Microdermabrasion for Broken Capillaries?

Question

I went to the dermatologist today and he recomended microdermabrasion for me. It surprised me because I have broken capillaries and I thought that this was a contraindication for microdermabrasion. I asked him and he said that my broken capillaries were caused by sun exposure and that I had no risk to get more from a microdermabrasion. Still, I'm not convinced about this. What do you think?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In my experience, my patients have told me that microdermabrasion has caused or worsened their broken capillaries. In my opinion I would avoid this morality and consider other treatment options

Julia Carroll, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Hi New.bie
In my opinion microdermabrasion would not be first line for the treatment of broken capillaries.  A light source, such as IPL or V-Beam laser would be more beneficial.  
It may be that your capillaries are very mild and your doctor felt that the benefits of the microdermabrasion for another co-existing skin condition would outweigh the risks of he microdermabrasion.
Best of luck,
Dr. Carroll

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It is far better to treat broken facial capillaries with an IPL laser than to use microdermabrasion which might actually worsen the situation.  Good luck!

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

Your dermatologist would obviously be better to gauge what treatment would be best. However, with all due respect to one of my colleagues, my feeling is that a light device is definitely a superior  treatment for telangiectasias (which incidentally are not "broken" capillaries, but tiny blood vessels which are permanently dilated).
    If you have more diffuse erythema (redness) and a few telangiectasias, the IPL in the green wavelength would be a very good choice. A variation of this treatment would be to add Levulan and make it a photodynamic treatment. 
     Generally, if there are discrete, small vessels, one of the lasers would be the preferred modality. The latest improved machine for this would be one of  the dual-wavelength lasers such as the Cynergy system. This gives both a pulsed dye and a 1064 nm long pulsed Nd:YAG.. However, this treatment is going to be much more expensive.

Microdermabrasion for Broken Capillaries?

Answers (4)

Answer: Probably a Light Device would be better

Answer: Probably a Light Device would be better

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Everything you need to know about Microdermabrasion

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Microdermabrasion for Broken Capillaries?

Answers (4)

Answer: Probably a Light Device would be better

Answer: Probably a Light Device would be better

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Microdermabrasion

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.