Health Tips: Microdermabrasion
Sutter Women's Services

A cosmetic health tip by Ann Haas, M.D., board-certified Dermatologist with Sutter Medical Group.

Microdermabrasion is a gentle resurfacing procedure using fine particles of sand, which are blown across the face, neck or hands.

This technique has been remarkably effective in removing excess oil, blackheads and bacteria in acne patients. Repeated treatments can also improve modest acne or traumatic scarring. Superficial pigmentation problems can also be improved, as can fine lines, wrinkles and irregular skin texture.

Unlike the effects of chemical peels or thermal and ablative lasers, the effects of micropeeling are mechanical, like standard dermabrasion, but much less. In terms of ability to treat acne problems, and pigment and photoaging problems, the beneficial effects from the procedures fit somewhere between superficial glycolic peels and some of the laser procedures. Stretch marks have also been improved by this procedure. Virtually all skin types can be treated. No anesthesia is required since the treatment isn't painful, and unlike medium-depth peels or resurfacing lasers, there is no recovery time.

How is the treatment performed?

• Typically, makeup is removed and the skin cleansed with a gentle cleanser in the office.
• The handpiece is moved back and forth across the skin until it becomes light pink.
• Areas of wrinkles, scars or pigmentation may require an extra pass or two.
• The residual sand is brushed off, the treated area is rinsed and a moisturizing lotion is applied.
• Makeup can be applied immediately, if necessary.
• Depending on the problem being treated, a number of treatments may be necessary to benefit from the cumulative effect.

Anyone can have this procedure. Frequently treated are acne patients, people with relatively mild photoaging, those with superficial pigmentation, patients with darker skin tones and those who cannot afford to have an extensive recovery period. This procedure does not replace some of the more aggressive procedures to treat significant photoaging, such as face-lift or laser resurfacing.

Microdermabrasion is safe andthe fact that it can be used on virtually any skin type with minimal risk of pigmentary alteration makes it safe to treat people with darker skin tones. Because the procedure is mechanical, there is no chemical or thermal damage. It is safe for sensitive areas such as the neck, hands and trunk.

For more information about microdermabrasion or other cosmetic services visit our Sutter Spa.