What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation procedure for superficial skin resurfacing which utilizes a refined abrasive element, such as a diamond-tipped pad or aerosolized crystals, to gently remove the outermost skin layers. This controlled wounding process stimulates cell renewal with regeneration of the healthier epidermis and dermis. It is used for treatment of photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and acne, as well as fine lines and superficial scars.

Who Should Get Microdermabrasion?

While almost any patient will derive benefit from microdermabrasion, patients with mild to moderate photoaging changes such as solar lentigines, dullness, and rough skin texture, as well as acneic conditions, trypically derive the most noticeable benefits. Results are cumulative and a series of treatments are necessary for noticeable improvements. It can also improve fine lines, enlarge pores and atrophic scar; however, results are not comparable to those achieved with deeper skin resurfacing procedures such as medium depth peels or laser resurfacing.

What Does Microdermabrasion Treat?

• Photo damage
• Rough texture
• Fine lines
• Hyperpigmentation
• Dull, sallow skin color
• Enlarge pores
• Acne simplex
• Acne vulgaris
• Superficial acne scars
• Keratosis pilaris
• Thickened scaling skin
• Dry skin
• Seborrheic keratosis scaling
• Enhanced penetration of topical products and chemical peels

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Most Microdermabrasion devices have a closed-loop vacuum system that draws the skin against an element at the handpiece tip. As the handpiece is moved across the skin, the outermost layers are removed and the cellular debris is aspirated into a container that is disposed of after treatment. Common abrasive elements used in Microdermabrasion devices include diamond- tipped pads, crystal pads, aerosolized crystals, and bristles.

Skin resurfacing with Microdermabrasion ranges from removal of the stratum corneum (very superficial resurfacing) to removal of the entire epidermis (superficial resurfacing). Two passes typically exfoliate the stratum corneum, and four passes exfoliate the whole epidermis.

Why Is Microdermabrasion Better Than Exfoliating Scrubs?

• Controlled depth of exfoliation
• Safe for all skin types
• Minimal to no discomfort during the procedure
• Minimal risk of complications
• No down time
• May be combined with other treatments, such as topical products, chemical exfoliation and laser for enhanced results

When Should Microdermabrasion Be Avoided?

• Pregnancy or nursing
• Active infection(e.g. herpes simplex, impetigo or cellulitis) or open wound in the treatment area
• Keloidal or hypertrophic scarring
• Melanoma( or lesions suspected for melanoma), basal cell, or squamous cell carcinoma in the treatment area

Written by Sonja K & Reena S.

DermaSpa MD Medical Estheticians