Microdermabrasion is a skin rejuvenating technique that repairs signs of aging and scars. Microdermabrasion is the gentle scraping of the outermost layer of the skin. Microdermabrasion is a gentle and painless way to treat acne scarring, tattoos, vertical wrinkles around the mouth that cause lipstick bleed, scars, and precancerous growths called keratoses.
The doctor administers general or local anesthesia and then uses a rough wire brush or a compressor and pump that mixes gentle abrasion with suction to peel the outer layer of the skin. The doctor may then treat the skin with ointment, wet dressing, or dry treatment.

Microdermabrasion typically removes 10-15 microns of skin, which is so thin it cannot be seen. The procedure is simple and painless and equally effective at treating skin imperfections as more radical procedures like chemical peels.

The procedure takes 15-60 minutes.

Cost of the Procedure

Risks of the Procedure

Like all procedures, there are risks involved with Microdermabrasion. The risks include formation of new scars, permanent darkening of skin, blotchy appearance, development of enlarged pores, and infection and scarring.

 

Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery?

There is typically no downtime involved with microdermabrasion. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis so regular activities can be resumed immediately. Excessive exposure to the sun following the procedure is not recommended and sufficient sunscreen should be used. Because of the minimal invasiveness of the procedure, microdermabrasion is compatible with all vacation types.

Preparing for the procedure

The doctor administers general or local anesthesia and then uses a rough wire brush or a compressor and pump that mixes gentle abrasion with suction to peel the outer layer of the skin. The doctor may then treat the skin with ointment, wet dressing, or dry treatment. Microdermabrasion typically removes 10-15 microns of skin, which is so thin it cannot be seen. The procedure is simple and painless and equally effective at treating skin imperfections as more radical procedures like chemical peels. The procedure takes 15-60 minutes.

Planning for my recovery

The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. The skin will be quite red and swollen, and eating and talking may be difficult. The swelling will begin to subside in a few days to a week. The patient will feel some tingling, burning, or aching which can be relieved with medications prescribed by the surgeon. A scab or crust will form over the treated area as it begins to heal which will fall off as a new layer of tight, pink skin forms underneath. The face may itch as new skin starts to grow, which can be relieved by an ointment prescribed by the surgeon. If ointment is applied immediately after surgery, little or no scab will form.