Microdermabrasion


Microdermabrasion is often called Microderm. It is a cosmetic procedure in which the outer layer of skin cells is removed from an area through light abrasion. This has become popular in day spas and medical spas, and is currently used in the United States to treat age spots, wrinkles, age lines, crow's feet, stretch marks, and scars due to moderate to severe acne.

History of Microdermabrasion

Ancient methods of facial skin resurfacing date back to Egyptian times when they used abrasive masks made out of alabaster particles. Since then, various acids, clays, herbs, minerals, poultices and creams have been used in an effort to peel, exfoliate, and rejuvenate skin. The modern incarnations of these techniques can be found in the technologies of laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion. Microderm was first developed in Italy in 1985, and grew in Europe as a popular treatment before spreading to the United States in the late 1990's.

Microdermabrasion Methods and Techniques

Microdermabrasion is most useful in treating superficial skin conditions and is sometimes referred to as a polishing process. The technique itself causes and a reaches a superficial level of skin damage. There are several different methods to the procedure which may include chemical abrasion from zinc oxide jets or crystals. A device like a fine sandblaster is used to spray tiny abrasives across the skin surface as a vacuum-like machine scoops them up. Treatments may take between 30 minutes to an hour, and one advantage to microderm is that it can be repeated at short intervals. More invasive skin treatments cannot. It is also quick and easy to have performed, without major time investment or interruptions. Because the technique only produces a superficial removal of skin, it is ineffective for deeper scars or wrinkles.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microderm does not require anesthesia, it is painless, and can be repeated as required. Chemical peeling and laser resurfacing techniques have a history of success, but also offer opportunity for greater complications. Because microderm only reaches a superficial level of skin, scarring and skin pigment changes are very rare. There are virtually no side affects, it's reported to give the skin a healthy glow, it is effective on all skin colors and types, and activities can be resumed quickly afterwards. It also offers a good alternative for patients with sensitivity to chemical procedures.

Microdermabrasion procedures should not be performed on individuals taking isotretinoin (Accutane) currently or within the past year, or people with active herpes infections, malignant skin tumors, evolving dermatoses, or certain keratoses.

By Doug Vanisky           


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