Skin Treatments Overview
Maintaining healthy, smooth skin involves understanding how the skin functions and how to protect and replenish against the damages of sun exposure, aging, acne, allergic reactions and injuries. In addition, understanding the basics of various forms of plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures will help consumers make educated decisions on various forms of skin care.

Common Skin Treatments and Procedures
• Laser Skin Resurfacing
• Botox
• Dermabrasion
• Surface Repair Treatments

Examples of Skin Treatments and Procedures
Many people suffering from acne-scarred skin as well as those experiencing typical signs of aging such as crow's feet, wrinkles, lines, and age spots opt to engage in non-surgical skin treatments called refinishing or surface repair treatments. These treatments are ideal for those who have mild to moderate imperfections on facial skin. Surface repair treatments give the skin a smoother, fresher look, but in most cases won't remove extremely deep scarring or prevent the aging process. 

Most patients seeking smoother skin opt for laser skin resurfacing, which helps to remove scars and blemishes caused by acne, pigmentation, lines and wrinkles and sun damage as well as aging. In this procedure, a laser targets certain areas of the face and removes pigmented or scarred tissues so that new skin can grow and heal over damaged areas.  Through the use of high energy and amplified light waves of carbon dioxide, a laser is able to vaporize the top layer of skin with minimal injury or trauma to surrounding skin areas.

Botox treatments are also known as a non-surgical procedure. Since the mid-1990s, plastic surgeons have been using Botox injections to erase the signs of facial wrinkles in men and women around the world. Those suffering from crow's feet, vertical wrinkles of the lips, and horizontal forehead creases benefit from Botox treatments, which are injected in various locations throughout the facial muscular structure. 

Dermabrasion and micro-dermabrasion treatments, also known as chemical peeling, involve removing layers of skin to eradicate pitting, scarring, and pigmentation common with those who've suffered from acne or sun damage. In such procedures, a variety of chemicals in varying strength can be used to facilitate smoother skin. Common chemical peels include glycolic acid, which is the mildest form of chemical peel agent.

Dermabrasion is a surgical technique that helps to remove deep scars as well as smooth wrinkles. The top layer of skin is removed, though the size and severity of scarred tissue will determine the length of the procedure.

Cost of Skin Treatment Procedures
In the United States, most elective procedures and surgeries are not covered by medical insurance plans. The cost of skin care treatments varies widely between procedures. For example, micro-dermabrasion, which is commonly used to help eradicate the signs of crow's feet, lines, and age spots, costs around $200 per treatment. However, for best results, two or three sessions are often suggested, and necessary, to achieve satisfactory results.

Laser resurfacing treatments may cost between $2000 and $4000 per treatment. Botox injections cost around $450 for each vial of Botox, but surgeons will charge between $200 and $300 for each area that is injected with the Botox solution.

Who Benefits from Skin Care Treatments?
Those who have experienced severe scarring caused by acne or sun damage will benefit the most from a variety of skin care treatments. While most skin care treatments and procedures can reduce the effects of aging, they are not a deterrent to the aging process.  Some skin types will respond better to various forms of treatments and procedures than others, so it is important for consumers to research and to ask questions about the effectiveness of a variety of procedures for their skin type.

Who Performs Common Skin Treatments?
Dermatologists or facial plastic surgeons often perform various skin care treatments and procedures. As with anything, it is important for consumers to verify the certification and training of any dermatologist or plastic or cosmetic surgeon prior to engaging his or her services. Checking with local, national dermatological or cosmetic, as well as facial surgeon associations will help to ensure that consumers are engaging the services of properly trained physicians for their skin care needs.