What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion are some of the more recent skin-care techiniques to have become more mainstream. This is when a dermatologist, Licensed Esthetician, or a plastic surgeon ‘sands’ your skin with a special instrument, such as the ClearFX Skin microdermabrasion machine, removing the outermost layer of dead skin. The procedure makes way for a smoother layer of skin to replace the skin that has been treated and removed.
Microdermabrasion vs. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion was developed to improve scars from acne, accidents, or disease, and pox marks. It is not effective in treating congenital skin defects, moles, pigmented birthmarks, or burn scars. Dermabrasion should only be applied to fair skin, as it can result in scarring or discoloration of darker skin.
Microdermabrasion uses tiny exfoliating crystals that are sprayed onto the skin. This technique is less aggressive than dermabrasion, so you don’t need numbing medicine. It is basically an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure that leaves skin looking softer and brighter. It helps to heal problems:
- Improve age spots and black heads.
- Improve hyperpigmentation (patches of darkened skin, or melasma).
- Exfoliate your skin, resulting in a refreshed appearance.
- Improves uneven skin tone or texture.
- Lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduce or eliminate enlarged pores.
- Treat acne and the scars left by acne.
Dermatologists also use microdermabrasion to improve the results gained from using anti-aging products and skin-bleaching produces. Microdermabrasion allows these products to penetrate the skin more easily and helps to thicken the collagen in your skin, which can result in a younger looking complexion.
Microdermabrasion works on all skin types and colors. It allows subtly changes, and will not cause skin color change or scarring. It is not effective for deeper problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles or deep acne scars. There is less down time with microdermabrasion than with dermabrasion. Skin may be pink but recovers within twenty-four hours.
Microdermabrasion is often referred to as an ‘instant facelift’ and is an effective alternative to costlier and more invasive procedures such as plastic surgery, chemical peels, and botox. This in part explains why it appeals to many patients, and is being used more frequently by men recently, as opposed to pursuing plastic surgery.
As with any procedure, you should consult your dermatologist or plastic surgeon whom you’d like to perform the procedure, and discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure. You may also get instructions to follow before and after, and perhaps take ‘before’ photos for comparison later.