Microdermabrasion For Acne Scars At A Glance
- Best Results10-12 sessions
- Treatment Recovery0 days
- Procedure Time30 min
- Skin SpecialistDermal therapist
- Duration of Results14-21 days (temporary)
- AnaestheticNil
- Back to WorkImmediately
- Cost$
Microdermabrasion For Acne Scars
Microdermabrasion is a popular treatment offered in many spas. This treatment can temporarily improve scars by exfoliation of the outer layers of skin, in turn reflecting light. This perceived improvement can last for up to three weeks. The use of retinol & skin care acids can prolong the duration of effect from microdermabrasion.
FactsFacts On Microdermabrasion For Acne Scars
- Microdermabrasion works by removing the dead skin cells
- This improves light reflectance & optical qualities of skin
- This can temporarily reduce the appearance of scars
- This treatment is a form of physical exfoliation
- Chemical peels can give better long term results
- Dermaplaning is very similar to microdermabrasion
Is microdermabrasion good for acne scars?
Microdermabrasion can be a temporary treatment for superficial acne scars including open pits, enlarged pores, picks, & boxcar acne scars. People with fair skin types respond better as microdermabrasion primarily works by improving the optical properties of skin.
How does microdermabrasion work for acne scars?
Optical quality changes. Microdermabrasion is a form of mechanical exfoliation. This removes the upper layer of skin called the stratum corneum. This aids in reflectance of light & improved skin quality. Reflect light reduces imperfections on the skin, much like how a white car doesn’t show dings as easily compared to a dark car.
Another minor role is called cytokine cascading. Small injuries to the upper layers of skin can stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen.
Why do I think dermaplaning is better than microdermabrasion?
Firstly, let me set the stage for this debate. If the feel good relaxing feeling of microdermabrasion is something you really enjoy, go for it. This can not be argued as the subjective satisfaction rate of a relaxing facial can not be scientifically quantified.
If you are after a good treatment that takes off a wee bit more of the epidermis, then a dermal therapist or esthetician handy with a blade can give you better results than microdermabrasion in less than a quarter the time. Dermaplaning can give faster results with better depth of penetration than microdermabrasion.
How long before I see results?
Immediately. That is the beauty of the polishing properties of microdermabrasion as it removes the dead layer of skin cells, improving light transmission.
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Are the results from microdermabrasion permanent?
No.The results from microdermabrasion typically last between 2 to 3 weeks. When new skin regenerates, the optical illusion of microdermabrasion is lost. There are however a few tricks you can implement to prolong the effectiveness of microdermabrasion, including the use of retinoids & skin care acids to continue the exfoliation process.
How can I prolong the effects of microdermabrasion?
Simple exfoliation at home using skin care acids & retinol can help. Additionally physical exfoliation can be useful. The use of glycolic or lactic acid washes every second night (as tolerated) as well as the use of good formulations of vitamin A (retinol) can speed up turnover of skin cells.
What is the difference between microdermabrasion & dermabrasion?
Lots. Dermabrasion was an old treatment for acne scars. Dermabrasion involved general anesthesia & was conducted in an operating room with full PPE. Lots of blood, lots of gore. Dermabrasion involves sanding skin down to the mid-dermal layer using a diamond or wire fraise. Recovery was approximately 2 weeks, with skin colour changes as an expected side effect.
Microdermabrasion on the other hand, removes approximately 5 microns of skin, compared to dermabrasion which removed a minimum of 400 microns. Though they sound alike, dermabrasion & microdermabrasion lie on completely different ends of the spectrum.
How much does microdermabrasion cost?
Around $90 to $130. Factor in you will require maintenance treatments every month. Treatments add up. I do not have anything against microdermabrasion as it is great for milia. It is also a zero downtime refreshing treatment to temporarily improve skin texture.
What are other acne scar treatments that work?
If you are after scar revision treatments on a budget, chemical peels including Retinoic Acid & AHA – glycolic acid peels are probably better than microdermabrasion. Peels are around $90- less than a microdermabrasion session. The flip side is that peels can generate more collagen compared to microdermabrasion.
For moderate to severe acne scars, laser resurfacing, deep focal peels & surgical treatments are indicated.
Davin’s Viewpoint on Microdermabrasion for Acne Scars
Microdermabrasion is a great relaxing treatment that is especially useful for treating milia. It can also reduce the perception of acne scars in lighter skin types. The main point with this treatment is that the results are temporary, & there are many better ways to treat acne scars. Simple dermaplaning is more effective, takes less time, & in most cases cost less.
Chemical peels can exfoliate the skin, but also cause changes in the DNA of skin cells. High strength glycolic acid & retinoic acid peels stimulate collagen & exfoliate at the same time.
