Microdermabrasion treatments use a minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand your skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer.

This type of skin rejuvenation is used to treat light scarring, discoloration, sun damage, and stretch marks.

Microdermabrasion can:

• Improve age spots and black heads.
• Improve hyperpigmentation (patches of darkened skin).
• Exfoliate your skin, resulting in a refreshed appearance.
• Lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Reduce or eliminate enlarged pores.
• Treat acne and the scars left by acne.

Microdermabrasion helps to thicken your collagen, which results in a younger looking complexion. Collagen is a protein in your skin that's abundant when you're a child and makes skin appear taut and smooth. Collagen production declines as we age, resulting in looser, uneven skin.

There is no down time or recovery period following microdermabrasion. After your treatments, your healthcare provider may recommend a special moisturizer or facial product to enhance and prolong your result.

Your polished new look should be long-lasting, depending on the severity of your skin damage and the number of treatments that you receive.

Many people have two microdermabrasion treatments per month at first and then one per month as part of a maintenance plan.

Any discomfort experienced as part of microdermabrasion is usually short-lived. This can include redness and swelling, which should subside within a few hours. Later, you can expect the skin to be flaky and dry for several days.

Additional microdermabrasion risks include:

• Bruising, which can occur from the suction and may last several days.
• Your skin will be more sensitive to sun exposure. Be sure to use sunscreen, especially immediately following a microdermabrasion session.

During your microdermabrasion consultation be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Your plastic surgeon may also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs
• Discuss your microdermabrasion options
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of microdermabrasion and any risks or potential complications

It's very important to understand all aspects of microdermabrasion. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

• Am I a good candidate for microdermabrasion?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Who will perform the microdermabrasion procedure?
• Have you been specifically trained in this procedure?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure or treatment?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect?
• What are the risks and possible complications associated with my procedure?
• How can I expect to look over time?
• Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure?
• What results are reasonable for me?