Microdermabrasion For Skin Resurfacing

The primary difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion is the penetration or skin depth which they achieve.  Both remove some of the upper layers of skin, but dermabrasion goes deeper than microdermabrasion.  Dermabrasion uses a rotating wheel or wire brush.  Microdermabrasion uses fine crystals to remove the skin.  Microdermabrasion provides deep exfoliation of the skin and achieves some skin resurfacing to give the skin a polished and dewey appearance.

There is virtually no recovery period involved in microdermabrasion, although several treatments are usually required to achieve optimal results.  Patients can return to their daily routine immediately following treatment. There may be some restrictions on exposure to sunlight.

The Procedure

The choice between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion will depend on the results you desire and the condition of your skin.  Microdermabrasion is the second most popular cosmetic surgery currently being performed.  No anesthesia is required and the procedure is usually done in the doctor's office.  The patient can return to normal activities immediately.  Microdermabrasion is relatively inexpensive and can offer excellent results for many patients.

Microdermabrasion is appropriate for removing fine lines, age spots, and lessening the appearance of acne scars.  It is most often used to to treat fine lines around the mouth, cheeks and forehead.  It can reduce the appearance of pigment problems like age spots.  It can be used in treating excessively dry skin. Most commonly performed as an anti-aging treatment, microdermabrasion can minimize many of the signs of aging and give the skin a youthful radiance.

Microdermabrasion can be used as a treatment for acne.  When used to treat acne, microdermabrasion is performed in conjunction  with deep suction to unclog pores.  Prescription lotions may be required following treatment. The procedure may be covered by medical insurance when it is used to treat a medical condition such as acne, and is recommended by a doctor.

Financial Considerations

If performed for purely cosmetic purposes, this procedure is generally not covered by medical insurance.  If a doctor recommends the procedure to treat a medical condition like acne, it may be covered by insurance.  This should be discussed with the insurance company before treatment is begun

Typically, microdermabrasion involves a series of treatments over time.  The number of treatments varies at between five and twelve.  The treatment of acne scars usually requires ten treatments.  Your doctor will determine the number of treatments required based on your desired results.

The average cost of microdermabrasion is under $300.  This is an average and can vary by geographical location and the experience of the doctor performing the treatment.  This is a per session average, so remember to multiply it by the number of required treatments.  This doesn't include the cost of any additional medications or lotions you may need following the procedure.  This procedure can be performed in a doctor's office without anesthesia, so there are no costs for surgical facilities or anesthesia.

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