You might also want to consider that your face may appear red or inflamed for several days before you even have operation. This is because most practitioners of these procedures prescribe a topical acid to be applied to skin to soften it and prepare it for actual chemical peel. This may mean going to work or attending important meeting looking less than your usual attractive self as often these topical applications also cause make up to sting if it is applied.

You can also experience quite a bit of discomfort after operation as well. Your skin may feel different in texture or dry and cracked. It may feel tight and like a taut mask if you try to smile.

Chemical peels are also not recommended for individuals with herpes. This is because virus can be triggered by trauma of procedure and if sores spread to any part of face during recovery period then unattractive and permanent scarring can result.

As with all invasive procedures, make sure you consider cosmetician or plastic surgeon's credentials and qualifications before you book an appointment. A good practitioner will have a large book of Before and After photographs for you to look at so you can assess which type of chemical peel will be most effective for you.

******* (c) 2005 Kelly Altodona - All Rights Reserved

Kelly Altodona is a cosmetic surgery freelance author.

Many plastic surgeons also refuse to operate on a pack a day smoker. This is because smoking delays healing and can cause a very dangerous condition known as necrosis (skin death.)

Depending on what procedures you have had you can recovery time of at least a month and in many cases up to three or four months. You may not be able to attend work for up to three weeks as that is how long your face may seem swollen. Be prepared for some discomfort and restricted movement, especially during first three days after operation as you may not even be able to turn your head without pain or disrupting healing. You are also not advised to sleep on your back so you may experience back problems or cramps from sleeping propped up all time.

Be aware too that many people find recovery phase which can involved a bandaged face, pus, bleeding, scabbing to be very difficult to handle emotionally. You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo a face-lift. Many people experience depression after a plastic surgery as bruising and swelling makes it hard to look at oneself in mirror. This is why people who already suffer from depression, manic depression or chronically low self-esteem are not great candidates for plastic surgery.

******* (c) 2005 Kelly Altodona - All Rights Reserved

Kelly Altodona is a cosmetic surgery freelance author.