Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that doesn’t use lasers or chemicals, but will remove dead skin cells, debris and unclog the skin pores. The treatment is effective in making the skin look younger and fresh, while removing superficial scars or even diminishing or preventing acne. In addition, Microdermabrasion also increases the levels of collagen and ellastin, which will tighten the skin in the long run.
Microdermabrasion may be combined with a number of other treatments that may have similar effects or additional benefits for the skin or the appearance of the patient. These include:
Facelift
Microdermabrasion is most often applied on the face and neck areas. Even if the Microdermabrasion has a tightening effect, stimulating the collagen, the treatment will not be helpful for deep wrinkles and lines. A facelift is a solution that can have the most long lasting effects.
Instead of a facelift, the patient may opt for a cheek lift or a brow lift. A liquid facelift may be a less aggressive alternative to reduce wrinkles and add volume. Any of these treatments should be applied before the Microdermabrasion, as this treatment may reduce the appearance of possible surgery scars.
Fraxel
The Fraxel treatments may have similar effects as the Microdermabrasion procedure, but certain Fraxel (i.e. Repair) treatments are more effective and may be applied on severe scars and acne. Microdermabrasion may only be effective in reducing mild to medium acne and superficial scars.
The Fraxel treatments will involve lasers, but no surgery, so that the recovery period is minimal. The Fraxel treatments should be applied after a Microdermabrasion procedure.
Chemical Peels
The effects of chemical peels are similar to the effects of Microdermabrasion, but the results will be more dramatic. The chemical peels can be applied before or after a Microdermabrasion treatment.
Radiesse Injectible Treatment
Radiesse is an injection that can be applied to reduce wrinkles around the eyes or mouth. The Microdermabrasion treatment is not recommended in sensitive areas such as the eyes, where there are a lot of wrinkles and fine lines.
BOTOX® or Purtox
Both BOTOX® and Purtox use botulinum toxin, a substance that has the property of numbing the facial muscles, disabling these, so they won’t form dynamic wrinkles. Botulinum toxin injections are recommended after a Microdermabrasion, to preserve the wrinkle free skin for longer.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers may be used to add volume to the lips or under the eyes, or to fill certain areas that are filled with wrinkles. The fillers may be collagen, that may be synthetic or animal derived (from pigs or cows). There are also dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid, which seems to gain popularity, due to the longer lasting effects.
Liposuction
While dermal fillers add volume, the liposuction will reduce fat, if in excess on the face and neck. Liposuction can be combined with Microdermabrasion, but is typically recommended before the skin exfoliation treatment.
