Microdermabrasion

Your skin is exposed to environmental elements every day. Over the years, the sun's rays, pollution, and other damaging agents can take a toll on your skin. Microdermabrasion treatment can help reduce or eliminate the wrinkles and fine lines, "crow's feet," age spots, light acne scars, and undesired pigmentation that may appear on the skin over time.

What Is Microdermabrasion ?

Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical, non-invasive procedure that uses a spray of microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells and reveal younger, healthier-looking skin. Microdermabrasion also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, which further improves your skin’s appearance. Microdermabrasion is much gentler than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a more intensive procedure used to treat deeper facial lines, extreme sun damage, and scars.

Microdermabrasion Candidates

In general, good microdermabrasion candidates are adults who are in good physical health, with realistic expectations for the outcome of their treatment. People who do not have enough available time to undergo more invasive skin resurfacing treatments such as dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels may also be good candidates for microdermabrasion.

Cost of Microdermabrasion

The cost of microdermabrasion depends on factors such as the amount of microdermabrasion a patient needs, the number of treatments, the fees of the treating physician, and the geographic region where the treatment is administered. The cost of microdermabrasion is less expensive than that of some other cosmetic options for facial rejuvenation, particularly surgical procedures such as a face lift.

Risks and Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a safe, non-surgical, "lunch hour" procedure that provides many benefits. Microdermabrasion reduces or eliminates fine facial lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging; it improves the appearance of acne scars and other light scarring; and it gives skin of all colors and types a fresh, healthy-looking glow. It does all this with virtually no side effects. And because microdermabrasion uses non-allergenic crystals to treat the skin, it is an excellent treatment for skin that is sensitive to chemicals. Microdermabrasion does not present any serious risks when it is performed by a qualified provider. Some people may experience slight skin irritation after microdermabrasion. Since everyone's skin and health history differ to some degree, the risks and benefits of microdermabrasion must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Microdermabrasion Procedure

During a microdermabrasion treatment, the clinician directs a stream of tiny ("micro") aluminum oxide crystals through a hand piece that is placed against the skin. These dermabrasion crystals exfoliate the skin, and the mild suction created by the microdermabrasion system removes the skin debris and crystals.

Microdermabrasion helps produce thicker, healthier skin layers; multiple treatments are vital because they encourage the production of a new layer of skin cells that contains higher levels of collagen and elastin. Both of these components are essential for vibrant, healthy skin, and they will further improve your complexion and the overall appearance of your skin. Approximately five to twelve treatments spaced two to three weeks apart are usually necessary to reap full microdermabrasion benefits. Convenient and virtually painless, the microdermabrasion procedure takes only 30 to 60 minutes and is commonly referred to as the “lunch hour facial.”

Is the Microdermabrasion Procedure Painful?

The microdermabrasion procedure exfoliates dead cells from the skin’s surface. While it is not painful, the treatment can cause a slight warming sensation as the abrasive microdermabrasion crystals gently slough away old and damaged layers of skin. Some patients have likened the experience to having a facial massage. After a microdermabrasion treatment, the newly revealed layer of skin is usually more sensitive and requires extra protection from the sun. You should not feel uncomfortable, but you should be particularly careful about wearing sunscreens. Applying moisturizing creams to hydrate and calm the skin can also prevent any potential irritation. A good aesthetician, registered nurse, or dermatologist will be able to suggest a facial cream or lotion that is best suited for your skin type.

Microdermabrasion Recovery and Results

Microdermabrasion is often called a "lunch hour" treatment because it's a quick procedure that can be performed at a doctor's office during your lunch hour with little or no discomfort. The treated skin may be pink after the treatment, but this will usually fade within a few hours. You can apply makeup soon after undergoing microdermabrasion to conceal any visible signs of the treatment. Microdermabrasion recovery and results are among the most favorable of all the noninvasive facial treatments available today.

Microdermabrasion FAQs

To assist you in determining if microdermabrasion is the right treatment to help you achieve your aesthetic goals, DocShop provides a page of microdermabrasion (FAQs) that cover a full range of issues, including how microdermabrasion compares to other skin treatments. A highly qualified DocShop physician can answer any further questions you have about microdermabrasion and your unique skin treatment needs.

Consult a Skin Care Professional in Your Area

To learn more about microdermabrasion and dermabrasion treatments and their benefits, use DocShop's extensive online directory to contact a skin care professional in your area.