Microdermabrasion Basics
Microdermabrasion treatments are often associated with spa treatments
and usually include other facial treatments. Microdermabrasion is the
removal of dead skin to lessen the appearance of scars and other
darkened portions on the face. This procedure is the light abrasion of
the upper layer of skin, known as the stratum corneum. Depending on the
procedure, microdermabrasion can be painless and does not require the
use of an anesthetic. In contrast dermabrasion is procedure performed
under local or general anesthesia and is more invasive.
Microdermabrasion is often used to treat scars and to medically remove
raised scars and their surrounding surfaces. In contrast
microdermabrasion does not treat scars that have receded into the
facial skin. Unlike some belief, microdermabrasion does not stimulate
the formation of collagen. This kind of procedure is also used to treat
acne infections, however, treatments must be repeated on a regular
basis to achieve maximum results. Physicians warn that those taking the
medication Accutane should not undergo microdermabrasion procedures, if
taken in the previous twelve months.
The Procedure
Each dermatologist has different methods of how he or she performs
microdermabrasion. Methods for these procedures include fine organic
particles, aluminum oxide or zinc oxide crystals, or a surface with a
rough exterior. When aluminum oxide or zinc oxide crystals are used, a
physician will apply the crystals via jets. These jets of particles are
transmitted through a hand piece in circular motions. The extra fine
particles will carefully buff away the unwanted skin that seeps into
pore and causes blemishes.
Prior to performing a procedure, a skin technician will inspect an
individual's skin and analyze which treatments will be best care for
his or her skin. The technician will also be able to analyze how many
treatments will be necessary and the depth in which the procedures will
be performed. Different procedures will also be necessary depending on
the individual. These procedures include crystal microdermabrasion
using small particles, diamond microdermabrasion using a device with a
diamond-tipped end, and methods for reducing scars.
New Techniques
In previous years microdermabrasion techniques used larger, more
abrasive crystals to deeply exfoliate the skin. Often times the skin
would result in redness and slight irritation. Recent discoveries have
shown that the new techniques of exfoliating through microdermabrasion
are more effective and must less invasive. New discoveries include the
use of fine particles spread with a rough surface. Using these two
techniques together achieves better results than using only one.
Several companies are now producing microdermabrasion machines that
deliver these techniques, yet not all machines are as effective as
others. This is similar to how microdermabrasion works. When undergoing
microdermabrasion, individuals are told that the microdermabrasion
procedure is a cosmetic procedure and is not designed to medically
treat any type of infection or condition.
Whether or not a skin procedure works depends on the individual and his
or her satisfaction. Studies have however shown that regular
microdermabrasion treatments can improve an individual's skin
condition. However purchasing several sessions -- called a series of
sessions -- can cost up to or more than seven hundred fifty dollars.