Like chemical peels, microdermabrasion brings about a smoothing of the facial skin through removal of old, dead, tough outer layers of skin.  However, microdermabrasion has been found to have lesser risks of facial damage than chemical peels making it an increasingly popular, quick, non-surgical treatment. 

Microdermabrasion is used to smooth out crow’s feet, wrinkles and fine lines.  It also works to diminish the appearance of acne scars and facial blemishes, in addition to brightening the appearance of dulling, aging skin.  Microdermobrasion is also used to neutralize and blend hyperpigmented spots on the face.  As an added benefit, microdermabrasion treatments help to clear out clogged pores and reduce the oiliness of the skin.  Microdermabrasion is not used to treat keloidal scaring, extremely pitted or deep scars, or precancerous skin growths.

In a microdermabrasion treatment a stream of aluminum oxide crystals are sprayed across the area of treatment.  At the same time, a pump attached to the microdermabrasion mechanism suctions up the exfoliated cells acting much like a vacuum cleaner. 

In some areas of the country microdermabrasion is advertised as a method to increase production of collagen.  However, collagen is synthesized by the cells, thus the only real method to increase collagen production is to give the cells the raw materials they require.  Microdermabrasion has been clinically shown to increase collagen production on only a limited level, not enough to have any significant affect on the body’s functioning.

As always, there are certain individuals who should not be treated with microdermabrasion.  They are common sense exclusions and include individuals:

Microdermabrasion can be performed by a plastic surgeon or a professionally trained and credentialed aesthetician.  Costs associated with microdermabrasion treatment are approximately $150 per procedure, although the effects are not lasting and multiple treatments are needed on a somewhat continual basis in order to retain the smooth and youthful appearance.  Insurance does not normally cover the cost of the procedure.

Unlike other non-surgical procedures, microdermabrasion requires little recovery time and most routine, daily activities can be restarted within a few hours.  Because of this quick recovery period microdermabrasion has been called the “lunch hour” plastic surgery.  The procedure results in positive, visible effects sometimes after just one treatment.  The total treatment time for a microdermabrasion procedure is approximately thirty minutes.  Treatments are usually repeated once every two weeks up to a total of six complete applications.