Q: How safe is microdermabrasion? I am 27 years old and have had it done 5-6 times done on my face. The complexion has become even but darker than before? What should be the frequency and should I continue with it?

A:Microdermabrsion is quite a safe procedure but the following adverse effects can occur: 1. The face will be red immediately afterwards but this can be covered with makeup and redness fades in 24 hours. 2. The material used Al2O3, (in various forms known as Corundum, White Fused Alumina or Bauxite), is non-toxic on ingestion, is not associated with adverse skin contact reactions and is not known to cause cancer. The precautions are: 1. Avoid use of certain topical agents such as glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids and Retin-A for a few days before microdermabrasion treatment. 2. Patients who present with certain facial skin disorders may be advised not to pursue treatment, e.g. acne rosacea or even facial telangiectasia. 3. If a patient experiences red streaking from the treatment because of over intense strokes or very sensitive skin, the patient should cease further treatments until the erythema has fully subsided. 4. Patients with any signs of a sunburn should not be treated. I personally follow the following guidelines: 1. Each treatment takes from 30 minutes to an hour. 2. The number of treatments recommended for maximal results can range between 5 and 12, spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart. 3. Maintenance of results requires periodic repeat treatments after the initial regimen is completed. You can use a good sunscreen or avoid excessive sunexposure to prevent dark complexion. These precautions are more important immediately after this procedure.