What is Microdermabrasion?
Your skin is exposed to the onslaught of environmental elements every day. The sun’s rays, pollution, and other damaging elements can take their toll on your skin. Microdermabrasion treatments can help.
Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical, non-invasive procedure that uses a spray of tiny crystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells. It’s a gentle buffing procedure used for light exfoliation of the uppermost layer of skin. By eliminating the accumulated dead cells and unclogging pores, microdermabrasion reveals the underlying layer of bright, healthy looking skin.
Microdermabrasion also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, both of which contribute to a more youthful and healthier appearance.
What is the Difference Between Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion?
The underlying idea of dermabrasion and microdermabrasion is the same – eliminate the upper, damaged layer of skin and bring out the soft and healthy skin hidden beneath. However, big differences exist between the two.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical, non-invasive procedure that uses a spray of microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells.
During your microdermabrasion treatment, your doctor will use a high tech device with a suction tip and a fine spray of microcrystals to “sandblast” or remove the outer dead layers of your skin, clear out pores and improve your skin’s surface.
- This technique is much less aggressive than dermabrasion.
- Microdermabrasion treatment is gentle and is done without anesthetic.
- The procedure takes less than an hour.
- Recovery time is minimal, with some redness the only sign of recent treatment.
- There are no side effects.
- No pain medication or follow-up is needed.
- Several treatments are normally needed to obtain the best result.
Candidates for Microdermabrasion
The ideal candidates for microdermabrasion are healthy adults who have relatively minor skin conditions or imperfections and realistic expectations about what microdermabrasion can and cannot do.
Patients with fine facial lines or wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, uneven pigmentation, clogged pores, minor scars, or skin texture problems are good candidates for microdermabrasion. Patients with acne can also benefit from microdermabrasion treatments.
Since the procedure is mild and non-invasive, it cannot correct deep facial creases or damage. It can’t tighten the skin or act as a facelift.
Skin Conditions Best Addressed with Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion works well in treating these conditions. If you have other concerns regarding your skin, ask us. If microdermabrasion is not the answer, we will more than likely have another solution for you.
- Dull complexion
- Uneven skin tone
- Uneven skin texture
- Oily skin
- Age spots
- Dark spots that can appear when acne starts to clear
- Melasma (skin problem causing brown to gray-brown patches on the face)
- Fine facial lines
- Mild acne scars
- Clogged pores
- Enlarged pores
Recovery and Skincare After Microdermabrasion
After microdermabrasion, your skin will be pink and feel dry and tight for about 24 hours. Use moisturizers and sunscreens. Some types of makeup should not be applied for at least 24 hours after the procedure. (We’ll let you know more about complete personal skin aftercare when you come in for your consultation.)
You will also need to avoid sun exposure for a few days immediately after the procedure.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a more intense and invasive procedure than microdermabrasion and is used to treat deeper facial lines, extreme sun damage, and scars. This treatment is also frequently used to improve the look of facial skin left scarred by accidents or previous surgery, or to smooth out fine facial wrinkles. It’s also sometimes used to remove the precancerous growths called keratoses.
Dermabrasion helps to “refinish” the skin’s top layers through a method of controlled surgical scraping. It’s a mechanical procedure that uses a power driven hand-held device to remove the top layers of the skin.
It may need general or a local anesthetic, depending on the treated area. A dermabrasion treatment lasts between a few minutes and two hours, depending on the depth and size of the area of the skin being resurfaced.
Candidates for Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion enhances your appearance and your self-confidence, but won’t remove all scars and flaws or prevent aging.
A realistic understanding of what any cosmetic treatment can and cannot do plays an important role in your decision to undergo this procedure. Before you decide to have a skin-refinishing treatment, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Men and women of all ages, from young people to older adults, can benefit from dermabrasion, although older people heal more slowly from the treatment.
Skin Conditions Best Addressed by Dermabrasion
Because dermabrasion operates on a deeper level than microdermabrasion, it is used for more extensive cosmetic facial conditions. These include:
- Deep wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Scars related to trauma or surgery
- Superficial skin growths
- Hyperpigmentation
- Cysts
- Fine lines and wrinkles
What Will Recovery from Dermabrasion Be Like?
After dermabrasion treatment, your skin will be red, swollen, and extremely sensitive for up to 10 days.
You will have a follow-up appointment soon after your dermabrasion. Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after the procedure. Do not take aspirin or any products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for one week afterwards.
You new skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal color. In most cases, the pinkness largely fades by six to eight weeks.
Our team here at Ganchi Plastic Surgery will give you specific instructions on what to do and not to do in order to ensure the best results and fastest healing from your treatment.
Are there Side Effects or Possible Complications Connected With Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion has been around for years and is considered a safe and effective treatment for many skin conditions. However, there are some risks.
- Darkening of the skin (usually temporary but may be permanent); this is caused by sun exposure in the days and months following the procedure, which is one reason it’s so important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding post treatment care.
- Uneven changes in skin color (temporary or permanent)
- Scar formation
- Swelling
- Infection of the treatment area
Another aspect of dermabrasion to be aware of is that black skin, Asian skin, and other dark complexions may become permanently discolored or blotchy after a skin-refinishing treatment such as dermabrasion. Generally, dermabrasion should not be used in darker skin types.
It has sometimes occurred that freckles have disappeared entirely from a treated area.
To discover whether dermabrasion is the right skin enhancing treatment for you, call the office and schedule an appointment.
How Do I Know Whether Microdermabrasion or Dermabrasion is Right for Me?
Every person and every situation is special and unique. The best way to discover whether microdermabrasion is right for you is to schedule an appointment and come in for a consultation.
Give us a call and we will guide you through the process of selecting the best procedure to give you the healthiest, smoothest skin.