Dermabrasion as a non surgical anti aging treatment has been around for some time.

It's basically a skin resurfacing treatment where the outermost layers are scraped away leaving just the smoother, younger looking skin below.

Ouch - sounds painful. Well - dermabrasion certainly is a radical treatment - although there's no surgery involved you'll definitely need a trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist.

As a result it can be an expensive process and there are lots of alternatives you could consider before forking out your hard-earned cash. 

Here's a quick FAQ about the dermabrasion procedure to help you decide whether it's for you:

How is the outer skin layer removed? The process is technically known as 'controlled surgical scraping'.  Your doc will use a dermabrasion machine which is bit like an electric sanding machine though obviously operating at a more gentle level. Instead of taking off layers of varnish or paint - dermabrasion removes the outer layer of skin. Because it's your face that's being sanded down rather than an old chair - you definitely need a doc to do it!

Doesn't that hurt? You shouldn't feel too much pain as you'll be given a high strength local anaesthetic beforehand and a sedative if necessary to calm your nerves. Common sense tells you there's got to be a significant level of discomfort though so don't necessarily believe what you're told.

What about the after effects? Expect swelling and inflammation during the first few weeks following the procedure. Immediately afterwards your skin will be quite red and swollen and eating and talking may be difficult. There will be tingling, burning and aching and you will probably need to take painkillers. Swelling and pain should reduce within a week.

What will I look like afterwards? Well to start with - not pretty. A scab or crust will form over the treated area as it begins to heal and this will fall off as a new layer of tight, pink skin forms underneath. Your skin may itch and you may be prescribed an ointment to rub into the affected area.

How quickly will it heal? Skin pinkness from the procedure will take up to three months to fade. Sounds like a long time but you can wear a camouflage non-allergenic makeup during this time to disguise your treatment. Once healing is complete your treated skin will match the surrounding skin areas and should be virtually undetectable.

Is there any downtime? Your doctor will probably suggest you take two weeks away from work and avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol. You'll also be advised to avoid sun and strong winds which can damage the vulnerable skin exposed by the procedure.

How much will it cost? Cost vary depending on the clinic and the doctor you use, so it's important you research payment options and what's included before committing yourself. You can generally expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on the size of the area needing treatment.

Are there any risks involved? There are some risks but at the minimal level with this procedure. Risks include: a change in skin pigmentation, scarring and enlarged pores. These may sound alarming but in the great majority of cases, no side effects of this sort are experienced.

Is it suitable for everyone? Unfortunately not. If you have a lot of freckles you may not be a good candidate as the process could remove the freckles in the area treated. If you have dark skin, dermabrasion may result in permanent blotchy, lighter patches. It's also worth considering the way your skin normally reacts; if you're prone to allergic rashes, cold sores or fever blisters, these could well flare up after dermabrasion treatment.

What are the alternatives? Take a look at microdermabrasion as an alternative clinical treatment or try some of the excellent home microdermabrasion creams and kits now available.

Dermabrasion may not end up being your top choice as a non surgical alternative treatment.  If you do go for it you should achieve younger looking skin but for how long? 

The effects of dermabrasion will wear off over time and it may end up being quite a costly procedure for a short-term gain.

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