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Microdermabrasion is a popular procedure which is classified as very superficial
dermabrasion, or exfoliation. This method employs tiny aluminum oxide crystals which
are sprayed onto the skin and immediately sucked up along with dead skin cells.
Although not scientifically proven to improve the appearance of skin, many patients
report that their skin feels smoother. It is a popular procedure because it is
painless and there is no recovery time afterwards and is also safe for any skin
color or type.
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Most patients report improvement in acne, uneven skin color, and skin texture and
they also like the fact that makeup goes on more smoothly after microdermabrasion.
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During the micrdermabrasion treatment, tiny crystals are sprayed out and vacuumed up
through a hand piece. There may be some mild discomfort, described by some as
similar to an emery board against the skin while others report that the experience
is similar to a facial massage.
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Depending on the area being treated, microdermabrasion normally takes between ten
and thirty minutes.
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On average, 5-9 microdermabrasion treatments, spaced one week apart, are required
and most people require a maintenance program to continue the effects.
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Typically, the microdermabrasion results last a few months.
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Microdermabrasion is safe. There may be facial redness for about an hour after the
procedure but no recovery time is required.
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Mechanical resurfacing of the skin has been in use for about 50 years and involves
the use of abrasive tools to remove the outer layers of the skin in oreder to
produce an improved appearance. Dermabrasion has been used for the treatment of
photoaging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions,
discoloration (called dyschromia) and has also been used for removal of resistant
tattoos. Superficial and deep techniques are available. There are two layers of the
skin: the outer layer (the epidermis) and the inner layer (the dermis). Superficial
dermabrasion removes portions of the epidermis and deep dermabrasion removes all of
the epidermis and portions of the dermis. Deep methods are the preferred procedure
for treatment of scarring and other less common skin conditions (i.e. epidermal
nevi, rhinophyma, and benign tumors). Deep methods are more effective but generally
require healing time and carry a higher risk of complications.
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Motorized dermabrasion is a medium deep or deep procedure that employs the use of a
motorized brush or diamond cylinder. These tools are used to remove the outer layers
of the skin in a controlled setting. Local anesthesia and sometimes general
anesthesia is used for pain control during the treatment.
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Depending on the size of the area being treated, dermabrasion can take from
30 to 90 minutes.
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Dressings usually need be worn after the procedure and temporary facial swelling and
pain is normal. Within 7-10 days, the skin has healed but is often very red.
Complete healing may take up to one month and collagen remodeling may continue for
months afterwards.
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Usually one treatment is adequate but you and your physician will decide
what is needed for you.
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Improvement in scarring can be permanent and with good sun protection, the results
of photoaging can last years
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Complications are rare but may include infection, prolonged healing, discoloration,
and scarring. Not everyone is a good candidate for dermabrasion. As with any medical
procedure, you and your physician need to decide if dermabrasion is right for you.
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