How Does Microdermabrasion Work?
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure. Treatment involves the use of a special applicator with an abrasive surface that gently sands away the outer layer of skin, rejuvenating the appearance of your skin. Microdermabrasion does not necessitate an anesthesia or numbing agent, and usually takes about an hour (30–40 minutes on the face, and 20 minutes on the neck).
During the procedure, patients are seated in a reclining chair. Your skin specialist will use a handheld device to gently exfoliate your skin in the targeted areas. You may experience a sanding sensation during the procedure, but this is not painful. After the treatment, a moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied to your skin.
Before Microdermabrasion
Patients need very little preparation before microdermabrasion. Your Boardman dermatologist may tell you to avoid sun exposure, tanning creams, and waxing in the week before treatment, as well as exfoliating creams and masks about three days before treatment. Immediately before the treatment, remove any makeup and clean your face.
Although microdermabrasion is gentle and non-invasive, talk to your dermatologist before seeking this treatment if any of them following applies to you.
- You have a mole that growing, bleeding, or changing in shape or color. This might be a skin cancer.
- You are taking, or have taken within the last six months, isotretinoin, a medication prescribed to treat severe acne. Use of this medication increases the risk of complications, including scarring.
- Talk to your dermatologist if you scar easily, or if you experience cold sores breakouts.
After Microdermabrasion
There is little to no downtime following microdermabrasion, so patients can resume their regular daily activities immediately. How patients care for their skin following the procedure will affect how long the results last, so it is important to keep the skin moisturized and use gentle skin care products following microdermabrasion. Patients should avoid using topical acne medication for at least 24 hours following the procedure and protect their skin with sunscreen, as the skin can be particularly sensitive to sunlight.
Patients may start to see noticeable results immediately after the procedure, but most patients require multiple treatments to see results. Most patients receive between five and 16 treatments, either weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Your dermatologist will work with you to create your best treatment plan.
Side Effects Of Microdermabrasion
There are few side effects of microdermabrasion that are generally mild. Patients may notice some tenderness, and the treated areas might be pink or red and slightly swollen. This generally goes away within a day or two.
In some cases, patients might notice some bruising, burning, or stinging, and their skin may be especially sensitive to sunlight. All of these will go away without additional treatment.
For patients who often develop dark spots after acne clears or skin heals, there is a higher chance of developing dark spots following microdermabrasion. Talk with your dermatologist about these risks.
Patients interested in a minimally invasive procedure to brighten complexion and even skin tone can find amazing results through microdermabrasion. Schedule a consultation with our Boardman skin specialists today to discuss whether microdermabrasion is right for you.