Medical microdermabrasion offers excellent results in skin resurfacing without the recovery period and dangers of infection which accompany laser resurfacing or strong chemical peels. While deep scars and wrinkles cannot be completely removed, a series of dermabrasion treatments can reduce the appearance of fine lines, pitting and scarring of acne, and minor irregularities of pigmentation. The procedure is painless and the only usual side effect is a slight reddening of the skin.

How Medical Microdermabrasion Works

In principle, medical microdermabrasion is a miniature, cellular-level version of the same technique used to sandblast buildings. Tiny crystals of a mineral substance, either aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate, are delivered at high speed through the inner section of a double-walled tube. These crystals break up the layer of dead cells on the surface of the epidermis, and then gently buff away aging cells to reveal the healthier skin beneath. Dead cells, skin debris and the crystals are then suctioned away in the outer tube.

The immediate result is brighter, tighter, healthier-looking skin, with pores minimized and circulation stimulated. Repeated procedures can "sand down" fine lines, especially around the eyes and lips, and plane away the scars and pitting left by severe acne. Irregular pigmentation also responds very well to medical microdermabrasion.

Unlike the burning of the skin that results from deep chemical peels or laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion does not harm healthy skin. Therefore, there is no need for extensive after treatment to prevent infection. Since the only after effect is a slight reddening, a client can have this procedure done on a lunch hour and return to work immediately.