Overview | Types of microdermabrasion | Treatment and post-case procedure | Results | Difference between microdermabrasion and dermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that makes use of a coarse-tipped instrument to gently sand off the outer layer of damaged skin. In the treatment, collagen production is stimulated, thus leading to healthier, more youthful skin.
In this article, I would like to answer some frequently asked questions that my patients have put across to me on microdermabrasion treatment.
What are the different types of microdermabrasion procedures?
There are two main divisions of microdermabrasion treatments. Let’s take a look at each of them:
- Crystal-free
The newer technique of crystal-free microdermabrasion is the one that I recommend for its efficacy in delivering results with minimum abrasion to the skin. Let’s look at the most common types of crystal-free microdermabrasion:
- Diamond-tip – This is the most common form of crystal-free microdermabrasion that is practiced today. In this treatment, a special tool with a diamond tip is used to sand away the top layer of skin and suck out the impurities that loosen up. The overall cleaning effect is a gentle one and suited to the soft skin such as the skin near the eyes.
- Sapphire-tip – One of the newest forms of microdermabrasion treatment, the sapphire-tip treatment is true to its name, as it has an applicator tool with a sapphire tip. The sapphire-tipped crystals are used to smoothly and painlessly exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal a new, youthful you, free of skin problems.
- Hydradermabrasion – Hydradermabrasion is also known as water microdermabrasion. In this treatment, a special applicator tool is used to exfoliate dead skin cells and then hydrate the skin in a two-step process. Hydradermabrasion leaves your skin looking nourished and healthy.
- Crystal – Crystal microdermabrasion is an older technique. Yet, I do get a lot of questions about it so I will provide a brief insight. In this technique, a special applicator tool sprays fine crystals on to the skin surface to exfoliate. The crystals along with the dead skin cells are immediately vacuumed away. Yet, the crystal microdermabrasion treatment has been known to cause irritate sensitive skin and is now losing its hold in favor of the crystal-free methods of treatment.
What are the procedure steps?
Let me take you briefly through the procedure steps for a microdermabrasion treatment.
- Crystal-free: In this type of microdermabrasion, a special wand with a diamond tip is used to gently exfoliate the skin. While exfoliating the skin, it also sucks away the dead cells. The depth and intensity of the treatment depend on the pressure applied by the dermatologist. The entire procedure should take around 40 minutes for the face and approximately 20 minutes for the neck. Post-treatment, a moisturizer is applied.
- Crystal: In this treatment, a special applicator tool sprays fine crystals onto the skin that needs to be exfoliated. These crystals along with the loosened dead skin cells get sucked away. Crystals are normally of sodium bicarbonate and aluminum oxide. Used crystals are always discarded so you do not need to worry about them being reused.
- Hydradermabrasion: With the help of a special tool, the skin to be treated is used to emit saline droplets to the skin in order to loosen dead skin cells. Once these cells are exfoliated, the tool helps to apply nourishing substances to the skin surface including collagen and antioxidants. These substances get absorbed into the skin for better nourishment and rejuvenation.
Are there any pre-treatment steps?
Your dermatologist will recommend the exact steps to take care of your skin prior to the treatment. I always encourage my patients to follow these instructions exactly for the best results.
Moreover, you need to be open with your doctor. If you are on any medication for severe acne or if your skin scars easily, do let your doctor know, as this can impact the treatment outcome.
The American Academy of Dermatology also cautions patients to notice any moles on their skin before treatment that can indicate cancer.
What does post-procedure care involve?
I always give my patients a very specific skin care plan that they need to follow. This includes protecting the skin from the sun and applying the recommended moisturizers. There is no downtime.
In most cases, a second round of microdermabrasion can be done safely within a week after the first round of treatment. Yet, I recommend getting this approved by your dermatologist, as it can vary between patients.
What are the potential side effects of microdermabrasion?
