INTRODUCTION
You may have heard friends talk about having a "Parisian Peel," "Derma Peel," "Power Peel," "Microderm Peel," "Ultra Peel," or "lunchtime peel"— all are types of microdermabrasion, another tool dermatologists have in their bags to revitalize and resurface skin.

The treatment uses a fine mist of microscopic aluminum oxide crystals to exfoliate the top layers of skin (epidermis).

"Think of a sandblaster followed by a vacuum cleaner and you have the general idea of microdermabrasion," writes a reporter in Skin and Allergy News.

The procedure is done in a series of treatments, requires no anesthesia and can be performed quickly, taking about 30 minutes. Similar to a light peel, the procedure can improve fine lines and wrinkles, blackheads and whiteheads, superficial pigmentation, and give the skin a healthy-looking glow. It may be used in conjunction with chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing.

As an adjunct to the microdermabrasion procedure, the dermatologist may suggest skin care products to complement the treatment including cleansing products, moisturizers and sunblocks.

According to some reports, microdermabrasion was introduced in Italy about ten years ago, and was used in Europe before being introduced in the US.

About the Procedure
Microdermabrasion is performed in the dermatologist’s office and requires no anesthesia. Using a precision hand piece that directs a stream of very fine, chemically inert crystals and mild suction where needed on the skin, the gently abrasive action exfoliates the outermost layers of the skin.

The dermatologist can control the power of the spray, from a gentle buffing of the skin to deeper exfoliation where needed. At a low power, microdermabrasion might be compared to results similar to those of glycolic acid peels.

A full-face treatment generally takes 20 to 30 minutes. Following the treatment, your skin appears lightly pink, but there is no oozing or obvious redness. Some patients say their face feels as if their skin has been mildly sun- or wind-burned. The skin may peel. In the case of a deeper treatment level for more blemished or thicker skins, the skin will appear slightly red and swollen from a few hours to a few days.

Who Is a Candidate?
Individuals who don’t want to undergo the time, expense, discomfort, longer healing time, and possible side effects of alternative skin resurfacing treatments such as chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing, and have fairly minor skin problems: fine lines, mild acne, blotches, pigmentation, small scars.

Costs
Costs vary from practice to practice, usually ranging from $125 to $200 per treatment.

Risks
Some dermatologists are concerned that the procedure, which has been hyped in the media, has been aggressively marketed before its benefits or hazards are known.