The most common signs of aging in the face include fine lines and wrinkles, loss of volume, loss of elasticity, and sagging. Age spots, sun spots, and other blemishes can also develop, along with dull, dry, and thin skin. Signs of aging start appearing on the face as early as the mid-20s and continue throughout the 30s. More noticeable changes occur when people are in their 40s and 50s and continue into old age.
Good skin care and avoiding sun exposure as much as possible can help delay or prevent some of these changes. In addition, cosmetic treatments are available to help correct common problems and restore a more youthful appearance to the skin. Microdermabrasion is one such cosmetic treatment. It is a quick and painless outpatient procedure with a low risk of side effects and no downtime. It requires no needles or anesthesia and is less invasive than other skin rejuvenation treatments like laser resurfacing, chemical peel, and dermabrasion. Keep reading to learn more about skin microdermabrasion and what it can do for you.
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is an aesthetic treatment that can help improve the quality of your skin by reducing fine creases, sun damage, brown spots, age spots, discoloration, large pores, stretch marks, mild acne scars, and other skin blemishes. It works by essentially sanding the uppermost skin layer. You can think of it as a professional exfoliation of the outer layer of skin using a machine that causes abrasion, followed by suction of the dead skin cells. The procedure helps improve a dull complexion and an uneven skin tone and texture. It also helps correct common skin blemishes like hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.
A microdermabrasion treatment is a relatively simple way to rejuvenate the skin, improve skin tone, give your face a more refreshed look, thereby enhancing your natural beauty. It can be safely performed on most skin types. People of any skin color can undergo microdermabrasion.
What are the different types of microdermabrasion facial?
There are a few different types of microdermabrasion treatments. One method involves the use of a hand-held device that sprays tiny exfoliating crystals onto the outer skin layers. A vacuum device simultaneously suctions the crystals back into the device along with dead cells. A newer method utilizes a wand with a diamond tip that gently exfoliates the skin as it moves across the surface.
Another type of microdermabrasion involves spraying fine sodium bicarbonate or aluminum oxide particles on the skin. These particles cause abrasion and accomplish the same effect as a diamond tip.
A newer method called hydra microdermabrasion allows dermatologists to infuse products into the dermis (middle layer of skin). This approach maximizes blood flow to the skin and stimulates collagen production.
How does microdermabrasion work on skin cells? What layer of skin is involved?
Microdermabrasion is performed with a device which is essentially a very fine sand blaster with a diamond tip. The diamond tip removes the outer, uneven, thick layer of skin which is where most of the age-related damage occurs. The treatment also encourages collagen production in the middle layer of skin to give it a more youthful appearance. This is the protein that makes the skin appear smooth and tight. With age, collagen production declines, leaving the skin looking uneven and loose.
Is it painful?
Microdermabrasion is not painful. Most patients describe the sensation of the wand moving across the skin as a mild scratching or vibrating massage. There is also a suction sensation when the device lifts the dead skin cells off the surface.
Preparing for microdermabrasion
Your dermatologist will see you in consultation before scheduling a treatment. At this time, they will discuss what bothers you most about your skin and your treatment goals. The doctor will also review your health information, medications, and allergies to ensure that microdermabrasion can be performed safely. They will examine your skin before recommending the treatment to you.
Your doctor may take photos of your face for comparison purposes. They will also talk about the benefits and potential risks of the procedure and recommend a treatment plan based on their evaluation. Your dermatologist may advise you to stop using exfoliating creams for a few days before the treatment. You should arrive for your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face.
Procedure overview microdermabrasion
A microdermabrasion procedure is usually done by a dermatologist or other licensed aesthetic provider or skin care professional. It is an office procedure. There is no anesthesia or numbing medicine required. Your doctor will seat you comfortably in a reclining chair, clean your skin, and then use the hand-held microdermabrasion device on the target areas. The entire process usually lasts 30 minutes. At the conclusion of the microdermabrasion session, you will be given moisturizer and sunscreen to apply.
Skin care after microdermabrasion
There is no downtime after the treatment. You can return to work and normal activities immediately after your microdermabrasion procedure. Your dermatologist may recommend special skin care products, including a moisturizer, to hydrate your skin and help prolong the results of the treatment. You will be advised to avoid using exfoliating products and topical acne creams for 1-2 days. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible following a microdermabrasion treatment and always wear sun protection when outdoors.
Risks and side effects of microdermabrasion
The most common side effects after treatment are swelling and redness, which are typically short-lived and subside within a few hours. However, the skin may be dry and flaky for a few days after microdermabrasion. Occasionally, the procedure can cause bruising, which may take a few days to fade. It is worth remembering that the skin is sensitive after microdermabrasion treatment. You should therefore follow your doctor's instructions in terms of skin care to reduce the risk of complications.
How long do the results last?
The results of microdermabrasion are relatively short-lived, approximately 4-6 weeks. Most patients need to schedule regular appointments to maintain the results, depending on how well they are responding to the treatments.
How long the effects last also depends on the severity of skin damage and how good you are with keeping your appointments. Some people need two microdermabrasion sessions per month in the beginning and later one per month for maintenance. Dermatologists can usually give you an estimate of how often you will need to come back to maintain the refreshed, polished look of your skin.
Can you do microdermabrasion at home?
There are some microdermabrasion devices and creams available for use at home. The creams are not much different from exfoliating scrubs that have a grainy texture to remove dead cells. The effects of these treatments are rarely as dramatic or long-lasting as those achieved with professional microdermabrasion done by experts.
The risk with home microdermabrasion devices is overuse. Many people do not see the effects they were hoping for, use the device more often than recommended in an attempt to make a difference, and end up injuring their skin.
Nonetheless, while home microdermabrasion cannot provide the same level of improvement and smoothening as professional treatments, it may be suitable for people who require only mild exfoliation.
How much does microdermabrasion cost? Is it worth the money?
On average, one session of microdermabrasion costs $125. This can vary greatly, however, depending on where you live. Remember that you will need to return for repeat treatments every 4 weeks or so to maintain the results, so you should factor this in when budgeting for the treatments.
Your dermatologist can help you decide if microdermabrasion is a good choice for you. In general, this minimally invasive treatment does not work for deep lines and wrinkles or more significant signs of aging. However, for people who are just beginning to show the signs of aging, microdermabrasion could be a good choice, allowing the correction of age spots, acne scars, and fine lines.
Finding an experienced aesthetic provider
To ensure you get the best results from your microdermabrasion treatments, it is essential that you choose an experienced aesthetic provider. The MeTime app makes it easy to find qualified dermatologists in your area. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. Interested in finding out whether microdermabrasion is appropriate for you? Want to discuss additional treatments for the hair and nails? Try the MeTime app now!
