Through the years, people have tried hundreds, if not thousands of methods for acquiring younger, healthier skin. The majority of these products, treatments and regimens has been focused on the facial skin, with good reason. The biggest contributor to skin damage is the sun, and the skin of the face and neck generally receive the most exposure throughout our lives.

Treatment of wrinkled, discolored or sagging skin may be performed with topical skin care products, both prescription and over-the-counter, minor procedures such as Botox or collagen, non-invasive treatments like facials and, of course surgical rejuvenation procedures.

One of the simplest, easiest and most effective methods of improving skin’s color, texture and overall appearance is with microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion has been used throughout Europe for decades and more recently the FDA has approved its use in the United States.

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure, which treats a wide range of skin conditions including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damaged skin, acne scarring, pigmented lesions and age spots. Microdermabrasion is also used to blend post laser skin of the neck and face.

In the past microdermabrasion has been performed with a suction mechanism which creates a vacuum against the skin and a fine, medical grade sand is forced against the skin. This process is the equivalent of sandblasting the skin. While this method of microdermabrasion is still offered, we have found that the procedure is improved and simplified using newer technology, the sand-free DiamondTome system.

This system uses a light suction to draw the skin to diamond encrusted wands. The wands are of varying coarseness and can customize the treatment more precisely to the individual patient. Patients who have undergone both procedures, have all, without exception, preferred the DiamondTome system.

Whereas traditional sand microdermabrasion can be very uncomfortable for some patients, the DiamondTome is much more gentle, yet achieves superior results and since it is sand free, there are no particles or grit left on the face, in the ears and teeth, or on the clothing as is so often seen with older microdermabrasion options.

When combined with a complete skin care regimen, microdermabrasion will help achieve smoother, uniform and younger looking skin. As an adjunct to facial cosmetic surgery, microdermabrasion helps maintain the optimal results of rejuvenation procedures.

All patients have unique, personal needs and desires. We have found that microdermabrasion, particularly with the most modern technologies, can be a very important component of an overall skin care regimen.

(Editor’s Note: Dr. Derek K. Boyden is director of surgery at Olympic Surgical Associates in Port Orchard. He may be reached at (360-895-0855.).