Dr. Elizabeth Faircloth Rostan is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Microdermabrasion..
Q. What skin conditions can be treated with Microdermabrasion?
A. Microdermabrasion is used to treat mild acne, fine wrinkles and mild sundamage, discolorations of the skin such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks that occur after injury to skin or skin rash or acne), mild or superficial scarring and has been reported to help stretch marks. Because microdermabrasion is a superficial technique, deeper stretch marks, scars and wrinkles will not improve significantly. Microdermabrasion is very commonly used to help the skin stay fresh and polished. It can help maintain results achieved from laser treatments or chemical peels and it can help any topically applied skin care regimen work better as it increases skin penetration of these products.
Q. How does the Microdermabrasion treatment work?
A. Microdermabrasion refers to mechanical techniques to abrade the very uppermost layer of skin – the stratum corneum. The abrasion or exfoliation of this layer may be achieved with microdermabrasion machines that apply gentle suction to the skin and then circulate granular particles, usually aluminum oxide, over the skin. Another method called vibradermabrasion uses a paddle about the size of your palm that has been coated with fixed abrasives. The Vibraderm device vibrates the paddle, which is then applied with gentle pressure to the skin for a short time period. The advantages of vibradermabrasion include more even coverage, the ability to effectively treat large areas and less irritation to the skin than with the traditional small area suction and granules technique. Currently there are a number of home microdermabrasion kits that can be used as a primary treatment or to maintain results achieved from in-office treatments. These consist of exfoliating granules in a cleanser or cream.
Q. How effective is the Microdermabrasion treatment?
A. Microdermabrasion is most effective on superficial or minor skin issues and is less effective for deeper lines, wrinkles, or scars. Microdermabrasion is most popular for mild exfoliation or polishing of the skin and maintaining a smooth skin surface and healthy glow by removing dead skin layers.
Q. Can Microdermabrasion treatment be used on a large area of skin?
A. Traditional microdermabrasion with small suction and blasting of granules is less effective over a large surface area; however, vibradermabrasion with use of large paddles can be used over large surface areas including chest, back and arms.
Q. Are multiple treatments of Microdermabrasion required to see effective results?
A. Multiple treatments are needed to achieve results with microdermabrasion. Also, treatments must be repeated every 4-8 weeks if you want to maintain the smooth, polished look and feel you get after a session.
Q. What treatment is Microdermabrasion used in conjunction with?
A. Microdermabrasion is frequently combined with lasers, chemical peels, fillers and botox to maintain a youthful appearance. Vibradermabrasion is very popular in our office because there is no downtime, it can easily be combined with other treatments, and gives the skin a healthy, fresh look immediately.
