Nobody has to look old any more. We live in the era of plastic surgery, where aging gracefully – in fact, aging at all, at least physically – is a thing of the past. Problem areas can easily be nipped, tucked, sucked, buffed, or implanted away. It’s a veritable fountain of youth, if you can afford to fork over thousands of dollars per procedure. If not, you’re forced to (gasp!) look your chronological age.

But now, there are more affordable – albeit less dramatic – options available to those of us who can’t afford the whole shebang. One of those options is microdermabrasion: the aptly nicknamed “lunchtime peel.” It is a simple procedure that, as its moniker suggests, can be done in a relatively quick period of time.

Micro-derma-what?

Microdermabrasion involves having the skin “sandblasted” by aluminum oxide crystals (baking soda or salt may also be used, under their more scientific-sounding names, “sodium bicarbonate” and “sodium chloride”) in order to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. The crystals, along with the dead cells, are then sucked up into a handheld device. It’s often called a “mini-procedure” because it is low-risk and can be done very quickly – the average time ranges from fifteen minutes to half an hour (that’s just for the face; if the neck and chest are included in the procedure, count on being there for about an hour). The principal of microdermabrasion is that when the stratum corneum (the top layer of skin) is broken, the body interprets it as an injured site and rushes to replace the skin cells you’ve lost with new, healthy ones. The procedure also increases collagen production. It can leave your skin looking refreshed, smoother, and younger-looking. Generally, multiple treatments are required in order to achieve the desired results. A normal regimen is four to eight treatments at intervals of one to three weeks. After that, a session every one to three months should be adequate to maintain the condition of your skin.

Am I a good candidate?

If you’re looking for a miracle, go for a bigger procedure; microdermabrasion won’t tighten up saggy skin or rid you of that unsightly “turkey wattle” wobbling beneath your chin. But if you want to even out a rough skin tone, or improve sun damage, liver spots, fine lines, blemishes, or stretch marks, this procedure is the way to go. If your skin is sensitive to chemicals, microdermabrasion is a good option for you because there are none involved (although be sure to notify your doctor or technician of your sensitivities; usually a sunscreen or moisturizer is used after the procedure is done). It isn’t recommended for people with undiagnosed lesions, active rosacea, warts, weeping acne, unstable diabetes, recent herpes outbreaks, or autoimmune disorders. Ideally, you should be a nonsmoker.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

Not much preparation is necessary. Just avoid anything that may make your skin sensitive on the day you have the procedure – as in, don’t go in with a sunburn. It’s also a good idea to avoid any facial care products that contain retinols for two to three days before the treatment.

Will it hurt?

Microdermabrasion doesn’t hurt – it requires no anesthesia – although if your skin is sensitive, you may feel a slight irritation or stinging, especially around the eye area. Many people who have had the procedure report a tingling sensation, although not unpleasant; those who feel irritation generally liken it to a minor windburn or sunburn. Your skin may have a tight or dry feeling for a little while, and you may experience mild peeling. If, during the procedure, you feel uncomfortable, tell your doctor immediately; the controls can be turned down to decrease the level of suction if it’s too strong for you.

What can I expect during a treatment?

The doctor (or aesthetician) will put goggles on your eyes to protect them, and the skin will be cleansed. The doctor will then use a handheld, wand-like device (much like a dentist’s polishing instrument) to remove the dead skin cells. The vacuum device has four functions: it suctions to small sections of skin, it creates mild swelling in order to bring some of the impurities to the surface, it sprays the aluminum oxide crystals onto the surface of the skin, and it then sucks the crystals back up along with the skin cells to be disposed of. The pressure can be varied to control the degree of penetration. Afterward, the doctor should apply a re-hydrating toner, moisturizer and sunscreen.

Are there things I should avoid after the treatment?

As far as activities are concerned, you can resume your normal schedule immediately – no need to take off work for the rest of the afternoon. Direct sun exposure should be avoided for a week. Since you can’t totally avoid the sun (unless you plan to retreat to a cave for seven days), you should wear a high-SPF sunscreen when you go out. You should also avoid using any facial products containing alpha-hydroxy or glycolic acids, and also facial scrubs, for a minimum of four days. Finally, avoid wearing foundation or concealer for twenty-four hours after the procedure (although you can apply eye makeup and lipstick immediately afterward if you want to).

Are there risks associated with microdermabrasion?

If you’re a healthy adult, the procedure poses no serious risks. If your skin is sensitive, you may experience a little temporary irritation and your skin will look pink for a bit, but this isn’t something to be concerned about. It will go away on its own, given some time. If you have any of the skin or medical conditions mentioned above, or if you’re a user of Retin-A or have recently had a chemical peel, you shouldn’t have the treatment done at all. It is essential to check out the clinic and technician first; if you make sure you’re going to a reputable clinic and that the procedure is being done by someone with experience, risks should be relatively low. An inexperienced technician can cause scrapes or abrasions, and improperly sterilized machines can lead to infections. The field is unregulated, and anyone with a machine can call themselves a “microdermabrasion expert,” so be careful! Here are a few tips to help you choose a plastic surgeon to perform your microdermabrasion procedure:

• Ask for references and before-and-after photos. If you can talk to other clients who have had the same procedure, do.
• Make sure the surgeon has malpractice insurance.
• Check to see if the surgeon or clinic has had any malpractice judgments or disciplinary actions. You can usually obtain this information from the clerk of courts for the county in which the clinic is located. Three malpractice judgments in a period of five to ten years indicate a warning sign.
• Check to see if the surgeon is verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You can verify this status at the website of the American Board of Medical Specialties (www.abms.org) or by calling 1-866-ASK-ABMS.
• Ask your prospective surgeon about his or her training and credentials.
• Check the accreditation of the clinic. Whereas all states require hospitals to be certified, most states don’t require clinics that only perform outpatient services to have certification. But there are three national accrediting organizations that inspect and certify such facilities: the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Each respective group has its own website where their certified facilities are listed.

How much can I expect to pay?

A single microdermabrasion treatment will cost anywhere from $75 to $200. But remember, in order to achieve results, most people require multiple treatments – so you’re potentially looking at spending up to $1600 (if you have eight treatments done at $200 a pop). That’s the high end of the spectrum, of course, but entirely possible. Pricing will depend on the type of machine used, and the area of the country that you’re in. Some clinics will offer package deals.

Can I do this at home?

There are many “do-it-yourself” microdermabrasion kits available on the market today. Some of them can be pricey, generally about fifty to eighty dollars per kit, but that’s not nearly as expensive as an actual session at a clinic – and you can use the kits for multiple treatments. They consists of creams or scrubs which contain the same crystals you’d find in an actual microdermabrasion treatment, but instead of the vacuum wand, you use your hands to exfoliate the top layer of skin, then simply rinse the dead skin cells away.

Things to remember …

Don’t expect miracles from this treatment. It can make your face look great, but it’s not a facelift. It is an un-invasive and simple way to improve the appearance of your skin. Again, before having this procedure done, be sure to check out the credentials and cleanliness of the clinic you’re planning to go to.

You too can experience the thrill of younger-looking skin – and of nonchalantly commenting to your friends that you’re “having work done.” It's a cosmetic procedure without the commitment of heavy-duty plastic surgery. Microdermabrasions ... blast yourself beautiful!

External Links:

• Locate A Doc.com - The name says it all - this site can help you find a reputable plastic surgeon in your area