillers and neuromodulators such as Botox; microneedling; and the removal of fat, cellulite, tattoos, and body hair require different prep, have various recovery periods, and provide different benefits and risks. A wide range of at-home skin treatments is available, including creams, ointments, facials, and red light therapy devices, but separating the facts from the myths can save you time, money, and the risk of harmful reactions. Guarding the skin with sun protection, avoiding smoking, and understanding what to include in a consistent skin-care routine that suits your skin can promote healthier skin with or without treatments.

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FAQ

What are common skin treatments?

Common skin treatments include chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, microneedling, facials, scar revision, and dermal fillers. People also regularly undergo procedures to remove tattoos, body hair, fat, scars, and moles. New treatments and procedures often become available.

What are the risks of skin procedures?

The risks of a skin procedure depend on both the procedure and the practitioner. Redness, pain, discoloration, or permanent scarring can occur during some procedures. Infection, burns, and poor healing are also possible. Discuss benefits and risks with your dermatologist.

How do chemical peels improve skin?

Chemical peels often use an acid to exfoliate the skin, reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars. A dermatologist may recommend different depths of chemical peel depending on the extent of skin damage, but deeper peels require more recovery time.

What is laser therapy used for?

Laser therapy can help you treat acne scars, wrinkles, sun spots, fine lines, tattoos, and loose skin. Ablative and non-ablative lasers and light therapies work in different ways. However, choose a board-certified dermatologist to avoid injury or unwanted results.

How long is the recovery after a skin procedure?

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. For example, a deep chemical peel needs two to three weeks of recovery, and ablative laser therapy requires a week of downtime. Speak to your dermatologist about what to expect.

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