Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is one of the recent skin rejuvenating techniques that is known for being a cheaper alternative to Botox injections and chemical peels.

Microdermabrasion is an instant procedure that involves the sandblasting of skin by spraying baking soda, aluminum oxide crystal or salt granules to remove the top layers of dead skin cells.

Microdermabrasion is usually performed to treat superficial skin problems such as age spots, brown spots, fine lines, mild acne scars and dull skin.

Microdermabrasion not only removes damaged skin, it also promotes the development of new cells in the deepest layer of the dermis.

Also Known As: Particle resurfacing, Parisian Peel, Derma-peel, Power Peel

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion benefits patients desiring to remove skin conditions such as tattoo scars, sun-damaged skins, age liver spots, fine lines and wrinkles, blackheads, whiteheads, acne prone skin, stretch marks, oily skin, post-laser blending and various skin lesions.

The Microdermabrasion procedure will benefit patients of all skin types and colors, by improving or eliminating superficial skin conditions without scarring and skin color change.

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure. For this reason, there are no side effects and risks such as skin bleeding and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

The Microdermabrasion Procedure

Microdermabrasion usually lasts fifteen to thirty minutes, while treating stretch marks can take more than two hours.

Microdermabrasion starts by using medical, high-grade aluminum oxide crystals, which are projected on the target area. Once the crystals reach the skin, it removes the outer layers of the dead skin.

A vacuum pressure is then used to remove the crystals with the dead skin cells and delivers them into a waste collection unit. This process also stimulates blood flow to the area, which increases oxygenation, enhancing cell development and collagen renewal.

Normally, the skin cells of an adult are replaced automatically every 28 days. Once treated with Microdermabrasion, the skin cells are replaced faster.

Recovery After Microdermabrasion Procedure

Immediately after a Microdermabrasion procedure, the skin treated will become pinkish with a dry and tight feeling. This feeling will last for about 24 hours.

After the treatment, moisturizers and sunscreens should be applied. Makeup should not be applied for a day or two after the procedure.

Two to three days after the procedure, glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid and skin exfoliation products should be avoided.

Seven days after Microdermabrasion, chlorinated pool and direct sun exposure should be avoided. Use quality sunscreen if possible.

The Results

Results of the Microdermabrasion procedure are immediate. It can be visible after the first treatment, as the skin appears light pink with softer texture.

Treatments that are more aggressive and extensive could cause the pinkish color to persist throughout the day of treatment.

Depending on the area treated, fine lines and age spots are reduced or even erased. Eventually, the acne scars and stretch marks will be less visible.

However, the maximum healing will be gradually progressive.

Surgical facility And Cost

Microdermabrasion can be performed at home using Microdermabrasion products, at health spas or salons and at medical centers.

The cost of Microdermabrasion will depend on where the procedure is to be treated.

The average cost of Microdermabrasion home systems, which is the cheapest form of this procedure, ranges from $15 to $150. Spas and salons charge $100 to $140 for Microdermabrasion treatments.

A more costly option is performed at a medical facility where an individual treatment ranges from $100 to $25,000.

Side Effects, Risks, Complications and Contradictions

Unlike dermabrasion that causes side effects such as infection, scar formation, skin darkening, and skin color changes, patients who undergo Microdermabrasion may experience irritation caused by crystals going into unprotected eyes.