How is microdermabrasion performed, and what are my options?
You will likely get microdermabrasion in a surgeon’s office. There are two general methods for microdermabrasion. Your aesthetic plastic surgeon will help you select the option that’s best for you.
If you have a serious skin condition such as deep, widespread acne, active rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis, then your surgeon might have other recommendations. Skin lesions, open sores, herpes breakouts, and other medical conditions may require other treatments before having microdermabrasion.
Crystal Microdermabrasion
For this type of microdermabrasion, the surgeon uses a tool that emits crystals onto your skin’s surface for a gentle abrasion or "polishing" process. Then the tool sucks the dead skin cells and crystals off either instantaneously or in a secondary process.
Diamond-Tip Microdermabrasion
For this type of microdermabrasion, your surgeon uses a diamond-tip tool that gently abrades and exfoliates dead skin cells. Like the crystal microdermabrasion, the tool sucks the dead skin off right away or in a secondary process. The diamond-tip microdermabrasion is safer to perform closer to the eyes and has more flexibility in sensitive areas or on more sensitive skin.
Your surgeon may recommend you combine your microdermabrasion treatment with a light chemical peel to enhance your results. Immediately after your treatments, your surgeon will apply a moisturizer with SPF to hydrate and protect your skin.