Using a find the stream of minuscule crystals, a vacuum system with a scrubber, or a fine-grain diamond sanding tool, the process of microdermabrasion involves physically removing the outer layer of skin cells to remove newer and fresher ones underneath. Women and men get this procedure done on an outpatient basis. The goal is to get rid of or minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps to prevent blemishes, and stave off the signs of aging.
How is Microdermabrasion Performed?
Microdermabrasion can be performed at home with a small machine purchasable at any beauty or department store or online. These in-home devices tend not to be as powerful as those used by cosmetic doctors and dermatologists. This means that you may have to complete the procedure multiple times in order to get the results you want. Many people make appointments for microdermabrasion on a regular schedule anyway. At-home methods do not last as long because they do not remove as many dead skin cells as a professional treatment.
When you make an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to get microdermabrasion, it will only take an hour or two of your time to keep the appointment. After properly preparing your skin, the device will be slowly moved over your face until every part of it is treated. Tiny crystals or a sanding tip are used as exfoliators to remove the outer layer of older, less fresh skin cells.
What Can Microdermabrasion Do?
Besides simply freshening up your face by removing old dead skin cells, microdermabrasion can be used to shrink large pores, remove blemishes and blackheads, even out pigmentation and skin discolorations, reduce lines and wrinkles and make you look younger, and make age spots, scars, and stretch marks less noticeable.
Because this is a relatively gentle procedure, you may need to repeat microdermabrasion several times to get the total results you desire. This is especially true if you are using the procedure as a gentle way of getting rid of scars or hyperpigmentation problems. Regular treatments can improve your look right away by giving you a fresher complexion and slowly and gradually mend problem spots that you wish would just disappear. Sometimes, gradual improvement is better because it will not be so obvious you had a procedure done.
Are There Any Potential Dangers?
Although the idea of having miniature crystals shot at your face to peel the skin off may seem horrific, the process of microdermabrasion is really no different than if you washed your face with a sugar scrub or apricot seed exfoliator. It just provides a slightly quicker and more intense exfoliation process. It is much safer than chemical skin peels.
The only potential negative results of microdermabrasion include redness, temporary swelling or irritation, and tenderness of the facial skin after the procedure is complete. All of these things are to be expected and will go away quickly afterward. Your doctor or the technician who performs the procedure may give you or recommend certain moisturizing creams or treatments to soothe the new skin and promote healing. Sunscreen is a must.