Microdermabrasion F.A.Q

Microdermabrasion is a very popular, machine-assisted skin-exfoliating treatment. Microdermabrasion has advantages of low risk and rapid recovery compared to the other more invasive resurfacing methods such as dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser resurfacing. Since microdermabrasion produces only a very superficial depth of skin removal, it works best on improving conditions on the surface of the skin such as early photoaging (sun damage), fine lines, age spots, acne, and superficial scarring, although the results are not dramatic. Although the face is the most common area for microdermabrasion, any skin area, including neck, chest, back, and hands, may be treated. Microdermabrasion is sometimes referred to as "microderm," lunchtime peel, Parisian Peel, and Diamond Peel.

Microdermabrasion is a painless, noninvasive, skin-rejuvenation procedure using a combination of a fine abrasive tip or crystals and vacuum suction applied to the skin. There are no needles or anesthetics required for microdermabrasion. The vacuum pressure and speed are adjusted depending on the sensitivity and tolerance of the skin. Microdermabrasion is often compared to the feeling of a cat licking your face, a rough but gentle texture. Typical microdermabrasion sessions can last anywhere from five to 60 minutes. Minimal to no recovery time is required after microdermabrasion and most people immediately return to daily activity after a session. Makeup and nonirritating creams can usually be applied right after microdermabrasion. Studies have shown that microdermabrasion can even temporarily facilitate the absorption of some topical medications through increasing the permeability of the skin.

Microdermabrasion works by removing a few of the top layers of the skin called the stratum corneum. Much like brushing your teeth, microderm helps to gently remove "plaque" and skin debris. Since human skin typically regenerates at approximately 30-day intervals, skin improvement with microdermabrasion is temporary and needs to be repeated at average intervals of two to four weeks for continued improvement. Multiple treatments in combination with sunscreen, sun avoidance, and other skin-care creams yield best results.

Microdermabrasion should not be confused with dermabrasion which is an invasive surgical procedure performed typically by dermatologists or plastic surgeons under local or general anesthesia. Dermabrasion is a procedure for deeper acne scars. Dermabrasion requires anesthesia and would be too painful otherwise. Dermabrasion is also performed for certain types of deep scars.

Microdermabrasion works by using a special device that exfoliates your skin using microcrystals or a mineral tip. This abrasive impact removes the dry, dead skin cells and impurities.

The body interprets the process as an injury and stimulates the growth of younger, brighter-looking skin.

Through this procedure, higher levels of elastin and collagen are released, which results in smoothening out of the skin’s overall texture, color, and appearance.

Traditionally, a crystal microdermabrasion system contains a pump, a connecting tube, a hand piece, and a vacuum. While the pump creates a high-pressure stream of inert crystals, such as aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate, to abrade the skin, the vacuum removes the crystals and exfoliated skin cells. Alternatively, the inert crystals can be replaced by a roughened surface of the tip in the diamond microdermabrasion system.

Unlike the crystal microdermabrasion system, the diamond microdermabrasion machine does not produce particles from crystals that may be inhaled into a patient's nose or blown into the eyes. Hence, diamond microdermabrasion is safer for use on areas around the eyes and lips. Generally, the slower the movement of the hand piece against the skin and the more numbers of passes over the skin, the deeper the treatment.

Microdermabrasion is somewhat useful for people with dull or sallow skin, mild acne, acne discoloration, pick marks, and very superficial acne scars. Microdermabrasion may be a good treatment option for patients with superficial skin problems and busy lifestyles who are looking for minimal benefits with virtually no side effects or downtime. Individuals with deeper acne scars may expect a much longer series of treatments or likely benefit from physician-performed surgical dermabrasion, chemical peeling or laser resurfacing.

The ideal candidates for microdermabrasion are healthy individuals with minor skin imperfections and realistic goals about what the procedure is about. Patients with uneven pigmentation, clogged pores, acne, blackheads, fine facial lines, minor scars, and age spots can benefit from microdermabrasion treatments.

However, it is not recommended for those with conditions including active keloids or warts in the treatment area. Microdermabrasion procedures for pregnant women should be postponed until after the baby is born.

Your skin, through the years, is exposed to harsh environmental elements and other damaging agents that can make it dry, dull, and worn out. From the sun’s UV rays, pollution, up to the unhealthy sleeping and work habits, even the food you eat and the products you lather on to your face and body, and in addition, collagen production slows down as you age. All these factors take a toll on your skin.

Microdermabrasion can be done as frequently as weekly or up to every eight weeks depending on your skin's tolerance and desired cosmetic effects. Many people choose to start with weekly treatments for three sessions, then change to a monthly maintenance regimen.

