Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure used for exfoliating the outermost layers of skin. The procedure uses fine abrasive crystals to exfoliate the skin and vacuum suction to immediately remove the dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion can be effective for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and other skin blemishes caused by aging, sun exposure, or acne. It also helps to decrease scarring and fade stretch marks. Microdermabrasion can even out skin tone, reduce pore size, and even stimulate collagen production for better skin elasticity. The procedure is considered safe and generally painless, with no downtime required. Typically, a series of five to twelve treatments spaced at one to two week intervals will be recommended for best results. The first microdermabrasion treatment begins with preparation of the skin. A cleansing and gentle exfoliation is done to reduce dryness and prepare the skin for treatment. The aesthetician then uses a hand-held microdermabrasion device with fine abrasive crystals that are blowing gently onto the surface of the skin. The device also provides suction to remove excess cells. To reduce redness, a cold air stream or aloe vera gel may be applied after treatment. Depending on the patient’s individual needs, other aftercare recommendations may include a hydrating mask, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Patients typically report little to no discomfort during a microdermabrasion procedure and minimal to no swelling or redness afterwards. The beneficial effects of microdermabrasion will be visible after the first treatment, but best results are usually seen after several treatments.