Microdermabrasion before and after: What to expect from this procedure
Fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, uneven skin, or sun damage discoloration can be unpleasant and difficult to hide. Constantly covering with makeup is also not satisfactory for most of those affected. The skin may become even more irritated due to daily product coverage.
Cosmetic procedures may be the only effective way to combat these imperfections. Fortunately, microdermabrasion procedure is a non-invasive treatment designed to exfoliate your skin gently, aiming to reduce imperfections while giving you healthier-looking skin with a renewed glow.
What is microdermabrasion treatment?
In simple terms, microdermabrasion procedure removes the oldest, damaged layers of skin to promote skin regeneration. Many patients choose this cosmetic procedure for medically indicated reasons such as acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Some patients seek microdermabrasion treatments without noticeable imperfections, resorting to them because they make their skin look refreshed and healthy due to renewed elastin and collagen production.
The term 'microdermabrasion' describes a form of mechanical peeling in which the upper layer of the skin is removed in a controlled manner. For this gentle form of abrasion, VIVAA specialists use a diamond-tipped wand to remove the dead skin layer. The 'diamond method' has less common side effects due to its capacity to remove more dead cells from the skin's epidermis with less pressure than its counterparts that usealuminum oxide crystals.
The device works solely through mechanical action without chemical agents. Because only the top layer of skin is treated during treatment, patients experience minimal risks of injury to the surrounding tissue.
Microdermabrasion before and after: procedure explained
Before starting this minimally invasive procedure, your healthcare provider will analyze the skin's condition and photograph it if necessary. The treatment begins with a thorough cleansing, using specific products to degrease the skin and support peeling. The next step involves selecting the appropriate diamond attachment and starting the microdermabrasion procedure.
The specialist will move the brush-like diamond tip over the skin to loosen upper skin cells and suction them off with a vacuum pump. After the procedure, your skin will receive another cleansing and an application of appropriate after-treatment products that the skin will be better able to absorb due to the microdermabrasion. We will recommend a proper skincare routine and behavior to adopt in the days following your session.
Generally, patients should feel comfortable socially immediately after this safe procedure. However, slight scales or, very rarely, crusts may appear in the days immediately after your microdermabrasion session. In addition, the skin may be slightly red immediately afterward. With proper follow-up care, those side effects will not last long.
What makes microdermabrasion unique?
Cosmetic skin treatments use various techniques. Most aim to remove dead skin particles or unevenness and refine the pores. Peeling methods vary in the fineness and depth of cell removal, the extent of irritation, and the use of chemicals and other active ingredients.
In contrast to many manual peeling methods, diamond microdermabrasion is exceptionally gentle, skin-friendly, and sterile. Instead of using chemical additives, it polishes the skin through the action of the diamond tip. In addition, a vacuum absorbs excess skin flakes.
This way, skin impurities, dirt, and pollutants are removed without any residue. With different settings and a variable number of grinding levels, we can adapt this procedure to the needs of each patient.
Clinical trials have extensively studied the effectiveness of microdermabrasion procedure. It is a generally safe procedure for removing dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion can remove up to 40% of the top layer of dead skin cells after only one treatment, making it more than twice as effective as most other professional procedures currently available. In addition to this increased effectiveness, microdermabrasion offers several benefits unavailable with other abrasion-based treatments:
Microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of skin without using harsh abrasives, such as those found in some chemical peels or dermabrasion procedures
Effective for lightening and producing more even skin tone and diminishing acne scarring, unlike many peels, which can cause irritation and further breakouts
Promotes absorption oftopical skincare productsdue to increased cellular turnover
For these reasons, your dermatologist may recommend microdermabrasion as an excellent choice for those who want to rejuvenate their complexion quickly and effectively. It is also a perfect treatment option for sensitive skin that does not tolerate chemical peels well.
Microdermabrasion vs dermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is quite similar to dermabrasion, so patients often confuse the two. Although both exfoliate the skin, the difference lies in how they work and the amount of downtime you will experience. As a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, microdermabrasion uses a limited, controlled form of abrasion to eliminate impurities from the skin's surface. In contrast, dermabrasion is more aggressive, using mechanical or chemical means to strip away the outer layer of skin and often requiring stitches. It usually comes with side effects like scarring and infection. The two procedures also differ by depth; microdermabrasion only buffs away the epidermis, while dermabrasion penetrates as far as the dermis.
While both procedures have some associated risks, microdermabrasion has proven to be much safer for all skin, especially sensitive skin, because it does not exacerbate existing skin conditions or cause scarring.
Which body areas and problems can be treated?
Microdermabrasion procedure works on two levels. On one hand, it removes the dead cell layer and all accumulated impurities. On the other hand, it has a regenerating, rejuvenating, and firming effect on cell structure. That means it works on treating superficial skin imperfections and is an anti-aging method.
Microdermabrasion is suited for the following skin problems:
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin tone
- Enlarged pores
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Age spots and dark spots
- Pigment spots caused by sun exposure
- Melasma
- Tired, dull complexion
The microdermabrasion technique is suitable for the entire body but is often done on the face, chest, and decollete areas. It can also effectively treat other skin conditions like stretch marks and subtle scars.
Microdermabrasion pros and cons
Microdermabrasion stimulates the skin to produce more young and active cells. With regular use, the skin gains density and structure.
The main advantages of microdermabrasion:
- Suitable for almost all skin types
- Removes dead cells to aid in cellular turnover
- Gentle and safe
- Involve minimal difficulty
- Minimal downtime required
- The upper layer of skin is removed in a controlled and targeted manner
- The device can be adapted to each skin patient
- The skin better absorbs products after treatment
- It makes other anti-aging procedures more effective by increasing absorption through micro-perforations/microscopic holes left behind
- It helps achieve the glowing, brighter skin
For the most part, microdermabrasion's unique ability to safely remove the outermost layer of the skin, combined with its minimal downtime, makes it an ideal option for many individuals looking to improve their appearance.
