 |
 |  |
- What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is the process of resurfacing the top layer of the skin (stratum corneum) to a precise depth by the combination exfoliation/vacuum process. By removing these dead skin cells and stimulating blood flow, the deeper dermal level is stimulated to produce collagen and fibroblasts, giving the skin a more supple elastic appearance. Those living cells deep within the skin tissue are stimulated to produce and compensate for the loss of part of the protective layer of the skin. The result is fresher, healthier, rejuvenated skin with enhanced surface quality.
- Who is a candidate for Microdermabrasion?
Virtually anyone can benefit from microdermabrasion treatments. Microdermabrasion is a safe noninvasive resurfacing technique that can be used on all skin types.
- What results can be expected with Microdermabrasion?
In clinical studies microdermabrasion has been shown to be effective for acne, hyper-pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, and superficial skin disorders.
- How many Microdermabrasion treatments are required?
Treatment time can vary from person to person. We recommend 8 to 12 treatments with a maintenance treatment once a month after completion of the initial treatment cycle.
- Is Microdermabrasion painful, and what is the expected downtime?
No, microdermabrasion is not painful; it is a very superficial exfoliating treatment. There is no downtime associated with this treatment.
- How did Microdermabrasion start?
Facial skin resurfacing can be traced to ancient Egyptians with the application of abrasive masks of alabaster particles. For millennia, various substances have been used to peel, exfoliate, and rejuvenate the skin. These substances include acids, poultices of minerals and plants, and direct irritants such as fire and sandpaper-like materials.
The evolution of chemical peeling and dermabrasion into the procedures we commonly use today began in the early 20th century. In more recent years, selective photothermolysis in the form of laser resurfacing has become widespread as a skin resurfacing procedure.
Microdermabrasion was developed in Italy in 1985; its use was widespread in European countries prior to its introduction and popularity in the US. This technology offers the advantages of low risk and rapid recovery compared to more traditional resurfacing techniques and can be effective in the appropriate patient population.
- What are the advantages of Microdermabrasion?
Skin resurfacing techniques, such as dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and the more recent technique of laser resurfacing, have a history of efficacy but also the potential for significant complications. In contrast, microdermabrasion does not carry the risks of pigmentary changes or scarring engendered by techniques such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing. Therefore, this treatment involves little risk and rapid recovery. Although microdermabrasion is ineffective for deeper wrinkles and scars, it is an effective treatment for fine lines and more superficial scars, and it is well suited for patients with early photo-damage and busy lifestyles, because the only real downtime is the treatment itself.
The advantages of microdermabrasion include the following:
- The treatment is painless.
- Anesthesia is unnecessary.
- The treatment can be repeated at short intervals.
- The procedure is simple and quickly performed.
- The treatment does not interrupt the patient's life significantly.
The need for multiple treatments and their overall costs are limitations of the procedure.
- What is the technical key to Microdermabrasion?
The technical key to microdermabrasion is placing the skin under tension so that an effective vacuum is achieved. Typically, stretching the treatment area with the non-dominant hand and using the dominant hand to guide the hand-piece is the method used to achieve this effect. When treating the neck, the neck is placed in extension to assist in skin tension.
The hand-piece is moved over the treatment area in a single smooth stroke, which then can be repeated. The pressure of the crystal stream is controlled with a foot pedal. Thicker skin, such as that on the forehead, chin, and nose, can be treated more aggressively (i.e., adjust the speed of hand-piece movement or number of passes). Decrease the pressure when treating the thinner skin of the lower eyelids and upper cheek. Vertically orient all strokes when treating the neck. This approach differs from the approach used in treating the face, where a second treatment perpendicular to the first treatment generally is performed.
Between treatments, the face is cleaned of any residual crystals. Usually 2 treatments per session are sufficient for the face. Specific areas, such as acne scars or age spots, can be focally treated more aggressively with additional passes. Treatment sessions generally last approximately 30-40 minutes for the face and 20 minutes for the neck.
Coauthor(s): John M Yarborough, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Tulane University and Louisiana State University
Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Medical Association
Editor(s): J David Kriet, MD, Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Keith A LaFerriere, MD, Fellowship Director, Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Missouri at Columbia; Christopher L Slack, MD, Consulting Staff, Otolaryngology-Facial Plastic Surgery, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center; and Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA, Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado Hospital
Bibliography
Author: Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Assistant Professor, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical College of Georgia
- Bernard RW, Beran SJ, Rusin L: Microdermabrasion in clinical practice. Clin Plast Surg 2000 Oct; 27(4): 571-7[Medline].
- Coopman SA, Garmyn M, Gonzalez-Serva A: Photodamage and photoaging. In: Arndt KA, ed. Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: An Integrated Program in Dermatology. Philadelphia, Pa: W. B. Saunders; 1996: 732-750.
- Freeman MS: Microdermabrasion. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America 2001; 9 (2): 257-266.
- Lawrence N: New and emerging treatments for photoaging. Clin Plast Surg 2001 Jan; 28(1): 235-248.
- Tsai RY, Wang CN, Chan HL: Aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion. A new technique for treating facial scarring. Dermatol Surg 1995 Jun; 21(6): 539-42[Medline].
- White CR, Bigby M, Sangueza OP: What is normal skin? In: Arndt KA, ed. Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: An Integrated Program in Dermatology. Philadelphia, Pa: W. B. Saunders; 1996: 3-41.
|
 |
