What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion, sometimes called derma-peel, particle resurfacing, or power peel, is a method of exfoliation that does not use powerful chemicals to reduce the signs of aging. This method of removing the dead cells from the surface of the skin to tone, tighten, and polish the complexion is noninvasive and effective.
How does Microdermabrasion work?
Care providers use minute crystals of aluminum dioxide to plane the surface of the skin, almost like sand blasting. Because the particles are so fine and hard, they act to remove the old skin cells of the epidermis. This promotes new growth of underlying collagen strands as well as new outer skin cell development.
What areas of the body does Microdermabrasion treat?
Microdermabrasion is used most often on the skin of the face, but it can also be used successfully on the hands or chest.
What are the advantages of Microdermabrasion over other similar treatments?
Microdermabrasion is quicker and easier than most other skin treatments. It requires no anesthesia or hospital stay. Once the process is over, immediate results can be perceived. These include smaller pores, diminished lines and wrinkles, and a healthy glow to the treated skin. This process can actually make other skin care products more effective by allowing deeper penetration of active ingredients.
Who is a candidate for Microdermabrasion?
Although Microdermabrasion is not recommended for people with problematic acne or those whose skin is particularly sensitive, most other men and women can benefit from its use. Consumers who have skin that is particularly thinned from aging may also wish to use other methods of skin renewal.
How is Microdermabrasion performed?
The care provider will cleanse the face with an antiseptic solution, and protect the eyes with goggles. Then, he or she will use a special tool to blast the microcrystals onto the face. The dead skin cells will be removed through this process and the technician will vacuum them away with the remaining aluminum dioxide powder. Then the doctor will apply a soothing serum to refresh and restore moisture to the treated area. Treatments must be repeated periodically as cells die and need to be polished away.
What is the recovery like?
The skin may be slightly red, but there should be no pain during recovery. The face is not bandaged, but the specialist will insist that sun exposure be limited and sunscreen be worn at all times.
What will the results be like?
Microdermabrasion gives instant gratification; most users see an immediate improvement. Fine lines will be less evident after treatment, and the pores will look smaller. All patients see an improvement in the texture of their skin because Microdermabrasion leaves it baby soft and firm. Cosmetics will go on much smoother and look better after this procedure.
What are the risks?
Microdermabrasion carries less risk than most other skin resurfacing procedures. The delicate tissues around the mouth and nose may become irritated, but this clears up quickly for most. Those with very sensitive skin may want to have this procedure done less often. Those with active infections or blisters should not use Microdermabrasion to keep the infection from spreading.
Is Microdermabrasion approved for use in the U.S.?
Microdermabrasion is approved for use by certified care providers in the United States, and lighter versions to use at home are even sold over the counter.
Is Microdermabrasion covered by insurance companies?
Microdermabrasion is not a medical procedure and is never covered by major insurance companies or Medicare. It is, however, more cost effective than other types of treatments, ranging in price from a hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars for a thirty minute session.
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.
By SkinCareGuide.com Staff
Updated: November 24, 2009
