What Is Microdermabrasion?:
Along with chemical peels and lasers, microdermabrasion is another way to improve the appearance of your skin. Microdermabrasion is a variation of dermabrasion, but there are differences. Microdermabrasion is less abrasive than dermabrasion and does not penetrate as deeply. So, while the overall results are not as significant, microdermbrasion is safer for the skin.
Where Is Microdermabrasion Performed?:
Aside from medical offices, microdermabrasion is often performed in spas and non-medical centers, such as hair salons. In a medical setting, it is usually an aesthetician with appropriate training who performs microdermabrasion. In non-medical settings, the training may not be appropriate. Dermabrasion should only be done by a surgeon, as severe injury can result.
How Is Microdermbrasion Done?:
The instrument used to perform microdermabrasion is called a microdermabrator. Mild suction is applied to the skin through a microdermabrator tube. At the same time, small crystals are sent through the tube down to the skin. The crystals loosen the oil, dirt, skin debris and dead skin cells; the vacuum action then removes those particles. The stronger the suction, the deeper the penetration of the treatment.
How Often Should Microdermabrasion Be Done?:
To get a good result from microdermabrasion, it should be done at regular intervals. Six to 12 treatments should be done every week to every two weeks to get the best results. A maintenance session should be done every two to three months after the initial regimen.
How Does Microdermabrasion Improve Your Skin?:
The repetitive, controlled injury to the skin improves skin texture by promoting the creation of new collagen. Additionally, microdermabrasion unclogs pores and smooth the skin. It can be used to improve rough skin, decrease the appearance of acne scarring and improve skin discolorations. Because microdermabrasion is a more superficial treatment, it is less effective than dermabrasion in treating wrinkles. However, because microdermabrasion is more superficial, it can be used on people with darker skin colors.
Is Anesthesia Needed for Microdermabrasion?:
No anesthesia is needed for microdermabrasion. If you are menstruating, you may be a bit more sensitive to the vacuum action. Taking some over-the-counter pain medication can help decrease your discomfort.
What Is the Recovery Time for Microdermabrasion?:
Aside from some short-lived, temporary pinkness or redness of the treated areas, the recovery time from microdermabrasion is limited. Within hours, skin color should return to normal.
What Are the Possible Complications of Microdermabrasion?:
Complications are not common, but they can include infection, scarring and hypopigmentation.
How Does Microdermabrasion Compare to Other Methods of Skin Resurfacing?:
Compared to the other methods of skin resurfacing, such as chemical peels, lasers and dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is the least invasive. However, you should still make sure that the provider performing your microdermabrasion is properly trained. If you have deeper scars or wrinkles or very rough or uneven skin, you may want to opt for a chemical peel, laser resurfacing or dermabrasion.
Sources:
Kryger ZB. Dermabrasion. In: Kryger ZB, Sisco M, eds. Practical Plastic Surgery. Austin, TX: Landes Bioscience, 2007.
Obaid SI, Burns JL. Nonoperative Facial Rejuvenation. In: Janis JE ed. Essentials of Plastic Surgery, 1st Ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier, Inc, 2006.
Perrotti JA. Cutaneous Resurfacing: Chemical Peeling, Dermabrasion, and Laser Resurfacing. In: Thorne CH, Beasley RW, Aston SJ, Bartlett SP, Gurtner GC, Spear SL. Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wiilkins, 2007.
