Microdermabrasion is a type of cosmetic surgery that uses light to almost completely remove the outer layer of skin through abrasion. The particles left behind are then vacuumed away using a small wand-like instrument. This cosmetic surgery is usually done to repair the effects of sun-damaged skin or to make scars or discolorations less noticeable. However, it may not work well on scars that are sunken into the skin. Microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia, and you will not experience much pain during the procedure.