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Microdermabrasion

What it is: Microdermabrasion is a skin care treatment technique meant to remedy skin conditions related to sun damage and the signs of aging.  The most common method uses a device to spray very small crystals on the face that scrape away the outermost dermal layer, which is intended to remove irregularities and rejuvenate the skin.

What it addresses:  Mild skin conditions including:

- Sun spots
- Scars
- Facial wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone

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Is home microdermabrasion a good idea?

Is home microdermabrasion a good idea or should I pay more money to go to a professional?

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June 23, 2008

Home Microdermabrasion: Not Recommended

Adam D. Schaffner, MD
Adam D. Schaffner, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

I would strongly advise against performing microdermabrasion at home. 

It is important to apply the device in an even and uniform manner.  This is difficult to do at home.  Failure to do so could result in suboptimal results.  It could even result in damage to the skin including altered pigmentation, scarring, or burns. 

For gentle exfoliation, I would recommend a buff-puff.  For anything stronger, I would highly recommend leaving such procedures to a skilled healthcare professional who can safely perform the procedure under direct vision using proper lighting and instrumentation.

Web reference: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/Microdermabrasion.cfm
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June 14, 2008

Home Microdermabrasion - better think twice about it

Michael Sinclair, MD
Michael Sinclair, MD

In order for microdermabrasion to be safe and effective, you need a combination of good equipment and a skilled practitioner. 

Good equipment includes high-quality abrasive material which is sterile and very dry.  The device needs to have enough power to blow the abrasive material against the skin hard enough to remove the surface of the skin but not so hard that it causes damage to the skin.  This requires special equipment to make sure the air pressure does not very from moment to moment. 

It is also very helpful to have a skilled practitioner look at the skin during the procedure to determine when the treatment is sufficient.  It's really very hard to get the right combination of good equipment and a skilled practitioner at home.

Before you buy any home microdermabrasion equipment try to find someone that you know and trust that has actually purchased equipment and used it at home with good results.  Making your decision based upon marketing hype is not likely to be in your best interest.

 

 

 

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June 7, 2008

Use caution when considering home microdermabrasion systems

Joel Caschette, MD
Joel Caschette, MD

Patients often ask me about “home microdermabrasion systems”. My opinion is that microdermabrasion in a doctor’s office will always get safer and superior results, especially when combined with a chemical peel.

Here’s why:

  • Many “home microdermabrasion systems” run on battery power. As the batteries weaken, there’s less power output. This makes for a system with unreliable pressure - and results vary with each treatment.
  • If you’re doing any treatment yourself, it’s hard to see everything you need to in your bathroom mirror. You won’t catch me doing microdermabrasion, Botox or chemical peels on myself for the same reason. Medical grade skin care is best done by someone who can see your face under optimal examination conditions.
  • It’s not just the view that matters. It’s who’s looking at you. Sometimes, microdermabrasion is not the answer to your problems. This is especially true if you have undiagnosed rosacea or particularly sensitive skin. Find a Medical Doctor experienced in skin care to give you an expert opinion.
  • Technique obviously matters for microdermabrasion. If you start treating at home with a “home microdermabrader,” you may end up penetrating the skin deeper than you should, which can irritate skin, and also increases risk of infection.

Everyone likes saving money. Skin care companies like to profit off the effectiveness of medical grade treatments. Unfortunately, you usually get what you pay for. If you decide on a home microdermabrasion system, be cautious, follow the directions, and don’t operate the unit in a way that causes pain or injury.

Remember- It’s Your Face! For the best care of your skin, always seek the help of an experienced Medical Doctor.

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