Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that can be used for a number of skin related problems. It works by removing the outer layers of dead skin in the affected areas, usually on the face. It is sometimes used as a procedure that can replace the need for a chemical peel or delay more invasive procedures including face-lifts. It is less invasive and less involved than its predecessor, dermabrasion which removes not only the outer layers of dead skin, but penetrates to lower levels of skin. Dermabrasion is used less commonly today, unless required because of its invasiveness, side effects and recovery time.
What conditions can be treated with Microdermabrasion?
Some of these conditions that microdermabrasion may treat include removal of hyperpigmentation or dark spots, skin-damage, fine lines, wrinkles, and shallow acne scars. Microdermabrasion may also be more easily targeted to specific areas of the skin, leaving other areas untouched as needed. It works, not only by removing the dead skin, but may also encourage new skin and collagen support to grow in the underlying skin resulting in a more firm and healthy appearance. Removal of the dead skin layers may also aid in the penetration of skin products and may result in a softer, improved texture and feel of the skin that has been treated.
Preparing for Microdermabrasion
After deciding through a consultation with Dr. Leif Rogers and his staff that microdermabrasion may help improve the appearance of your skin you will be asked to arrive at the clinic with clean, untreated skin – in other words, no make-up or skin products should be applied before your procedure. Other than that, no additional pre-treatment will be required and microdermabrasion does not usually require any type of medical sedation.
How Microdermabrasion is performed
Dermabrasion was initially done using course granules to essentially sand off layers of the skin including layers of both the epidermis and the underlying dermis. Microdermabrasion has evolved dramatically from this rough procedure and now uses microcrystals (magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate or aluminum oxide) in an application with a machine that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for microdermabrasion. The machine’s application wand will allow gentle exfoliation of the areas of your skin that need treatment, targeting the treatment to certain areas. It also generally acts as a vacuum to not only suck up the dead skin cells, but to vacuum up leftover crystals so that they will not become embedded in your skin. It may have the added benefit of encouraging blood flow which may stimulate circulation and healing.
Recovery from Microdermabrasion
Unlike more invasive procedures such as dermabrasion and some chemical peels, microdermabrasion results may be seen immediately by some patients and recovery time is usually much shorter. You may experience some mild redness and dryness in the area that was treated and some patients do experience peeling in affected areas, though these effects are generally mild and usually last for only a few days. Particular skin lotions or treatments may also be advised to reduce the after-effects and you may be advised to avoid direct sun-exposure after the procedure. In addition, because collagen and new skin formation is being encouraged, for lasting effects, some patients will need multiple treatments to achieve full benefits offered by this procedure.
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