Microdermabrasion is a less invasive skin resurfacing technique.

Skin Improvement Plastic surgery microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion - Definition

Microdermabrasion is a facial mini-peeling or mini-sanding technique used to remove the top layers of skin. It is much less invasive and corrective in nature than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion considers the reducing of scarring and other skin defects, while microdermabrasion focuses on lessening the appearance of the signs of aging.

Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular non-surgical skin procedures. By stimulating the body’s natural collagen and skin cell production, microdermabrasion lessens the appearance of fine lines, ‘crow’s feet, ’age spots, sun damage, as well as acne scars. The benefits of microdermabrasion are many and it is becoming more and more convenient and available.

Microdermabrasion - History

Microdermabrasion dates back to Egyptian times when they would apply abrasive scrubs (usually made of alabaster) to the skin. These ancient skin polishing techniques began to evolve in the early 1900s into a form similar to today’s processes. Skin care physicians are now even using lasers to aid in the resurfacing process. But that is not the way of microdermabrasion as will be discussed. Microdermabrasion offers a patient the opportunity to aid their appearance with a low risk of complications and a much shorter--perhaps even same day--recovery time.

Microdermabrasion Treatment - Benefits

Let’s look at the benefits of microdermabrasion. First, no anesthetic is required due to the superficial technique. What that means is that because microdermabrasion only affects the top layer of the skin, it is not a painful procedure, thus does not require anesthesia to numb the area. However, this also means that deeper wrinkles and lines will not be affected in the same way by microdermabrasion that fine lines will.

Next, the microdermabrasion procedure is painless and typically does not have any side effects. This is wonderful news to a nervous microdermabrasion client as any surgery is a bit daunting when the subject is first approached—especially when the instrument is being used on the face. And not having to worry about post-procedure pain is another one of the many plusses of microdermabrasion.

Since the procedure is non-surgical and painless, microdermabrasion can be potentially done over someone’s work day lunch hour. Microdermabrasion is convenient in this way to the busy working woman or man. Microdermabrasion is effective on all skin colors and types (again because it only deals with a superficial layer of the skin). Due to the non-invasive technique, microdermabrasion is suitable for those that might be sensitive to a chemical peel. However, it is always best to speak with the physician beforehand to make sure that the patient is a good candidate for microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion Treatment - Procedure

The actual microdermabrasion procedure involves an instrument that releases tiny crystals onto the skin’s surface. This causes a gentle abrasive action that smoothes and polishes the top layer of the skin. The crystals are then ‘sucked up’ by a vacuum to remove them from the skin’s surface. Microdermabrasion can be performed by a physician, nurse, or a licensed aesthetician. The slower the movement of the hand piece, the deeper the microdermabrasion treatment will be due to the lengthier contact of the crystals and the skin.

And more recently, microdermabrasion kits can be found at the local grocery store or neighborhood drugstore—complete with a simplified version of the surgical instrument used in physician offices and day spas. It is worth noting that special care needs to taken when performing one’s own microdermabrasion procedure. Following the product instructions will likely prevent any irritation that may occur and generally most brands are safe enough for anyone to use without major problems. As with most skin care procedures, it is certainly best to have a professional perform the microdermabrasion--someone who has done microdermabrasion hundreds of times before, especially when it involves the facial area.

Although the face is the first area thought of when performing microdermabrasion, other areas can be polished as well. The neck, hands, and chest area can also benefit from microdermabrasion. Age spots can be helped dramatically by the procedure; however, nothing can erase every aging sign. Microdermabrasion will lessen the overall appearance.

There are other factors to consider in choosing microdermabrasion. The procedure only affects the top layer of the skin, thus further treatments will needed in order to maintain the newer skin. A physician or nurse may recommend a specific periodic maintenance treatment and skin care program based on the microdermabrasion patient’s skin goals and condition. The follow up microdermabrasion treatments—ranging from five on up to twelve--can be spaced out two to three weeks apart, again this will depend on the microdermabrasion patient.

In cases of the patient wanting scarring to be lessened, the treatments may be much greater in number. It is true that microdermabrasion patients that start off with a decent skin tone will achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time. Again, this is because microdermabrasion is a superficial technique and can not correct deeper skin issues.

Microdermabrasion - Lastwords

Microdermabrasion is a perfect and widely popular solution to lessen the early signs of aging and soften later signs in a safe and easy manner. Many physicians offer this treatment as well as aestheticians in day spas in every city, state, and country. As always, a patient should go into microdermabrasion with reasonable expectations, as time stops for no one, but maybe it can slow down.