Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that is done by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. After the skin is numb, a wire brush spins around rapidly, removing the outermost layers of skin. This damages the skin, but when it heals, new skin replaces the old layers, greatly improving the skin’s appearance.
Many people use dermabrasion to help with the following:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Age spots
- Deep acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Precancerous skin patches
- Tattoo removal
How long is a typical treatment?
It’s an outpatient procedure and takes about an hour.
What can you expect while healing from dermabrasion?
Pain, itching, tingling, or slight burning. The skin may be red, swollen, or have scars. Avoid activity until your doctor says you can resume.
Microdermabrasion
This also removes old layers of skin. Microdermabrasion is done by exfoliating the outer layers of skin. It is usually painless. They use a minimally abrasive tool to sand the skin and remove dead skin in a gentle way (similar to how brushing your teeth works) Microdermabrasion is used to treat superficial conditions. It can also stimulate collagen production, giving the skin a more ageless appearance.
Can microdermabrasion be done at home?
Yes. It can be achieved with at-home kits, cloths, or exfoliating creams. Your dermatologist may also give you microdermabrasion devices.
Microdermabrasion is used to treat:
Are there risks?
Microdermabrasion is considered very safe. The risks are much less than with dermabrasion. There can be a few small side effects however. These are:
- Redness, small bruising and abrasions
- Tightening or sensitivity of the skin
How often can you use a Microdermabrasion treatment?
In most cases, start with a weekly treatment and then reduce it to monthly. Before starting any regimen, consult your dermatologist.
