The Non Invasive Process Known as Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a skin enhancement procedure that is becoming more well known over time. A patient can have this done for relatively little cost, and it is noninvasive and is not painful. For people who don't wish to have more serious plastic surgery, or injections and laser options, this is a choice that makes sense.

Microdermabrasion can soften fine lines and wrinkles, decrease pore size, help smooth coarsely textured skin, reduce superficial hyper-pigmentation (age spots), and decrease the appearance of scarring. Collagen growth will be stimulated as skin creams can permeate deeper, and this will be something that makes the skin look brighter and more radiant.

This procedure uses specialized equipment to exfoliate the skin. This process removes the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the skin.

The crystal microdermabrasion device consists of a compressor that draws in air through a hand-held wand. As the skin is touched by the wand, the result is a vacuum effect. Aluminum oxide crystals are directed across the skin's surface, picking up dead surface skin cells along the way. A separate tube on the wand simply sucks the air along with the dead skin cells and crystals into the machine.

Diamond-tip microdermabrasion uses the same vacuum technology and hand-held wand, but there aren't any crystals moving through the tip. The dead skin cells are removed buy the diamond tip in this technique, and then vacuumed up the same way. Depending on the condition and type of the patient's skin, the specific type of tip is chosen. Crystal microdermabrasion is a little more comfortable that diamond-tip, but they have the same result for the patient. For sensitive skin, this is the more beneficial option.

Microdermabrasion can achieve dramatic results, but it is highly dependent on the skill of the technician. For the best results, it is often recommended to get a series of treatments depending upon your skin type and condition. Depending on the results that you want, your skin's overall condition, the issues that are present and your response to the first treatment a plan of care can be structured. Patients in many cases are delighted after they see the effects that the first session brings, but for a comprehensive treatment for all skin concerns, more visits are usually necessary. It is generally advised to follow up with regular maintenance treatments every 3-4 months. And because the machine can be adjusted depending on skin type and condition, even people with sensitive skin can get a treatment from a skilled professional.

This is a safe, non-surgical, and highly demanded process, but it does not mean that side effects from microdermabrasion are not possible occasionally. Basically, it's like using a sandblaster on the skin, so naturally, it will react to that temporarily. Typically, some redness, tightness and very light bruising will occur along with possible sensitivity. In a few short hours, these slight side effects will dissipate. Abrasions that are relatively minor have been known to occur, isolated minor bleeding can also happen. Risks are very small from microdermabrasion, the materials used are not harmful at all, and there is practically no risk that is associated with these procedures. This process is much easier on the skin and safer than facial peels that involve chemicals or lasers.