Microdermabrasion - Facial Resurfacing Treatments
Microdermabrasion is often misunderstood as a procedure. A common thought is that that Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin when actually this is completely false. Microdermabrasion, considered facial skin rejuvenation, simply refers to the removal of the dead skin cells that rest atop the skin’s surface layer by means of an abrasive surface. The removal of these dead skin cells, or stratum corneum, is an excellent way to rejuvenate the complexion leaving a smooth somewhat shiny appearance that looks healthy, plumped and fresh. This technique works particularly well on the tiny lines, mild age spots, sun damage and mild acne.
The abrasive facial resurfacing procedure is straightforward. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2007, “device like a fine sandblaster (is used) to spray tiny crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin” This results in a polishing process which takes about a half hour or more to perform and stimulates the production of skin cells and collagen (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2007)
Many different agents are used in the Microdermabrasion process. Most commonly used by dermatologists are zinc oxides, aluminum oxide crystals, diamond-tipped wand, naturally-occurring particles, or a rough surface. These facial resurfacing abrasives scourge the surface, scouring away the very top layer of skin- skin that is ready to leave the dermis and generate newer deeper, relatively younger looking skin.
According to the AAD or American Academy of Dermatology, temporary side effects associated with Microdermabrasion are:
- Mild redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Minor discomfort
Other more serious side effects include:
- Scarring
- Persistent redness
- Pigment changes
Persons with especially sensitive skin, or are on the facially resurfacing drug Accutane, should avoid the Microdermabrasion procedure.
Microdermabrasion has an effect similar to chemical defoliation or facial peel and laser resurfacing. All three target the surface area of the skin to peel, abrade or burn away dead skin cells and encourage new literally younger skin to form below the surface- speeding the foliating process resulting in the look of freshly washed skin.
These techniques have especially grown more popular in the last ten years as the “fresh face” free of heavy make up has come into vogue. The current focus on perfection complete with white teeth and a smooth clean blemish-free complexion have truly made “Microdermabrasion” a household term.