Microdermabrasion might be on your radar when you thought of opening this article. This non-invasive procedure had been available since 1996 but gained a cult following the past five years. What exactly is microdermabrasion, and what does it do? Read on to find out and more!
What is Microdermabrasion?
If you are looking for a non-invasive way to improve your skin’s look, tone, and texture, microdermabrasion is the treatment you need. Microdermabrasion facial is a skin procedure that utilizes an applicator with a special end that lightly and gently “sands” away the thicker and uneven outer layer of the skin. It exposes the healthier skin underneath the dead skin surface.
This procedure is non-invasive in any way, with no scars or any side effects after the process. Most dermatologists have microdermabrasion in their repertoire, and it could be done painlessly in less time than you might think.
What are the benefits of Microdermabrasion?
Now that you are thinking about getting one, what does microdermabrasion do, and what are some microdermabrasion benefits?
- Microdermabrasion improves the looks of blackheads and age spots
- Microdermabrasion improves hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Microdermabrasion helps in exfoliating the skin and gives it a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance
- Microdermabrasion also helps in reducing the visibility of stretch marks or any uneven skin
- Microdermabrasion improves the look of wrinkles and fine lines
- If you have larger pores, microdermabrasion can help in reduction or even elimination
- Microdermabrasion treats acne and can help with acne scars
- It can help in making your skin look younger because the procedure helps thicken the collagen in your face that makes it look plump and smooth
- It can liven up dull-looking skin
Is it expensive?
The cost of microdermabrasion will vary from one dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s clinic to the next. The prices may vary because of factors such as the doctor’s expertise, their qualifications, what type of microdermabrasion procedure will be done, and many other factors. In order to be ready for the cost involved, you have to consult with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon first.
What to initially expect when consulting for microdermabrasion?
Before everything else, a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon will ask you about your goals in wanting the treatment. You might also be asked about standard procedures like drug allergies, medical treatment, medical conditions you might have, or whether you are taking any medicine prior to treatment. They will also describe your options; discuss the outcomes and benefits of microdermabrasion and the risk of the procedure.
It is essential for you and your dermatologist or plastic surgeon to have this initial conversation to counter any anxiety and know what you need to do after the procedure. This is also the time for you to ask any questions you might have for them.
What are some of the risks of the treatment?
Whether you are doing microdermabrasion at home or a clinic, the risks are usually short-lived. Here are some of them:
- Initially, after the microdermabrasion, slight redness and swelling is expected but should be gone in a few hours after the treatment
- You could also expect the skin treated to turn flaky and dry the next few days
- As a result of the suction from the microdermabrasion machine, bruising in your face or any area treated could happen and should be gone within a few days to a week
- The skin will be extra sensitive after the procedure, so using sunscreen right as you get out of the clinic is advised if sun exposure is inevitable
How is microdermabrasion done?
Actions to make a week before the procedure
Upon consultation, the dermatologist or the plastic surgeon might advise you to avoid extreme sun exposure, waxing, and any tanning creams a week before your microdermabrasion schedule. At the same time, they will also notify you to stop using exfoliants, whether physical or chemical, three days before your appointment. Come to the clinic makeup-free and with clean skin on the day of your treatment.
What to expect during the appointment
The procedure will usually take an hour with you sitting on a reclining chair. Your dermatologist or a plastic surgeon will have the best microdermabrasion machine and use a device that gently sprays or sands the other layer of the skin in your face or any part of your body. When the sanding is done, a moisturizer and sunscreen are massaged on the treated skin.
Ways to do the procedure
The first way is to use a diamond microdermabrasion tip that exfoliates or peels off dead skin cells and suctions them off simultaneously. This way is utilized in sensitive areas such as the face and especially the delicate skin around the eyes.
The second way is the crystal microdermabrasion. What it does is sprays fine crystals that graze away the outer layer of the treated skin. It also, like the diamond-tip, suctions the dead skin cells just as immediately. There are different crystals, and your dermatologists might use the usual aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate.
The third way is hydradermabrasion which is new in the game. It combines the benefit of crystal-free exfoliation and the immersion of various products to boost and encourage collagen production and blood flow in the treated skin.
Recovery time for microdermabrasion
The great thing about microdermabrasion is that there is absolutely no recovery period after the procedure. There might be some redness and swelling here and there or dry patches after a few days. Dermatologists or plastic surgeon will do for aftercare is to recommend or prescribe specific moisturizers or other products to reduce the redness or the initial swelling.
What does the result look like after a round of microdermabrasion?
Results may vary depending on different skin conditions, but it would be long-lasting, and you will get the full effect once the swelling is done or once the bruising has healed. If your skin is a bit damaged, the dermatologist or plastic surgeon might advise you to take multiple microdermabrasion appointments before you get to your desired result. Usually, two sessions are recommended initially, then once a month, to maintain the effect of the skin procedure.
