Cosmetic Procedures
Microdermabrasion

If you are looking to rejuvenate your skin without downtime, you may want to consider microdermabrasion. This resurfacing procedure gently exfoliates, revealing skin that is smoother, brighter, and more even in tone.

Signs of Aging Treated

• Age spots and patches of darker skin

• Dullness that develops in aging skin

• Scars, can smooth very shallow scars

• Shallow wrinkles

• Uneven skin tone or texture

The microdermabrasion procedure performed in a dermatologist’s office may be used to treat signs of aging on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

Your dermatologist may suggest microdermabrasion to improve the results seen from using topical (applied to the skin) anti-aging therapy. Microdermabrasion allows topical medication to more easily penetrate the skin, which makes topicals more effective.

When See Results from Microdermabrasion
It is rare for a single microdermabrasion treatment to significantly reduce signs of aging. Results are seen after a series of treatments, which may be performed every week or every other week. Typically, between 5 and 16 sessions are needed to diminish signs of aging.

Effectiveness
Recent medical studies have shown that microdermabrasion causes the skin to produce new collagen — a process that your dermatologist may call collagen remodeling. Collagen, which diminishes with age, acts as a supporting structure for the skin.

While this sounds encouraging, it is important to realize that the improvement seen after microdermabrasion tends to be modest. Because microdermabrasion does not deeply penetrate the skin, it cannot produce the results seen after a skin resurfacing procedure that penetrates more deeply such as dermabrasion.

Most people report smoother-feeling skin and a more radiant complexion. Makeup may be easier to apply. With a series of microdermabrasion treatments performed by a dermatologist, who can offer more aggressive treatment than a spa or an at-home kit, fine wrinkles and darker patches of skin may be diminished. Scars that are shallow also can be effectively treated.

Possible Side Effects
These are temporary. Some people experience bruising, a burning or stinging sensation, extreme sensitivity to sunlight, or pain. These will go away without treatment.

How Long Results Last
By avoiding the sun and following the recommended skin-care plan, some people keep the age spots and fine wrinkles from returning for years. But, aging is a continual process. Follow-up treatments are usually necessary to help retain smoother skin and a more radiant complexion.

Related Links
10 Questions to Ask Before a Cosmetic Procedure
Facial Skin Rejuvenation (AAD pamphlet)