What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a newer technique that uses an abrasive crystal to improve the appearance of
*skin colour
*small acne scars
*fine lines and wrinkles
*enlarged pores
*dull and thickened skin.

This procedure was introduced in Italy 15 years ago and in US 5 years back.
This is most sought after procedure in US.

During the procedure, a fine jet of inert, natural mineral crystal is sprayed on the face at high velocity and vacuumed back up. The process removes dry, dead overlying tissue, allowing the skin to rejuvenate.
The procedure is especially effective in helping to improve skin colour and texture.
The procedure takes from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the skill of the doctor. First, skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove any surface oil or makeup. Then the eyes are covered with gauze pieces. A wand like device, which looks like a pen, is used to spray fine particles against the face, which are quickly sucked up by a vacuum.

This is a nonsurgical procedure. It does not require any anaesthesia.
While there may be some redness afterwards, most patients can put makeup on and head back to work.
The redness may last up to a day.

Dermatologists have found that Laser or aggressive chemical peel have some advantages, but there is a downtime which can be a problem for patients who have to take time off from work. Cosmetologist are seeing improved outcomes when they combine microdermabraion treatments with other topical treatments.

One microdermabrasiontreatment can offer the benefits of an entire series of facial peels using glycolic acid without the downtime (missing work) or recovery period needed for more aggressive peels.
By eliminating the outer dead layer of skin, topical medications can penetratethe skin better and are more effective. For example, if someone is trying to improve skin colour with a bleaching agent and has not seen improvement, microdermabrasion allows the bleaching agent, or any other medication, to go deeper into skin, where it will be more effective.

The process may also be combined with glycolic acid or retinoic acid. There is slight collagen tightening, giving bonus of reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. However the effect is only temporary and must be maintained with repeated microdermabrasion treatments. The only downside of the procedure is redness or tightness of the skin immediately following the treatment. Sometimes the skin may peel. Doctor will advice use of sunscreen or calamine lotion after the treatment.
Patients who have had a history of herpes simplex around the lip should consider taking acyclovir before the procedure.

Summarising, microdermabrasion is a new OPD procedure for skin rejuvenation. Procedure has to be repeated in order to maintain the stimulation of new skin development.

Dr. Kiran Godser Skin Specialist Laksh-Deep Hospital