Dermabrasion vs Microdermabrasion

What is Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a method of skin resurfacing that uses a hand-held device to peel one or many layers of skin, taking with it any wrinkles, marks or other blemishes. It helps promote healthier and younger looking skin as the top layer begins to grow back.

What is Dermabrasion used for?

Dermabrasion can be used to treat a number of skin conditions including acne scars, wrinkles, benign skin lesions, age (liver) spots and sun-damaged skin

How does Dermabrasion work?

• Prior to this face surgery, the affected area is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic cleansing agent.
• Next, your plastic surgeon will apply a numbing spray or inject a local anesthetic.
• A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive brush then removes the outer layers of skin to improve any regularities in the skin surface

How long does the Dermabrasion procedure take?

The treatment can last between 30-120 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area and the depth of resurfacing

What happens after Dermabrasion?

Immediately after: After the face surgery procedure, your skin will feel as though it has been ‘brush-burned’ for a few days. Your plastic surgeon can prescribe medication to help reduce the discomfort.

10-14 days: Generally, patients can resume their normal activities.

6-8 weeks: The newly formed skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal color. Makeup can be used as a cover-up as soon as the skin has healed.

Dermabrasion recovery instructions

• Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before and after this face surgery
• Do not take aspirin or any other products containing aspirin or ibuprofen for 1 week after surgery
• Avoid smoking
• Change the ointment or dressing on the wound to keep the area moist and to promote healing.
• Avoid unnecessary direct/indirect sunlight for at least 3-6 months

Risks associated with Dermabrasion

The most common risks of dermabrasion include:

• Uneven changes in skin color
• Scarring
• Infection

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is much gentler than dermabrasion. It is a non-chemical, non-invasive procedure that uses a spray of microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells to reveal younger, healthier looking skin.

What is Microdermabrasion used for?

This face surgery can be used to treat fine facial lines or wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, minor acne scars and, in some cases, rosacea.

How does Microdermabrasion work?

• Prior to the procedure, your plastic surgeon will cleanse your skin to remove any impurities, dirt or makeup for a more even result.
• Using a handpiece called the DiamondTome, your plastic surgeon will gently yet powerfully exfoliate the dead top layer of your skin to reveal healthier skin below

• For optimum results, repeated sessions (6-12) are required every 2-3 weeks.

How long does Microdermabrasion take?

Depending on the condition, location and size of the area being treated, one session of this face surgery can take anywhere between 15-30 minutes.

What happens after Microdermabrasion ?

Microdermabrasion is often called a ‘lunch hour’ treatment because it is a quick & painless procedure.

Your skin may be slightly pink after the treatment but this will fade within a few hours.

Microdermabrasion Recovery Period

There is no down-time associated with this face surgery

Side-effects of Microdermabrasion

Some of the side effects of microdermabrasion include:

• Mild skin irritation
• Eye irritation
• Slight redness of skin
• Swelling