I feel facials do make a difference. I have been doing them since I was 15 and my skin looks even younger than my younger sister's. I think the sooner the better.
If you have blackheads on your nose, they will push them out. Usually with their own two fingers ( I usually push them out myself too after a bath, but the facialist can really get to wher you don't really see ( but others prob do!)
I think breaking out is normal, but doesn't always happens, depends on the type of facial you get. It is because it brings things to the surface but after a couple of days you will feel like your skin looks really nice and supple. That's why it's good to go once a month or every 2.
Better to pay a little now, than later with surgery ( ewwww)