Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the dead surface cells of the skin are partially or completely removed by light abrasion.  There are different methods and machines used to accomplish this.  They include jets

of zinc oxide, of aluminum oxide crystals, of fine organic particles, or mechanical abrasion with a coarse contact surface.  All of these are accompanied by suction, which removes the abraded skin cells as well

as most of the particle matter used (the crystals). 

Microdermabrasion is used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots.  It can be used for treatment and control of acne also, and is quite effective in treating fine wrinkles.   Microdermabrasion must be repeated periodically to be effective.  The recommendation is that four (4)

to six (6) treatments be performed one to two weeks apart for initial microder-mabrasion patients.  Then routine maintenance should be performed anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks apart thereafter.  The procedure feels like a cat's tongue licking your face.  It isn't really painful and doesn't require anesthetic.  Makeup can be applied immediately afterwards.

Tallahassee Vein & Face Clinic uses diamond tip microdermabrasion (the coarse contact surface), and we offer aggressive Spot Treatment for crow's

feet areas and around the mouth "smoker's lines" as well.  This aggressive spot treatment causes some true abrasion and redness, which potentially last several days.  Makeup cannot be applied during the immediate healing time,

thus this treatment does have what is considered "down time".  The recom-mendation for spot treatment is to repeat at two to three week intervals for a total of three treatments. 

It is essential for microdermabrasion patients to use sunscreen, especially in the immediate post-treatment period of two (2) to three (3) days, and at least one week after spot treatments.