Can someone give me advice on Microdermabrasion?

Question

I was told by my dermatologist that Microdermabrasion can be used to get rid of acne scars but will cause the new skin to be darker than the normal skin. Is this true to anyone who has undergone Microdermabrasion? Anyone who has undergone Microdermabrasion please tell me what was done and the results of the process please, in as much detail as possible.

Answer 1

My friend had this done. It didn't change the colour of her skin. It did get rid of the worst of the scars. But she still gets bad acne and more scars.

Answer 2

I receive the beauty newsletter from Paula Begoun, and last week's newsletter included an article about microdermabrasion. I hope you find this usefull, I know I did.

"Microdermabrasion: To scrub or not to scrub, that is the question
A study published in Dermatologic Surgery (March 2006, pages 376–379) found that repeated microdermabrasion treatments may have diminishing or even depreciating results instead of increasing benefits. This study, entitled “Effect of Serial Microdermabrasion on the Ceramide Level in the Stratum Corneum,” noted that high ceramide levels are an indicator of a healthy stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin). Microdermabrasion is a procedure for superficially exfoliating skin using a machine that thrusts aluminum oxide crystals (abrasive, scrublike particles) onto the face while simultaneously vacuuming off the used particles. After the first session, ceramide levels were evaluated to establish a baseline. After the second and third sessions, ceramide levels increased, but after the fourth and fifth sessions ceramide levels decreased. Perhaps most significant is that there was no visible difference in the overall appearance of skin (you can’t see the results of ceramide-level changes in the surface of skin, but they affect the healthy function of skin). This study involved only 11 participants, so it is hardly conclusive, but it makes you wonder about spending your money on this procedure if it ends up providing little to no benefit and possibly not even helping in the long run. "

Also if you want further information, she has an extensive list of articles about beauty treatments, and a couple more articles and questions from readers about microdermabrasion.

Answer 3

I found a good article about microdermabrasion. I think it could be very useful:

The Many Benefits of Microdermabrasion

There are numerous microdermabrasion benefits. One of the most noteworthy advantages is that there is no downtime after treatment. Microdermabrasion evolved from a technique called dermabrasion. Dermabrasion has been around for decades and was used to treat severe scarring by polishing the uppermost surface of the skin with an abrasive, metallic attachment. This highly effective technique requires recovery time, not to mention anesthesia. Microdermabrasion is gifted with a gentler, less invasive skin-resurfacing technology.

Microdermabrasion employs specially formulated creams that are packed with the power of micro-crystals. These ultra-exfoliating creams are designed to take skin care to a new level, especially when combined with a re-surfacing wand. The re-surfacing wand gently buffs or massages your tissues and drives out dead skin cells, oil, and entrenched contaminants. A brand new skin surface is revealed, healthier and revitalized. The treatment is painless, and should feel like a deep tissue massage.

This “lunch break facial” accommodates even the most frantic schedule. Not only is the treatment quick, it’s also versatile. You can luxuriate in microdermabrasion benefits from home, at your favorite spa, or your doctor’s office. Many home systems can even be incorporated into your morning routine. Ask your local salon about package deals.

Perhaps the most relished of all microdermabrasion benefits is that there are no discomfort-causing chemicals, scalpels, or lasers involved. Microdermabrasion does not


utilize any of these tools, therefore effectively erasing all risks, recovery time, and commitment for comparable results. Microdermabrasion improves the appearance of skin texture, large pores, acne and acne scarring, dry or dull patches, sun spots, age spots, rough skin, blackheads and clogged pores, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and dermal circulation.

Unlike cosmetic surgery and other invasive skin enhancing treatments, which cost thousands of dollars, microdermabrasion is just a fraction of the cost. Home kits can be bought for as low as $20. Professional spa clinicians and medical professionals offer microdermabrasions treatments for as low a $100. Frequently, many health spas, beauty salons, cosmetic surgeons, and dermatologists offer discounts when you combine other services or opt for ongoing treatments.

Microdermabrasion fuses beauty and health into a single treatment, providing a safe alternative to invasive, skin-resurfacing techniques. So with peace of mind, indulge your skin with one of the most innovative and effective skincare techniques to come along in decades. As always, consult your doctor or skin care specialist on any treatment program. Microdermabrasion provides detailed information on microdermabrasion, a progressive skin re-surfacing technique that targets wrinkles, lines, superficial scarring, stretch marks, acne, and sun damage.

Answer 4

There are 2 levels of microdermabrasion - superficial & deep.

Superficial dermabrasion is usually performed by licensed estheticians and is limited to the surface of the skin.

Deeper dermabrasion is performed by medical doctors and goes down to live tissue; it is a medical procedure/cosmetic surgery performed on an outpatient basis. The upper layers of skin are sanded away and the skin grows back smoother. The skin is scraped in a controlled manner so it is very irritated & may bleed a bit. Deep dermabrasion is not recommended for some people because they tend to heal w/ dark spots or eneven pigmentation.

For example, I have a medium skin tone & tan very easily. Whenever I get a bad pimple, it usually leaves a dark mark that takes a while to fade. In my case, I'd avoid deep dermabrasion because there's a serious risk that I could end up w/ darker areas permanently.

For more information: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/dermabrasion-microdermabrasion
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-dermabrasion

Your doctor is correct; listen because she's looking out for you.