Resurfacing techniques are used to modify the surface of the skin. They correct the artifacts of photoaging, including fine lines, irregular pigmentation and blemishes. Multiple treatments are often required to reach the desired results. Common resurfacing techniques include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. They are commonly applied to the full face.

Treatment outcomes and side effects depend on the resurfacing technique used. After a treatment is applied and healing has completed, the face continues to age naturally.

Potential side effects for resurfacing treatments
Resurfacing of the skin involves an alteration of the top layers of the skin and there are certain side effects that could occur following the procedure that you should be aware, for example, you may have burning, discomfort, itching, tingling, swelling, redness, scarring, sensitivity to the sun, abnormal skin color changes, and a flare-up of cold sores and fever blisters. With chemical peels and dermabrasion, you may also see temporary whiteheads and infection. With laser resurfacing, the laser heat may cause burns. In addition, there may be other risks associated with a particular type of resurfacing that you should discuss with your doctor to fully understand these risks.