Much like brushing your teeth, microdermabrasion helps to gently remove skin debris. Since human skin typically regenerates at approximately 30-day intervals, skin improvement with microdermabrasion is temporary and needs to be repeated at average intervals of two to four weeks for continued improvement. Usually, multiple treatments (six to 12 sessions) are recommended to see a significant improvement.


It is important to leave enough time in between microdermabrasion procedures so that your skin has enough time to recover. Many dermatologists recommend leaving two weeks in between treatments, but you should follow the advice on the product you are using.

Do not use it more often than recommended as this can damage your skin. The frequency of each treatment will also depend on your skin type, skin issues, and expectations.

A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser product is highly recommended after a microdermabrasion treatment because it contains fewer irritants than standard facial creams and lotions but can still keep your skin fully hydrated. The non-comedogenic element means that it will not clog pores.

Ideally, you should choose a moisturiser which also has some sun protection as your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight the days after a microdermabrasion treatment.

While there are no specific age or sex restrictions, typically children over age 12 up to adults age 65 can get microdermabrasion. While there is no age maximum, mature skin over age 70 may have slightly higher risks of bruising and skin abrasions. Individuals younger than age 12 may sometimes also receive treatment under the care of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

The vacuum part of microdermabrasion has four basic roles:

• It gently pulls and lifts a small section of skin for micro abrasion.
• It can spray a stream of crystals across the targeted skin area.
• It focally stimulates blood circulation and creates mild swelling in the skin.
• It collects the used crystals and dead skin in a receptacle for easy disposal.

Generally, softer and smoother skin that feels fresher and more rejuvenated is the expected outcome after microdermabrasion. Before starting the microdermabrasion treatment, eye protection such as eye pads or goggles may be placed. Often the skin may be prepared and cleaned of makeup and oils. Yet, no tlocal anesthetic is required. The skin will be stretched to provide some tension in order to achieve the most effective abrasion and vacuum. The hand piece is moved over the skin with repeated single, smooth passes. Usually, two to four passes per area are sufficient.

Mild pinkness of the skin is the desired outcome and usually resolves within minutes to hours after microdermabrasion. In addition, mild exfoliation of skin may occur as well. Continuously apply moisturizer or ointment if exfoliation occurs. Patients may also experience mild sunburn-like sensation for a few days. Moreover, liberal application of sunscreen is recommended as photosensitivity may be increased after treatment.

Microdermabrasion may help stimulate the production of collagen, thereby helping skin rejuvenation. As age spots from photoaging and fine lines are diminished, the skin may become softer and smoother. The results are modest, however.

Microdermabrasion may be very useful for people with active acne, mild acne discoloration, pick marks, and very superficial or raised acne scars. Dermatologists use microdermabrasion to help unclog pores and clear acne. Often used in combination with gentle glycolic peels and medical acne extractions, microderm can help speed up acne clearing.
Individuals with deeper acne scars might be candidates for surgical dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

Potential side effects of microdermabrasion are minimal and this is a very safe procedure. Potential drawbacks are very limited in that microderm only affects the epidermis, which is the outermost skin layer. Common minor, temporary side effects include slight skin tightness, redness, bruising, and sensitivity. As a general rule, the greater the potential benefits with a cosmetic treatment, the greater the potential risks and side effects. The possible risks with more aggressive treatments like dermabrasion and laser are much greater than microdermabrasion.

Possible side effects of microdermabrasion include

• skin tightness,
• redness,
• minor bruising,
• skin sensitivity,
• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH),
• small skin abrasions,
• spots of bleeding,
• eye-skin bruising (especially if you are taking aspirinor other blood thinners),
• fine broken blood vessels (telangiectasia),
• and cold sore reactivation around lips.
  
  COLD SORES
  Cold sore reactivation may uncommonly occur after microderm around lips. If you have had a lot of previous cold sores, consider either avoiding treatment around the lip borders or asking your doctor about taking an antiviral pill prophylactically.
  
  INFLAMMATION
  Overly aggressive microderm may cause breaks in skin and resulting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Also overaggressive treatment may cause an increased risk of bruising (ecchymosis), especially if you are taking aspirin or other blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix). Since microdermabrasion only causes superficial skin removal, scarring and pigment changes are very rare if the procedure is performed correctly.
  
  MEDICATIONS
  In addition, if an individual is on isotretinoin (Accutane) or has taken this medication within the previous six to 12 months, resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion may not be appropriate due to the potential increased risk of scarring. As the potential risk is very slight, some dermatologists may treat patients on isotretonion with gentler sessions.

Microdermabrasion costs may range from $100-$250, the average cost being around $100 per session.