this is a really informative article... I had been considering trying microdermabrasion - this does answer a lot of my questions...
Dermabrasion & Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion makes use of an abrasive tool to peel off the scarred layer of the skin. This process can be quite painful. Microdermabrasion is painless form of this very procedure. It is a cosmetic procedure for acne treatment. Not only acne but it is also helpful in lightening acne scars. It is a painless procedure that does not require the patient to be anaesthetic. However, the procedure needs to be repeated after specific intervals for effective acne treatment. Microdermabrasion is broadly divided in to three types:
Crystal Microdermabrasion- is the traditional method of dermabrasion that involves blasting of tiny crystals over the skin that may carry out the exfoliation over the skin.
Diamond Microdermabrasion- systems do not need crystals. The exfoliation is carried out using a device with a diamond tip. It makes contact against the skin and abrades it.
Home Microdermabrasion- systems are an increasingly popular alternative. They are not as powerful as professional dermabrasion systems but they are surely good enough to be used at home. Also, they are a much cheaper alternative.
Microdermabrasion is similar to Dermabrasion. The only difference is that it uses much tinier crystals to remove the surface of the skin as compared to Dermabrasion. It has come up as a the most tried used and relied upon method for acne treatment, in recent times. It has various other advantages over Dermabrasion:
1) It is almost painless.
2) Redness is minimal.
3) Can be repeated at short intervals of time.
4) It is quicker to perform.
5) There is no need for anesthesia.
As in the case of Dermabrasion, the same similar care tips need to be followed for microdermabrasion too:
1) To avoid any pigmentation in the healed skin, use sunscreen lotions and avoid the sun as much as possible.
2) If you witness any yellow crusting on your skin, inform your doctor.
3) Continue to take antiviral medication to avoid any infections.
4) Prolonged swelling and redness should immediately be brought under the doctor's notice.
Microdermabrasion heals the present acne by cleaning the pores and also removes the dead skin layer. Also, repetitive sessions can lead to disappearing of the other irregularities of the skin.
Benefits of microdermabrasion procedure
1) Microdermabrasion is largely successful in improving various skin conditions like acne scars, hyperpigmentation, rough skin and photodamaged skin.
2) It has no side effects as may be related to chemical treatment procedures because it is carried out only on the surface of the skin.
3) It is a procedure that is suitable for almost all skin types.
What All Microdermabrasion Can And Can't Do
Unlike any surgical treatment, Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive process that can help you get rid of the dead cells present on your skin. It is one of the most popular facial treatments that can make the skin look healthy and younger. But with its set of pros, Microdermabrasion too has its cons. So, before you decide to get this treatment done for yourself, ascertain that you have ample of information regarding the same. Obviously, you wouldn't want to squander your money in a treatment that doesn't even give you any sort of results.
What Microdermabrasion can do for you?
* Lessen the formation of comedones
* Decrease the level of oiliness
* Exfoliate deep into the skin
* Cure mild acne
* Make your large pores appear comparatively smaller
* Alleviate the presence of acne scars on the skin
* Improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
* Soften the skin texture and lighten up the complexion
* Level down the skin tone & help you combat with sun burns
Therefore, microdermabrasion can help you improve the overall texture of your face as well as make your skin look younger & softer. Moreover, regular Microdermabrasion treatment can also help you diminish the brown spots as well as shallow acne scars.
What Microdermabrasion cannot do for you?
* Tighten the loose skin
* Cure cystic acne
* Treat boxcar, ice pick scarring etc. which are basically the deeper scars left by acne
* Even out keloid scars, hypertrophic, etc.
* Completely diminish wrinkles, lines as well as deep wrinkles
Perhaps, these are problems that cannot be treated via Microdermabrasion.
Risks associated with Microdermabrasion
There are few risks associated with this treatment. Patients can easily contract infections, if unsterilized equipment is not utilized during the treatment. Therefore, the applicator and vacuum should be properly sterilized before their use. Another risk related to Microdermabrasion is that, microcrystals can actually prick the surface of the skin, if machine is too strong. Also, outbreaks in patients like herpes simplex may occur, if oral antiviral medication is not taken before Microdermabrasion. To avoid such situations, visit an experienced dermatologist.
You cannot expect to derive all the benefits of this treatment in one session only. Though, after your first session, you would feel your skin soften a little bit. But, you are required to go through this treatment several times, to actually witness improvement. It is always better to get in touch with a qualified technician and discuss about the changes you expect to see in your skin after microdermabrasion. A good dermatologist will devise a proper treatment plan and will inform you about the possibilities and side effects pertaining to this treatment.