Micrdermabrasion
Dr. Brock Lanier, MD, FACS | OncoPlastic Surgery in Newport Beach
How It Works
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that exfoliates the skin by using a diamond-tipped wand to remove the outer dead cells from the skin. It is a physical exfoliation. The mechanical action of the wand stimulates collagen production and cell turnover, helping to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and treat minor scarring.
Microdermabrasion: at a glance
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It is considered a superficial treatment.
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Non-surgical, performed in the clinic.
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Usually about 30 minutes. Numbing medicine or anesthesia are typically not needed. Most patients describe minimal discomfort, a sensation similar to light sandpapering.
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While generally safe, microdermabrasion carries some potential risks.
Minor Irritation: redness, mild stinging, & dryness. These are common side effects that usually subside within a few hours.
More Serious Risks (Less Common):
Pigmentation Changes: Temporary or permanent changes in skin color, particularly in people with darker skin tones.
Infection: bacterial infection (if not performed in a clean setting) or reactivation of cold sores if prior history.
Scarring: Rare but possible, especially if the procedure is not performed correctly.
Skin Conditions: Individuals with certain skin conditions - such as active acne, eczema, or psoriasis - may not be suitable candidates.
Choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is important to minimize risks.
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Recovery after microdermabrasion is typically very quick and minimal. No downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Some patients may experienced redness and mild dryness. These can be improved with a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen, and typically only last a few hours.
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Wait until any redness or discomfort completely goes away before resuming strenuous activities and exercises. It will be important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sun protection.
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You can start to see results after microdermabrasion as soon as the redness and dryness go away. You can obtain the best results over several treatments. Many patients benefit from 3-6 treatments, spaced a few weeks apart. The number of treatments will be determined by your specific needs and goals.
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Depending on a patient’s individual concerns, microdermabrasion can be combined with other treatments including BroadBand Light, Botox, and fillers.
Keep in mind this is general information about a typical or usual experience. Individual experiences can vary.
Treatment Areas & Concerns
The most commonly treated areas are the face, neck, chest, & back.
What are the benefits and risks?
Microdermabrasion Benefits
Microdermabrasion offers several potential benefits.
Improved Skin Texture: Exfoliates away dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling smoother and softer.
Reduced Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Stimulates collagen production, which can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Minimized Acne Scars: Can help improve the appearance of acne scars by smoothing the skin's surface.
Minimized Enlarged Pores: Can help unclog pores and reduce their appearance.
Increased Product Absorption: Exfoliated skin can better absorb skincare products, enhancing their effectiveness.
Minimal Downtime: Most patients can resume normal activities within a day after treatment.
Microdermabrasion Risks
While generally safe, microdermabrasion carries some potential risks.
Minor Irritation: common side effects that usually subside within a few hours
Redness
Mild stinging
Dryness
More Serious Risks: infrequent and not common:
Pigmentation Changes: Temporary or permanent changes in skin color, particularly in people with darker skin tones.
Infection: bacterial infection (if not performed in a clean setting) or reactivation of cold sores if prior history of them - taking medication can prevent recurrence.
Scarring: Rare but possible, especially if the procedure is not performed correctly.
Individuals with certain skin conditions - such as active acne, eczema, or psoriasis - may not be suitable candidates. Choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is important to minimize risks.
Who is it for?
Microdermabrasion can be a good option for a wide range of people with various concerns. Good candidates are individuals in good overall health, with realistic expectations, and are looking to address issues like:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars
Enlarged pores
Uneven skin texture
Microdermabrasion does not improve discoloration (brown spots, age spots, redness) as much as other treatments (lasers, BBL). Individuals with certain skin conditions such as active acne, eczema, or psoriasis may not be suitable candidates.
How is it performed?
It is performed in the comfort of the clinic.
The skin is cleaned. No anesthesia or numbing cream is usually needed.
Microdermabrasion uses a special device to gently remove the top layer of skin. A hand-held wand with a diamond tip is moved across the skin to exfoliate and remove the top layer.
Patients often describe it feeling like a light sandpapering or mild abrasion.
Afterwards your skin may be slightly red. Moisturizer & sunscreen are applied to protect the skin & minimize inflammation.
The procedure itself usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
After your treatment…
Immediately after the treatment, your skin can feel warm and look slightly swollen. This is expected, and usually subsides within 24 hours.
Recovery & Results
At home recovery. No downtime. Some patients experience temporary side effects including redness and mild swelling. These typically last just a few hours and subside within one day.
You may notice some improvement immediately after the first treatment, but the full results typically become apparent over several weeks.
Most patients get the best results with a series of 3-6 treatments, spaced a few weeks apart. The number of treatments will be determined by your specific needs and goals.
