With dermabrasion, a dermatologist “sands” your skin with a special instrument.
The procedure makes way for a new, smoother layer of skin to replace the skin that has been treated.
Microdermabrasion uses tiny exfoliating crystals that are sprayed onto the skin.
It works best on problems such as dull skin, brown spots and age spots.
Dermabrasion was developed to improve acne scars, pox marks, and scars from accidents or disease. It is not effective in treating congenital skin defects, most moles, pigmented birthmarks, or scars caused by burns.
It is generally only safe for people with fair skin.
For people with darker skin, dermabrasion can result in scarring or discoloration.
Microdermabrasion works on all skin types and colours.
It makes subtle changes, causing no skin colour change or scarring.
It is not effective for deeper problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, or deep acne scars.
With microdermabrasion, there is less down time than with dermabrasion.
Skin is temporarily pink but fully recovers within 24 hours.
It does not require surgery or anaesthetics.
That may help people who cannot take “down time” for healing.
Before you get dermabrasion or microdermabrasion you will need to consult with the professional who is doing the procedure.
In a dermabrasion consultation, you will discuss your goals, the procedure’s risks and benefits, and the type of anaesthesia that will be used.
You will also get instructions to follow before and after dermabrasion, and perhaps have “before” photos taken to compare with your results later.
With microdermabrasion, the consultation is similar but with less talk about anaesthetics and risks because it is a simpler procedure.
Dermabrasion is done in the doctor’s office.
You may get medication to relax you before the procedure starts.
Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and you will get shots of numbing medicine to anesthetise the area to be treated.
The doctor will use a high-speed instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush to remove the outer layers of your skin and improve any irregularities in your skin’s surface.
In microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin to gently remove the outer layer of your skin.
This technique is less aggressive than dermabrasion, so you do not need numbing medicine.
It is basically an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure that leaves skin looking softer and brighter.
After a dermabrasion procedure, your new skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal colour.
In most cases, the pinkness largely fades by six to eight weeks.
You can use makeup as soon as the skin is healed.
Generally, most people can resume their normal activities in seven to 14 days after dermabrasion. You should avoid sunlight for a few weeks after the pink colour has gone away.
When outdoors, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
After microdermabrasion, your skin will be pink and feel dry and tight for about 24 hours.
Use moisturiser and some types of makeup should not be applied for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Dermabrasion side effects include:
n Uneven changes in skin colour.
n Formation of a scar.
n Infection.
n Darkening of the skin (usually temporary but may be permanent). This is caused by sun exposure in the days and months following the procedure.
Microdermabrasion side effects include:
n Irritation from crystals getting into unprotected eyes.
You will have a follow-up appointment soon after your dermabrasion.
Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after the procedure.
Do not take aspirin or any products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for one week afterwards.
Do not smoke.
After microdermabrasion, use moisturisers and sunscreens.
Avoid sun exposure for a few days immediately after the procedure.
r Complied by Caxton East Rand Feautre’s writer, Carmen Norton
