Microdermabrasion
(often referred to as Microderm) is a cosmetic procedure popular
in day spas, doctors' practices, and medical spas, in which the
stratum corneum (dead outermost surface of the skin) is partially
or completely removed by light abrasion. Different methods include
mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystals,
fine organic particles, or a roughened surface. Particles and removed
material are vacuumed off through the wand/handpiece through which
the abrasive particles come. Microdermabrasion is used to remove
sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on
the skin. The procedure is not very painful and requires no anaesthetic.
Microdermabrasion can be used medically for scar removal when the
scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective
with sunken scars. There is very little, if any, evidence that microdermabrasion
stimulates collagen formation. Microdermabrasion can also be used
for treatment of acne, but must be repeated periodically to be effective.
Microdermabrasion should not be used on patients who have taken
the medication Accutane (Isotretinion) in the previous twelve months.
In the past, microdermabrasion was done using abrasive crystals. In the past decade, it has become more common to use a wand with a roughened surface. This procedure requires no medical oversight and is commonly used in conjunction with facial spa treatments. These days there are a multiplicity of machines available for microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a relative newcomer to the United States. This technique was first used in Europe and adopted by United States in the late 1990s. Today, Microdermabrasion is used effectively to treat fine wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars left from moderate to severe acne. The term dermabrasion refers to the more severe medical procedure carried out under general or twilight anaesthesia. |