January 21, 2020 By Dr Chetna Singh
Microdermabrasion – Procedure, Uses And Benefits
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion or ‘power peel’ is a minimally invasive cosmetic skin procedure in which the outermost or most superficial layers of the skin are removed using a fine abrasive applied very gently. It is used to renew overall skin tone and texture.
It is usually repeated at intervals, leading to the formation of a new skin layer which is smoother. Its aim is to improve the youthful appearance of the skin.
It can improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin-related concerns and conditions.
Microdermabrasion can exfoliate the skin, reduce signs of aging, and make the skin appear more even.
The procedure uses a special applicator with an abrasive surface to gently sand away the thick outer layer of the skin to rejuvenate it. Microdermabrasion is a mechanical process aimed at rubbing off or exfoliating the dead and damaged skin layers from the face. The outermost layer of skin typically contains the greatest part of obvious blemishes, pigmentation, roughness and wrinkles.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes on average, usually without the need for anesthesia. It involves the initial cleansing of the skin to remove any make up or other extraneous matter.
Microdermabrasion is considered a safe procedure for most skin types and colors. People might choose to get the procedure if they have the following skin concerns:
- fine lines and wrinkles
- hyperpigmentation, age spots and brown spots
- enlarged pores and blackheads
- acne and acne scars
- stretch marks
- dull-looking skin complexion
- uneven skin tone and texture
- melasma
- sun damage
There are a few different ways to do microdermabrasion procedure, based on the specific device used:
Diamond-tip handpiece
A diamond-tip handpiece is designed to gently exfoliate dead cells in your skin. At the same time, it will suction them off immediately. The depth of the abrasion may be affected by the pressure applied on the handpiece as well as how long the suction is allowed to remain on the skin. This type of microdermabrasion applicator is generally used in more sensitive facial areas, like close to the eyes.
Crystal microdermabrasion
Crystal microdermabrasion uses a crystal-emitting handpiece to gently spray on fine crystals to rub away outer layers of the skin. Like the diamond-tip handpiece, dead skin cells are suctioned off right away.
The different types of crystals that may be used include aluminum oxide and sodium bicarbonate.
What to expect after microdermabrasion
After microdermabrasion you might experience mild tenderness, swelling, and redness. These generally go away within a few hours after treatment.
You might be advised to use a moisturizer to minimize dry and flaky skin. Minor bruising may also occur. This is mostly caused by the suction process during the treatment.
There is little to no downtime after microdermabrasion. You should be able to resume your daily activities immediately.
Do,s and don’t’s after microdermabrasion procedure
- Keep your skin hydrated and use gentle skin care products.
- Avoid using topical acne medications for at least one day after treatment.
- It’s extremely important to protect your skin with sunscreen. Your skin can be more sensitive to the sun in the few weeks after the treatment.
Recovery time after microdermabrasion
- Most people do not need time to recover after microdermabrasion. If a person does experience side effects, they tend to disappear after a few days.
- In the majority of people, the skin will recover enough for another microdermabrasion session within a week.
You can expect to see noticeable results immediately after the procedure. The number of microdermabrasion sessions needed will depend on the severity of your skin concerns as well as your expectations.
People can have treatments weekly, every 2 weeks, or monthly, depending on their skin type and the reason for treatment.