With so many advancements in modern medicine, there is hardly anything to worry about when it comes to getting a microdermabrasion treatment. Generally noticed side-effects include skin swelling, redness, stinging, and bruising. I do not recommend microdermabrasion treatment for patients who suffer from cold sores.
The National Health Service UK also notes slight flaking on sensitive skin that usually subsides in a day or two.
What results can you expect?
In most people, microdermabrasion barely has any downtime. Immediately post-treatment, you will notice your skin heal into a softer and smoother version of itself. Microdermabrasion basically works by wounding the skin, so it encourages a better healing response. This is a great skin brightening treatment.
I would like to mention that the results and the time in which they show up can vary between patients. Your dermatologist will tell you what you can expect from your treatment.
Which skin conditions are suitable for microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne, stretch marks, and acne scars. Do note that for treatments like acne scars, microdermabrasion needs to be combined with other suitable treatments for the best results. These treatments will be recommended by your dermatologist based on your unique requirements. I also recommend microdermabrasion as a general exfoliation treatment.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons does note this treatment can lessen stretch marks, too. I personally suggest following your dermatologist’s advice on what accompanying treatments you might require along with microdermabrasion to fully treat stretch marks.
Which conditions will microdermabrasion not help?
I do not recommend microdermabrasion for any of the following skin conditions:
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Active sunburn
- Open sores
- Psoriasis
Additionally, patients with active acne go through an individual diagnosis to determine if the microdermabrasion treatment will suit them or not.
When will you require a microdermabrasion procedure?
Microdermabrasion can be done for a variety of skin conditions including hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne, and acne scars.
Microdermabrasion can be safely done on any part of the body that requires treatment. A diamond-tip crystal-free microdermabrasion is the latest in technology that can be used anywhere on the body with greater accuracy. It is suited to the sensitive skin around the eyes. Crystal microdermabrasion might cause irritation but the fine particles can reach places on the face and the body that a diamond tip cannot.
What is the difference between microdermabrasion and dermabrasion?
A lot of my patients get confused between these two treatments. Let me explain. Dermabrasion is a more intensive technique of treating the skin that involves reshaping the skin’s structural proteins. Dermabrasion is used to treat deeper skin trauma such as acne scars, tattoo removal, and deep wrinkles. It should only be performed by a qualified dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. On the other hand, microdermabrasion only exfoliates the skin at the level of the epidermis.
Your dermatologist will be the best judge of which treatment will suit you better.
What questions should you ask your doctor before going for the treatment?
I personally take my patients through each detail of the treatment to ensure they have complete knowledge of what they are getting into. That being said, here are some important questions to keep in mind to ask your dermatologist:
- What will be my downtime post-treatment?
- Will there be any side-effects on my skin?
- For how long will these results last on my skin?
- When will I need to come for the next round of treatment?
- What are the after-care tips to follow at home?
- Is there anything that I should avoid?
Closing thoughts
An important consideration to keep in mind is that microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment. Therefore, always get an approximate cost of the procedure before you begin treatment. You have to consider the dermatologist’s consultation fees, the treatment fees, and the post-treatment costs. Each session of treatment can range between INR 2,500 to INR 3,500. Each patient’s treatment requirements are different. While some patients need only one or two sessions, others may need more.
Microdermabrasion can truly help bring out the best side of your skin in all its youthful glory. The only important thing is that you should get it done from a professional dermatologist and then regularly follow-up as per the recommended plan. With regular maintenance and skincare, you can truly enjoy the results of the treatment for longer and also uphold the natural beauty of your skin.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/microdermabrasion-overview#preparation
- National Health Service UK: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion/
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/microdermabrasion
Dr. Batul Patel is a celebrity dermatologist and the medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic an award winning clinic located in South Mumbai & Bandra. She is a passionate and dedicated dermatologist with expertise in all fields of dermatology, trichology and aesthetic dermatology. She has been practicing for more than a decade. Her range of expertise include emsculpt NEO, coolsculpting, fillers, acne treatment, lasers, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, hair transplant, PRP & pigmentation treatments.