How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost?
The average cost of microdermabrasion is $126, according to 84 reviews from RealSelf members, but that cost can range up to $195.
This noninvasive, gentle form of skin rejuvenation exfoliates the skin’s surface to reveal a smoother, brighter, and more even skin tone with few side effects. Here, we break down what affects the cost of microdermabrasion and why you might pay more or less.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Microdermabrasion
Is microdermabrasion worth the cost?
Every patient is different, so only you can determine whether or not microdermabrasion is a skin care procedure that's worth the cost. However, there’s a good chance you’ll be happy with the outcome: The RealSelf community gives it a 95% Worth It Rating, with reviews claiming that microdermabrasion works to improve skin concerns like fine lines, superficial acne scars, and age spots. Considering the benefits of microdermabrasion, it's at least worth consulting with a qualified provider.
What affects the cost of microdermabrasion?
Factors that affect microdermabrasion pricing include:
1) Your provider's credentials and level of expertise.
Because microdermabrasion treatments are not an invasive procedure, they can be performed by aestheticians, as well as nurses, dermatologists, or other physicians (though every state has their own laws about this, so do a little research before you book).
Microdermabrasion treatments typically cost less when performed by an aesthetician, compared to what you'd pay to be treated by a board-certified dermatologist.
2) Your provider's practice location.
Providers in areas with higher costs of living, like major metro areas (think New York and LA), will often charge higher prices for their treatments, resulting in steeper microdermabrasion costs.
Another aspect to consider is the demand for microdermabrasion treatments in your area, as well as the quantity of providers offering the treatment. If there’s only one provider of microdermabrasion where you live and it’s not a particularly popular procedure, you could end up spending more.
However, providers in areas with lots of competition may offer discounts to draw patients.
3) Special deals and discounts.
Like most skin resurfacing treatments, it’s recommended to book microdermabrasion facials during the fall winter, when frequent sun exposure is less likely. That's also the season when people are trying to get rid of sun damage. Many providers offer deals on microdermabrasion and other skin treatments during that time of year.
Microdermabrasion treatments also appear on discount websites. While there are plenty of qualified providers on these sites, you'll also find less-reputable practitioners on there, too. Do your research before springing for a deal. While your microdermabrasion cost will end up being lower, you could end up having to pay to correct damage caused by an unskilled provider.
4) The type of microdermabrasion procedure that’s being performed.
There are two types of microdermabrasion: crystal and diamond microdermabrasion.
Crystal microdermabrasion is the original form of this skin resurfacing treatment, and it basically blasts the top layer of the skin’s surface with ultra-hard, fine crystals (which are typically salt, baking soda, or magnesium oxide).
Diamond microdermabrasion, a newer form of the technology, uses a handpiece with a fine diamond tip (not unlike a quality fingernail file) to slough away dead skin cells as it vacuums it up.
While you might expect that diamond microdermabrasion would be more costly due to the inclusion of diamonds and the fact that it’s newer technology, the reverse is true: replacing crystals can get pricey for the provider, so that method typically comes with a higher price tag.
RealSelf Tip: One popular type of microdermabrasion facial is DiamondGlow, which combines exfoliation with extraction and infusion of a customized mix of facial serums. This treatment costs $200 on average, and RealSelf members give it an exceptionally high Worth It Rating.
5) The number of microdermabrasion sessions you book.
Non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments like microdermabrasion are less powerful than treatments like deep chemical peels or ablative lasers, which are generally “one and done” treatments.
How many treatment sessions you need will be determined by your provider and the severity of your concerns, but this is definitely something to discuss during your consultation. Even if the microdermabrasion cost per session is palatable to you, a full package of sessions might feel too pricey, unless it comes with a discount.
6) The size of the treatment area.
While many people just opt to treat their faces with microdermabrasion, you could conceivably treat more areas of the body, including the neck, chest, and stomach (and even larger areas when treating stretch marks). Facial microdermabrasion costs less than treating larger surface areas.
Is microdermabrasion covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, you can’t defray the cost of microdermabrasion with insurance. Just like other cosmetic treatments (such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and dermabrasion), microdermabrasion isn't considered medically necessary.
Because skin conditions like rough facial skin or uneven skin tone aren't truly medical issues, microdermabrasion isn’t eligible for coverage.
Related: Plastic Surgery Financing: How to Pay for Your Cosmetic Procedure