Skin Conditions: Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure in which the skin is frozen and then a specialized instrument is used to "sand" the skin. This abrasive or planing action improves skin contour as a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance. The procedure is performed by a dermatologic or plastic surgeon.

Microdermabrasion (also known as "power peel") is more like softened sandblasting. It involves tiny crystals that are sprayed on the skin and works best on superficial skin problems like fine lines, dull skin, brown spots, mild acne scars, and age spots.

When Is Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion Used?

When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used predominantly to improve acne scars, pox marks and scars resulting from accidents or disease. Today, it is used to treat other skin conditions, such as tattoo scars, wrinkles, age (liver) spots, and other skin lesions. Dermabrasion is not effective in treating congenital (present at birth) skin defects, most moles or pigmented birthmarks, or scars due to burns.

Microdermabrasion can improve superficial skin problems. It works on all skin types and colors -- producing subtle changes, causing no skin color change or scarring. However, it is not effective for deeper problems like scars, stretch marks, keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury) or deep acne scars.

With microdermabrasion, there is less down time than with dermabrasion; skin fully recovers within 24 hours. Another benefit: Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical procedure. Therefore, there are none of the risks associated with even minor surgery like dermabrasion, where anesthetics are used and skin bleeds.

What Can I Expect?

During the dermabrasion consultation, the surgeon describes the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure and what results might realistically be expected. The doctor also explains the possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are taken before and after surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement. Preoperative and postoperative instructions are given at this time.

With microdermabrasion, the same evaluation is done -- but with less talk about anesthetics, risks, etc., since there are none.

Dermabrasion can be performed in the surgeon's office or in an outpatient surgical facility. Medication may be given prior to surgery to relax you. The affected area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent and then your doctor will apply a special spray that freezes the skin.

A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush is used to remove the outer layers of the skin and improve any irregularities in the skin surface.

In microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin in a gentle abrasion technique that removes the dead outer layer of skin. It is basically an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure. Age spots and fine lines can be erased, creating softer, smoother skin that has a younger feel to the touch.