Microdermabrasion: Mini Dermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion has helped countless patients in Dallas, Texas or in other parts of the country achieve smoother skin. The procedure is often referred to as the "lunchtime peel" because it may be performed on a lunch break from work and requires no downtime or recovery period. The procedure is similar to dermabrasion, although it produces less significant results and may not be effective in treating certain types of skin conditions or blemishes.

Before treatment, patients are always encouraged to discuss their condition and/or goals with a skincare professional to determine if microdermabrasion is right for them. Microdermabrasion has been used to treat cases of acne and dyschromias. It is also used for general facial rejuvenation purposes. While there is no medical evidence suggesting that microdermabrasion is effective in improving the appearance of the skin, many patients report that their skin feels smoother following treatment. Many also report an improvement in skin texture and have treated uneven skin tone with microdermabrasion.

To reach optimal results, most patients require about five to nine treatments, although this may vary. Sessions are usually spaced about a week apart. Patients may require a maintenance program to maintain optimal results, and this should be discussed with a skincare professional in the Dallas area. Results from microdermabrasion usually last a few months, although this may also vary on a case by case basis.

Microdermabrasion utilizes tiny aluminum oxide crystals that are propelled toward the skin and then immediately vacuumed up. Dead skin cells are also vacuumed in the process. Microdermabrasion differs from dermabrasion in that a rotary tool with an abrasive wheel is not used to remove the top layers of skin, as is the case in dermabrasion. There is no pain associated with microdermabrasion (only mild discomfort similar to having an emery board scraped across the skin) and the procedure does not require any downtime or recovery period like dermabrasion.

Most microdermabrasion procedures take between 10 and 30 minutes. Facial redness may be present for about an hour after the procedure, but there is nothing invasive to heal from. Dermabrasion, on the other hand, may require a few days of downtime before patients may resume their normal daily activities. A pink or red complexion may be present in the weeks following dermabrasion as well.

Not that dermabrasion is a very invasive procedure, of course. It is actually less invasive than many other procedures and requires a shorter recovery period than many treatments. In deciding between microdermabrasion and dermabrasion, patients must decide what conditions or blemishes they wish to treat. Dermabrasion is used to treat scarring, acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines and other conditions, while microdermabrasion is usually used for general facial rejuvenation purposes.

Patients should also keep in mind that dermabrasion requires that patients avoid sun exposure in the weeks following treatment. This may be difficult for those who work outdoors. Talk to a doctor in the Dallas area for more information about dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, and which treatment may be right for you. This is the best resource for information pertaining to microdermabrasion, dermabrasion and other cosmetic treatments.

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