Microdermabrasion Q&A
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Does Microdermabrasion Help with Sun Spots?

asked 2 years ago by pereyra in florida
Latest answer by Eric M. Joseph, MD
Question viewed 2,577 times
Tags: skin, sun spots

6 answers to Does Microdermabrasion Help with Sun Spots?

+2

Microdermabrasion and Sun Spots

Microdermabrasion sands off about 10-15 micron depth of skin. The EPIDERMIS, the outer layer of skin is 50 - 60 microns thick. Most sun spots are thicker than 10 microns and would require a deeper peel. In this regard, Microdermabrasion is literally a feel good feel that does not last and will not erase most skin lesions. Try a Sciton MicroLaser peel and your sunspots will be gone in the vast majority of cases. Dr. P. Aldea
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

IPL PhotoFacials are the treatments of choice for brown sun spots.

Microdermabrasion will help with discoloration of your skin if it's combined with a chemical peel, and if you begin a skin care regimen. Suitable skin care includes: SPF30, glycolic acid, and possibly tretinoin. I'm not a big fan of hydroquinone. IPL PhotoFacials are designed to lighten brown spots from sun-damage. You'll need around 4 treatments spaced around 3 weeks apart. I hope this is helpful for you.
Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microdermabrasion not the best for sunspots

Microdermabrasion is great for removing the top layer of the epidermis but does not penetrate deep enough to affect the sun damage. I like to use either TCA peels or laser treatments to diminish or eliminate the signs of sun damage. Regardless of the modality it is absolutely imperative that you are consistant with proper sunscreen use to protect your skin and the results long term.
Lee Robinson, MD

Portland Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microdermabrasion for sun spots

Hard question to fully answer. I have seen improvement using this technique but it is not 100% reproducible. Other non invasive treatments can reduce and eliminate sun spots much better than microdermabrasion. 
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microdermabrasion for sun spots

Microdermabrasion will not conistently reduce or eliminate sun spots due to their deeper location in thie dermis. Topical creams or lotions containing retin A and/or hydroquinone are more likely to provide a better non-surgical... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Treating sun spots

Microdermabrasion is useless for sun spots.  IPL (intense pulsed light) photorejuvenation is a good way to treat sun spots and broken capillaries from too much sun exposure. 
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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