How is dermabrasion different than microdermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is an older technology which involves removing the epidermis and part of the dermis, often with a medical grade power tool with a rotating head.

Dermabrasion will:

• Improve scarring
• Build collagen
• Remove superficial skin lesions

The disadvantage is that skin will bleed right after treatment, and usually there is scabbing and crusting for some time after treatment. In fact, during treatment, it’s important to contain the skin and tissue products removed by the dermabrader, since they are biohazards. Many dermabrasion facilities have rooms that can be “hosed down” after treatment.

My colleagues in Texas have told me that dermabrasion is used to remove tattoos from inmates in the prison system there.

Microdermabrasion can use inert crystals to scrape off the top layers of skin. There is also a non-particle microdermabrasion system which uses an abrasive tip to scrape off superficial dead skin.

The disadvantage: Microdermabrasion doesn’t reach as deep as dermabrasion.

The advantage: compared to dermabrasion, there is no significant scabbing or crusting, and there is not a prolonged healing time. Most of my patients return to work immediately after treatment, and redness for more than 24 hours is very rare in my office.

Microdermabrasion is a less invasive treatment with less dramatic result per treatment. However, since downtime is little to nonexistent, microdermabrasion is much more commonly used by physicians involved in skin care today.