Microdermabrasion treatments are one of the more versatile procedures doctors use to treat a variety of cosmetic complaints. Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive technique that won't cause you any downtime or tedious, unpleasant post-treatment side effects. However, microdermabrasion has its limits, explains the American Academy of Dermatology, and may be best-suited for those who want to address very superficial cosmetic flaws.
Collagen and Your Skin
To understand why microdermabrasion is beneficial, it's important to understand what this treatment does: It encourages new collagen production in your skin. Collagen is one of the most important components of your skin's structure, according to dermatologist Eric Bernstein of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, who notes that 80 percent of your skin's dry weight is comprised of collagen. Collagen loss is a part of the natural aging process, but sun exposure can also cause collagen damage, Bernstein says.
What It Treats
Microdermabrasion is used to treat light/shallow scarring, stretch marks and signs of aging, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Sun (age) spots, dull skin, shallow lines and wrinkles and uneven skin texture or skin tone are some of the specific signs of aging for which microdermabrasion may be used. The AAD notes that dermatologist-delivered treatments are used on the face, neck, chest and hands. Microdermabrasion is often used in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments, according to the AAD. For example, microdermabrasion may make it easier for your skin to absorb topical prescription medications used to treat signs of aging, such as retinoid creams like Renova and Retin-A.
What To Expect
Before treatment, your skin is cleansed and make-up removed. If you wear contact lenses, you will need to remove them and wear eye protection. A doctor will use a hand-held device that sprays tiny crystals onto the area of skin to be treated. These crystals lightly abrade the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, to remove dead skin cells. The AAD describes the sensation patients experience as a type of "sanding," although it won't cause you any pain. No anesthetics are used during microdermabrasion. Depending on the part of the body treated, a microdermabrasion treatment can take 20 minutes to a few hours, according to the AAD. After the treatment, errant crystals are cleansed from the skin and a moisturizer applied to the treated area.
What Happens After Treatment
Your skin may be pink post-treatment. Any redness and swelling that occurs goes away after a day, according to the AAD. Some people experience sun sensitivity. Your doctor will give you a plan of care to help you get the best out of your treatments. Using sun protection is extremely important to maintain the results of microdermabrastion and prevent further signs of aging.
What Else You Should Know
You need more than one microdermabrasion treatment for this procedure to be of any benefit. The AAD states that a series of 5 to 16 treatments may be required for optimal results. Because this treatment doesn't penetrate deep into the skin, improvements are not dramatic, cautions the AAD; you won't get the same results from microdermabrasion that you would from laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. Microdermabrasion treatments offered by a doctor yield far better results that those you get at a day spa or from a "do it yourself" kit.
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