An Overview of Microdermabrasion



The field of plastic surgery is one of the fastest growing areas in medicine. New developments and techniques are constantly being developed to correct many different areas that are causing cosmetic concern in both the young and the elderly. One part of the body that causes considerable stress to people in a cosmetic way is the skin, specifically the skin of the face and neck. Wrinkles, discoloration, scars and acne all affect the way people look, which in turn affects their self esteem. Luckily, a new type of procedure is available to help erase these problem areas.

Microdermabrasion is not really a surgical technique, rather it is a non-invasive procedure performed in spas and plastic surgery offices that gives terrific results without the use of knives or lasers. Basically, microdermabrasion is the process of using an abrasive (rough) service to polish away the outer surface of the skin, known as the stratum cornea. Some of the substances that are used to accomplish this are jets of zinc or aluminum oxide crystals, or rough surfaces akin to very fine grade sandpaper.

When the mechanism is passed over the skin, the stratum cornea is literally sanded off, and it is then suctioned off (in a dust like form) with a small wand vacuum. Since this layer of skin is composed of dead and old skin cells, the removal of this skin surface doesn't hurt any of the important tissue underneath. It also does not hit any nerves, so no anesthetic is needed and microdermabrasion is not painful.

There are other things to consider about microdermabrasion, most importantly, what it can and can't do. After a course of microdermabrasion, your skin will be left looking smoother and glowing – because you've removed the layer of dead, lackluster skin cells that was sitting on top of your healthy skin. You may see a reduction in fine lines and small wrinkles, as well as a reduction in the appearance of acne or raised scars on your face.

Microdermabrasion does not, however, get rid of large wrinkles, deep discoloration, or large deep scars. It is not a complete solution for acne, either; repeated treatments are required to treat acne and keep it from coming back. Microdermabrasion is a good alternative to more invasive skin procedures – but only if you keep in mind its limitations.