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).