Microdermabrasion is a procedure most commonly performed by Aestheticians and involves the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum). Dermabrasion (performed by Physicians) is a much deeper treatment and removes tissue into the outer layer of the dermis (papillary dermis). Dermabrasion allows for regeneration of the epidermis and thicker collagen bundles in the dermis, which helps remove lines and wrinkles on the face.
Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure and achieves depths similar to medium depth chemical peels (35% TCA). A rotating diamond fraise is used to sand away the layers of skin, making Dermabrasion more technique dependent than lasers or peels. Because Dermabrasion does cause a great deal of collateral thermal damage , patients don't experience prolonged redness typical in CO2 laser cases.
