Microdermabrasion helps to provide a deep exfoliation of the skin and diminish appearance of acne scars, fine lines, unwanted pigmentation, and reduce the size of pores. Tiny diamonds are permanently fixed to a microdermabrasion wand that is used to scrape off the outermost epidermal cells called the stratum corneum. The exact pressure used and the number of times that the wand is passed over the skin is determined by the provider. Immediate improvement with skin tone and texture is noticed. It is successfully used on all skin types, including sensitive skin, and it can be used on any skin color without causing discoloration of the skin. This painless exfoliating skin resurfacing requires no downtime and results in youthful, glowing, and rejuvenated skin. Microdermabrasion done in a medical office setting is much more powerful than what can be done with at home microdermabrasion kits.
Expected Results after Microdermabrasion
- Skin that feels smoother and softer
- Cleaner pores that are reduced in size
- Improvement in superficial unwanted pigmentation
- Brighter and more even complexion
Ideal Candidate for Microdermabrasion
Good candidates for microdermabrasion
- Desire to lighten unwanted pigmentation (age spots, hyperpigmentation)
- Want to decrease appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Want to exfoliate skin
- Decrease size of enlarged pores
- Want to improve appearance of stretch marks
- Have realistic expectations of what is achievable with microdermabrasion alone
Microdermabrasion Techniques
Microdermabrasion induces small doses of trauma to the skin, stimulating the skin to repair itself towards more youthful, healthier, and rejuvenated skin. Microdermabrasion can be done in a series of treatments, typically 2-4 weeks apart. Microdermabrasion has different effects on each layer of the skin.
Epidermis. The most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis is the most affected by microdermabrasion.
- Dull epidermal skin cells are removed and replenished with healthier new skin cells
- Overall thickened and fuller epidermis
- Improvement in superficial pigmentation that is locked up in the epidermal layers
Dermis. The dermis contains fibroblasts, or cells that are responsible for collagen and elastin production.
- Increased number and size of dermal fibroblasts
- Increased amount of collagen fibers
- More organized and densely packed collagen fibers
- Increased number of elastin fibers, improving skin elasticity
Enhances skin immune system. Microdermabrasion induces redness, or inflammation in the skin after each treatment. This temporary inflammation promotes healing and repair of the skin.
- Growth and dilation of blood vessels in the dermis allows growth factors and immune cells to better penetrate the skin
- Immune cells trigger healing and repair of skin that may be photo-damaged or scarred
Crystal Microdermabrasion vs. Diamond Microdermabrasion
Crystal microdermabrasion uses a special tube or wand to emit super-fine crystals onto the skin, almost like a gentle “sandblasting” of the skin. As the crystals hit the skin, they exfoliate the outer section of the skin. Simultaneously, the wand is suctioning the crystals and dead skin cells. The used crystals and skin are then discarded. The most commonly used crystals are made of aluminum oxide and are very hard. Sometimes magnesium oxide, sodium chloride (salt), or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) crystals can be used.
Diamond microdermabrasion uses a special diamond coated wand that is passed across the skin. This new microdermabrasion technology is often referred to as “sanding” the skin. As the wand passes across the skin, it causes exfoliation to the superficial layer of the skin. The wand also has a suction device which vacuums up the dead skin cells into a filter. Diamond microdermabrasion is safer than crystal microdermabrasion because there is no concern about crystals being emitted into the eyes.
Cost of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion (typically combined with customized facial) $150
Preparation for Microdermabrasion
In preparation for your microdermabrasion treatment, we ask that you come to your visit with minimal make-up. If your skin is irritated from a sunburn or topical medications, we may recommended a more gentle treatment the day of your procedure. Microdermabrasion is safe for women that are pregnant and/or breast feeding.
Recovery after Microdermabrasion
After microdermabrasion treatments, during which patients describe a tingling sensation, the treated areas may feel as though they are wind burned. Treated areas may swell slightly and remain red for up to twenty-four hours. This is to be expected and the treated areas recover quickly. Your skin will have a fresh and healthy appearance making you look younger and more radiant.
Risk, Safety, and Potential Complications after Microdermabrasion
Generally speaking, microdermabrasion is a relatively safe procedure and can be done on most skin types. It is important to realize the limitations of microdermabrasion in order to have realistic expectations from the procedure. Deep acne scarring, hypertrophic scars, or keloid scars will not improve with microdermabrasion. Additionally, microdermabrasion alone will not eliminate lines and wrinkles, and it will do absolutely nothing for deep lines.
More importantly, there is a select patient population that should not have microdermabrasion. If you have a current bacterial or viral infection, you should avoid microdermabrasion until your infection completely resolves. Additionally, rosacea and broken capillaries should not be treated with microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion experts at The Naderi Center
Cleaner and smoother skin tone and texture can be achieved after only one microdermabrasion treatment at The Naderi Center. Our Master Aestheticians are extremely experience with microdermabrasion as well as many customized facials that can be combined to enhance your treatment. Our team of skincare experts will devise a comprehensive and individualized approach that will help you achieve more youthful, healthy, and glowing skin.
Schedule your Microdermabrasion Consultation
Prospective microdermabrasion patients can call 301-222-2020 to schedule a consultation at The Naderi Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, or 703-481-0002 for our Reston, Virginia.
Microdermabrasion FAQs
If you live in the states of Virginia or Maryland, The Naderi Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology offers microdermabrasion among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
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