What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion
is a popular procedure and is classified as very superficial
dermabrasion, or exfoliation. This method employs tiny aluminum
oxide crystals which are sprayed onto the skin and immediately
sucked up along with dead skin cells. Although not scientifically
proven to improve the appearance of skin, many patients report
that their skin feels smoother. It is also popular because it
is painless and there is no recovery time after the procedure.
Microdermabrasion is safe on any skin color or type.
What is microdermabrasion used for?
Most patients report improvement in acne, uneven skin color, and
skin texture. Patients like the fact that makeup goes on more smoothly
after microdermabrasion.
What does microdermabrasion
feel like?
During the micrdermabrasion treatment, tiny crystals
are sprayed out and vacuumed up through a hand piece. There may
be some mild discomfort, described by some as similar to an emery
board against the skin. Some patients report that the experience
is similar to a facial massage.
How long does microdermabrasion take?
Normally, microdermabrasion takes between
ten and thirty minutes, depending on the area being treated.
How many treatments will
I need?
On average, 5-9 microdermabrasion treatments, spaced
one week apart, are required. Most people who use microdermabrasion
require a maintenance program to maintain the effects.
How long do the results
last?
Typically, the microdermabrasion results last a
few months.
What are the risks of microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is safe. There
may be facial redness for about an hour after the procedure but
no recovery time is required.
What is dermabrasion?
Mechanical resurfacing of
the skin has been in use for about 50 years and involves the
use of abrasive tools to remove the outer layers of the skin
to produce improved appearance. Dermabrasion
has been used for the treatment of photoaging (from sun damage),
wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions, and discoloration
(called dyschromia). Superficial and deep techniques are available.
There are two layers of the skin; the outer layer is called
the epidermis and the inner layer, the dermis. Superficial dermabrasion
removes portions of the epidermis and deep dermabrasion removes
all of the epidermis and portions of the dermis. Deep methods
are the preferred method for treatment of scarring and other
less common skin conditions (i.e. epidermal nevi, rhinophyma,
and benign tumors). It has also been used for removal of resistant
tattoos. Deep methods are more effective but generally require
healing time and carry a higher risk of complications.
What is the procedure
like?
Motorized dermabrasion is a medium
deep or deep procedure and employs the use of a motorized brush
or diamond cylinder. These tools are used to remove the outer layers
of the skin in a controlled setting. Local anesthesia and sometimes
general anesthesia is used for pain control during the procedure.
How long does the procedure
take?
Depending on the size of the area
being treated, dermabrasion can take from 30 to 90 minutes.
What will my face feel
like after the procedure?
Dressings usually need be worn
after the procedure and temporary facial swelling and pain is normal.
Within 7-10 days, the skin has healed but is often very red. Complete
healing may take up to one month and collagen remodeling may continue
for months after the procedure.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually one treatment is adequate
but you and your physician will decide what is needed for you.
How long will the results last?
Improvement in scarring can be
permanent. Improvement in photoaging can last years with good sun
protection.
What are the risks of dermabrasion?
Complications are rare but include
infection, prolonged healing, discoloration, and scarring. Not everyone
is a good candidate for dermabrasion. You and your physician need
to decide if dermabrasion is the right procedure for you.
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