Microdermabrasion is a common cosmetic procedure that improves your skin texture and complexion. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a youthful appearance. Microdermabrasion is a quick, painless and non-invasive treatment. It is a superficial skin resurfacing procedure. This means that it increases the rate at which dead skin gets removed, and starts the proliferation of new skin cells.
Which skin conditions can Microdermabrasion improve?
Microdermabrasion utilises gentle mechanical abrasion to remove the outermost layers of skin. Microdermabrasion procedure:
- Exfoliates the superficial dead skin, resulting in refreshed appearance
- Improves dull complexion and uneven texture
- Improves age spots, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves hyperpigmentation (patches of darkened skin)
- Reduces superficial scars and lessens the appearance of stretch marks
- Reduces or eliminates the enlarged pores
- Is used to increase the penetration of anti ageing creams or skin bleaching creams under skin which are applied during the procedure. This enhances the effectiveness of such topical products.
How is microdermabrasion performed?
Microdermabrasion is done using a device that utilises vacuum system and abrasive element (aluminium oxide) in a hand-piece to remove the uppermost layer of skin. Generally no local anaesthetic is required. The face is cleansed thoroughly before the procedure and eyes are covered with eye pads or gauge pieces. Microdermabrasion device hand-piece is stroked gently on face until the entire area is abraded.
Can I go back to work after microdermabrasion procedure?
Yes, You may return to work immediately post procedure. There is practically no downtime.
What is advised after a session of microdermabrasion?
You may experience very mild redness and dryness for 1-3 days after procedure. However, this is minimal, non problematic and subsides in a few days. You should apply moisturisers frequently to counter dryness due to procedure. You are also advised to avoid direct sun exposure for 4 weeks and use daily sunscreen (SPF>30) during the course of treatment.
You should also avoid retinoids, astringents and cosmetic procedure as chemical peeling and fillers for atleast 2 weeks after microdermabrasion.
How many sessions are required?
Generally 6-8 sittings of treatment at an interval of 15 days is recommended for best results. Acne scars and or discolorations may require more treatments.
What are the side effects?
Microdermabrasion has minimal risk of side effects and complications. It is one of the safest cosmetic procedure.
- Mild erythema, dryness, burning or edema are common side effects that occur immediately after procedure. These minor side effects subside in 1-2 days.
- Serious side effects are rare. These occur when procedure is done under unsterilised setting, or done by unskilled aesthetician or due to inhalation of crystals. The patient may develop infection when procedure is done in unsterilised setting and using unsterilised device.
- Excessive resurfacing can also cause post inflammatory hyperpigmenation and scarring.
What are the benefits of microdermabrasion over other cosmetic procedures?
These include:
- less time
- less discomfort
- quick recovery
- no disruption on normal activities
- safer than chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Sometimes, to improve the effectiveness of individual procedures, microdermabrasion can be combined with other techniques also, like as chemical peels, microneedling etc.
What are the limitations of microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is designed for correcting minor imperfections and general improvement of skin complexion and texture.
The patients with large or dark spots, moderate to deep wrinkles and scars should seek an alternative treatment.
When microdermasion is combined with other cosmetic procedures, there should a gap of at least 2 weeks between the two procedures.
The benefits of microdermabrasion are appreciated most by people who want to refresh the appearance of their skin without resorting to more time-consuming,relatively unsafe,and invasive procedures, such as chemical peels or laser treatment. For all these reasons, it is likely to remain a popular procedure among those striving for a beautiful skin with youthful glow.
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Dr Monika Misra
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