How to Prepare for a Microdermabrasion

Professional microdermabrasion is a relatively painless and simple procedure. The mild skin resurfacing treatment uses a handpiece that combines a high-pressure stream of fine particles and vacuum pressure to exfoliate and abrade the dull, dry top layer of skin. Since the procedure can be performed in as little as 30 minutes in your physician's office, it's sometimes referred to as the "lunchtime facial." There are a few things you can do to prepare to make your microdermabrasion treatment easier and more successful.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Talk to your doctor about any the types of skin conditions that can be treated by microdermabrasion. While the procedure is extremely successful for treating uneven skin tone related to sun damage, age spots, fine lines, surface wrinkles and some types of scars, it's not a fix for all skin concerns. Consult with your doctor to see if microdermabrasion is the best skin care treatment option for your specific issues.

2. Make your appointment at least 2 weeks in advance. That way your body will have time to rid itself of any medications or the effects of any lifestyle habits that are contraindicated with microdermabrasion.

3. Avoid the sun--real or synthetic--for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. The exfoliation procedure needs to be performed on untanned skin. While you're avoiding things, you should also try not to smoke for the week leading up to your treatment. Nicotine impedes blood circulation in the skin.

4. Stop using skincare products that contain retinol or glycolic acid at least 48 hours before your appointment. These acne-fighting products irritate the skin, making it more fragile and susceptible to complications during a microdermabrasion procedure. Medications like Retin-A or Renova should be stopped 5 days before your appointment.

5. Skip your cosmetic routine on the morning of your microdermabrasion procedure. The aluminium oxide crystals abrade the skin's surface and, in order to make sure that the surface layer only contains dead cells and other detritus, it's important that your skin is free of any makeup residue.

6. Wash your face with mild, soapy water and put on your glasses before leaving home. Though the esthetician is likely to wipe your face down with a cleansing solution as well. Making sure your face is clean can save some time. Plus, since you're just going to be asked to remove your contact lenses anyway, it's easier to prepare by leaving them at home!

7. Arrive at the office about half an hour before your scheduled appointment. If you choose to have a mild topical anesthetic to make the treatment a little less uncomfortable it will be need to be applied approximately 15 minutes before the esthetician begins.

Tips & Warnings

• Patients who take blood thinners, have a compromised immune system or have used Accutane in the past 2 years are not good candidates for microdermabrasion therapy.
• <br>Microdermabrasion is not recommended as a treatment for skin growths, keloid scarring or other significantly raised scars.

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