A Microdermabrasion (often referred to as Microderm) is a cosmetic procedure that is very popular in day spas and medical spas, in which the stratum cornea (outermost surface of one’s skin) is either partially or completely removed by light abrasion.
Different methods of microdermabrasion include mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc or aluminum oxide crystals, or a roughened surface. Particles and removed material are typically suctioned off using a small vacuum attached to a wand.
Microdermabrasion is used to remove sun-damaged skin and/or remove or lessen scars and dark spots on one’s skin. This cosmetic procedure is not painful and requires no anesthetic. Microdermabrasion can be used medically for scar removal when the patient’s scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is commonly less effective with scars that are sunken in a person’s skin. Microdermabrasion can also be used for the treatment of acne, but it must be repeated periodically to be effective for the patient.
For major scars, a microdermabrasion cosmetic treatment may not be appropriate. It will not improve the appearance of scarred skin, nor minimize the scars. Only time and cosmetic procedures performed by the patient’s trusted cosmetic plastic surgeon will be able to improve the appearance of scars from a previous procedure.
If you are to undergo any skin procedure, you should discuss with your plastic surgeon what the effects of the procedure will have on you skin, i.e. any scarring. Any major excisions by your cosmetic plastic surgeon will result in major scaring. Microdermabrasion will not be able to improve the appearance of these types of scars.
Over the years, the growth of the microdermabrasion treatment industry has led to many innovations and there are currently a few different microdermabrasion methods available.
If you are considering if microdermabrasion can be of benefit to you, we suggest you click on one or more of the links below to connect with one or more qualified cosmetic professionals about your situation in more detail…
