Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure that removes the top layer of the skin using a hand-held device. The microdermabrasion machines polish and buff the skin using a diamond tip or fine crystals. In this process, the skincare specialist rubs a fine crystal on the skin using a device for gently exfoliating the skin. Also, some of the microdermabrasion systems have a suction that vacuums the loose skin cells from the face. This process is known to exfoliate the skin, makes the skin appear more even and younger, as well as to reduce the signs of aging. Aside from that, the goal of this procedure is to address the dullness in the skin’s complexion, reduces age scars, and dark spots
The said procedure is not painful and will only require 30 to 40 minutes for the face, while about 20 minutes on the neck. For better results, the person may require five to sixteen sessions of this treatment. However, it varies depending on the type of skin a person has. In fact, some treatments are schedules weekly, every two weeks, or even monthly. Although the procedure is not painful, it may leave the skin slightly red for a few hours. With that, a moisturizer and sunscreen should be applied after this skin treatment.
Furthermore, this treatment can be done at home. However, the two major differences between the in-office and at-home treatments are that a larger device is used in a medical office. This device has larger motors and more power that can provide a deeper penetration to the skin. Additionally, microdermabrasion depends on one’s finances and skincare needs. Most of the in-office treatments have a bigger punch and are often scheduled within 1 to 2-month intervals. Meanwhile, the handheld home device that is used at home generally requires daily or weekly use.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion
According to the skincare experts, microdermabrasion is less invasive than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a process that uses intensive methods of removing the top layer of the skin. It also uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layer of the skin. Usually, dermatologists recommend dermabrasion for acne scars, tattoo removal, or scars caused by an accident. As well as that, dermabrasion is mostly used for people with fair skin. On the other hand, microdermabrasion is suitable for people of any skin color. In addition to that, dermabrasion requires a local anesthetic before removing the outermost layer of the skin, unlike the microdermabrasion that does not need one.
Preparing for Microdermabrasion
Before you went under the microdermabrasion process, one must speak to a health professional first. Usually, dermatologists offer prior consultation before the process. During the consultation, one must ask the following questions before proceeding to the treatment.
- What are the results to expect?
- How many treatment sessions are needed?
- What are the possible side effects?
- What are the risk factors?
- How much is the cost of the treatment?
Aside from these questions, one can also request before-and-after photos. They can also talk with someone who has already undergone microdermabrasion. Most commonly, a dermatologist will also test your skin during the consultation in order to ensure that the treatment will be appropriate for the skin.
Microdermabrasion’s Side Effects, Risks, and Recovery
Those who have taken the acne medicine called isotretinoin in the past 6 months, may need to wait before proceeding to microdermabrasion. According to dermatologists, those who have undergone such treatment have an increased rate of complications like scarring.
Moreover, one must speak to the doctor about patch or spots of skin that is bleeding or changing, for these may indicate skin cancer.
For the few days after the microdermabrasion treatment, one may notice some changes in their skin like:
- Swelling of skin
- Redness of skin similar to sunburn
- Bruises
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight
Luckily, there were people who do not need time to recover after the treatment. However, usually, if a person experienced the side-effects mentioned above, it should disappear after a few days. For some people, their skin might recover enough within a week after the microdermabrasion treatment.