Microdermabrasion Risks and side effects
Minor side effects you might experience during or after your session include slight swelling, minor bruising, redness, itching, tingling, discomfort, and sunburn-like symptoms in the treated area. Always wear sunscreen afterward to prevent hypersensitivity to sunlight.
Small amounts of bleeding may also occur if you have especially fragile skin around your eyes or mouth. These areas these areas may need a numbing cream beforehand. However, most patients can return to their regular activities immediately afterward.
Keep in mind if the procedure is performed incorrectly, it can cause dry, flaky, and itchy skin or even permanent damage. Microdermabrasion treatment can irritate your eyes if they come into contact with any microparticles during treatment, so patients wear goggles at all times. If you have had a recent facial extraction or laser peel on the treated area, you should wait until all healing occurs before considering microdermabrasion.
What does it feel like?
The treatment is not painful, but it does take some getting used to. In general, every patient perceives it differently, as skin types and levels of sensitivity differ. Some patients describe it as similar to gently rubbing sand across the face without pain and peeling. For others, the treatment feels like a cat's tongue and can be unpleasant or tickle. Others say it feels like tiny rubber bands snapping against their faces.However, the feeling is primarily tolerable and not too uncomfortable.
Who is a good candidate?
Microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin types. Typically, teens over the age of 12and adults through age 65 can undergo this procedure. Senior citizens over 70 can still undergo it, but they should remain aware that they may experience more swelling, bruising, and similar side effects.
People who should not have this treatment include those who have had microdermabrasion completed within the past two weeks, anyone with dry or very delicate skin, those with active colds or infections on their face, and pregnant women.
Avoid treatment if you have fresh acne scars, wounds, warts, an auto-immune system disorder, unstable diabetes, active herpes or inflammation. Refrain from waxing or tanning the skin for several weeks before a session. If you currently take Accutane or have taken it within the last 12 months, microdermabrasion may not be appropriate due to potential scarring. However, as the scarring risk is light, VIVAA specialists may treat you with gentler sessions.
The best way to find out if you're a good candidate for microdermabrasion is to come in for a consultation with one of our specialists. At that time, we can advise you about any associated risks. However, this treatment isgenerally safe.
Recommended actions after a microdermabrasion procedure
Despite the minimal downtime after the treatment, your skin needs up to three days to rebuild its protective ability fully. Optimize the structure of its lipid protective coat by minimizing disruptive influences and stimuli.
One absolute rule you must follow is to protect yourself from the sun. It is crucial to use an excellent sunscreen with nourishing properties. We recommend using the SPF-50 sunscreen with UVA and UVB filters.
What you should not do immediately following microdermabrasion
- Do not apply AHAs (glycolic acid or lactic acid), Retinoids (retinoic acid, tretinoin), or Any oil-containing product AHA/BHA acne treatments with Salicylic acid or Benzoyl peroxide.
- Do not use any exfoliating product within 24 hours of microdermabrasion or any other topical product for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid all makeup, including those with minerals, 24 hours after microdermabrasion treatment because they contain irritating ingredients such as bismuth oxychloride. Your skin may have increased sensitivity to those ingredients.
Avoid the following influencing factors for several days
- Sun exposure
- Self-tanner
- Visits to the sauna or steam bath
- Heavy sweating
- Other scrubs and home peelings
- Seawater
- Chlorinated water (swimming pool)
- Hair removal (including dermaplaning)
- Working in a dirty environment
Until your skin heals, avoid using any products with microbeads, crushed fruit pits, and apricot kernels for polishing or scrubbing because these types of ingredients can damage your new skin cells.
Do not use benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide-based cleaners, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels or topical vitamin A creams such as tretinoin (Retin–A), Adapalene (Differin) or Tazarotene (Tazor). These products may cause irritation. You can still use low-strength glycolic acid, but ask your healthcare provider first.
Don't use any creams or lotions until your skin has healed. If you have oily skin, avoid moisturizers because they will make your face appear greasier than usual. It's best to keep your face clean and dry so it doesn't become irritated by excess oil or bacteria.
When you do apply moisturizer, select a light product that contains ceramides, cholesterol or hyaluronic acid instead of the heavier petroleum-based ointments that may clog pores. You can also try using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to ease irritation.
FAQ’s
When are the first microdermabrasion results visible?
Most patients feel tightening immediately aftermicrodermabrasion. However, the first visible results can be seen a few days after the treatment. Sometimes, several treatments are necessary before you achieve your desired results.
How many treatments do I need?
Microdermabrasion can remove superficial skin concerns permanently to improve your appearance. You should undergo this minimally invasive procedure several times for optimal, long-term and desired results. Microdermabrasion must be done several times. The number of needed sessions depends on the type and severity of your skin concerns.
What can I expect after microdermabrasion treatment?
Typically, we will apply a gel or cream following treatment, but this step is optional. You can apply your own moisturizer if you wish. Afterward, expect your skin to feel dry, tight, and sensitive for a few hours.
What is the downtime after microdermabrasion treatment?
You'll experience zero to minimal downtime following this procedure. In general, it's safe to return to all daily activities, including work and exercise, post-treatment. You may notice skin becoming dry and flaky in the days/weeks after treatment, so you should moisturize regularly, as your dermatologist recommends.
What products should I avoid afterward?
After 24 hours, you can resume using topical products that do not contain glycolic acid or lactic acid, retinoic acid (Retin A), salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, BHA (beta hydroxy acid), or AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids). If you doubt whether a product will interfere with your microdermabrasion results, ask your VIVAA specialist before using it.
