The results are not permanent. Neither are the results following Botox, fillers, or lasers. Microdermabrasion requires multiple treatments spaced 3 weeks apart to see the benefits, Botox & fillers require treatment intervals of 5 months & 2 years respectively.

This treatment can improve pigmentation by improving the optical qualities of skin, allowing better light transmission. Contrary to popular belief it does not physically remove a quantifiable amount of pigmentation as only a fraction of the top layer of skin is treated. (There are melanin granules in the stratum corneum, however the bulk of pigment is much deeper, just to clarify the point.)

Reducing the upper stratum corneum allows better penetration of light, thereby reducing the appearance of pigmentation.

Two ways, firstly it brightens the skin by removing dead skin cells. This can improve the optical qualities of skin, temporarily reducing the appearance of skin scars. Once skin turns over (usually within 2-4 weeks), the optical clarity of skin reduces & scars are unmasked. This procedure is hence temporary. 

The second way is that microdermabrasion can evoke collagen induction through cell signalling. Minor trauma to the stratum corneum can signal deeper cells in the dermis to produce collagen. This small increase in collagen can perceivably improve very mild & early scarring. In the context of things, a home dermal roller at 0.05 to 0.1 mm will probably do more to improve scars compared to microdermabrasion.

Chemical peels are great for treating fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation issues, active acne, acne scarring, and improving the overall look and texture of your skin. They function as exfoliators, much like microdermabrasion, however some peels, such as retinoic acid peels can alter DNA signalling in addition to providing more targeted treatments for specific cellular pathways.

To quantify ‘better’ is difficult, if one is measuring the ‘feel good factor’ I would recommend microdermabrasion with your beautician, if one if after actual results, a chemical peels such as Jesser, BHA, or Retinoic Acid would come up trumps.

Any form of exfoliation including microdermabrasion or chemical peels can flare up sensitive skin. The use of light or LED technology including laser genesis, vascular lasers, Omnilux or Healite are better options for those with rosacea, dermatitis or simply sensitive skin.

Opposites end of the spectrum. Microdermabrasion only removes the upper layer of skin known as the stratum corneum. Dermabrasion removes both the epidermal layer as well as the upper part of the dermis known as the papillary dermal layer. Most cases of dermabrasion, performed with a wire brush, is down to the reticular dermis. Dermabrasion requires full sedation in an operating room, with a recovery time of 2-4 weeks. This procedure has been replaced with CO2 & erbium ablative laser resurfacing.

A Hydrafacial is much like microdermabrasion in the sense that only the uppermost layer of skin is treated. The difference is that Hydrafacial has the ability to infuse skin vitamins, acids & other active ingredients during the treatment. Both treatments take 30-40 minutes to perform.

Aquagold is essentially nano needling, a term I use to describe needles smaller than microneedles. Each Aquagold needle is the diameter of a hair. Coupled with a precise delivery system, the therapist can deliver a bespoke concentration of hyaluronic acid, growth factors & even Botox (AKA Microbotox). The results following an Aquagold Facial takes 7-10 days to peak, and often lasts 2- 4 months. This treatment can be combined with lasers, peels, & even Hydrafacials.

Histologically (under the microscope), both treatments are at similar levels. With Dermaplaning one can also remove fine vellus hairs (peach fuzz). Dermaplaning in capable hands can instantly brighten skin by removing the dead cell layer & provide optimal optical reflectance. Both procedures do have no downtime. Dermaplaning can be combined with the Aquagold Facial– the later improves dermal conditions such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin care treatments can be divided into “feel good factor” treatments & ‘Do good” treatments. Microdermabrasion is the former, whilst other treatments such as microneedling, peels, lasers & Tixel fall in the latter category. For example, Tixel is a low downtime minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to stimulate collagen. Whilst it is more expensive than microdermabrasion, Tixel actually works. You will get better results that will last much longer than microdermabrasion treatments.

Nothing, really! Microdermabrasion is a relaxing procedure that can effectively improve skin quality giving a warm & fuzzy feelgood factor. In this context the patient’s satisfaction rating is high, however I do believe that other treatments can yield better & faster outcomes, regardless of costs (take for example, peels that cost less than a hundred bucks).

Microdermabrasion is considerably less than say a Fraxel laser, Tixel or even an Aquagold Facial treatment. The feelgood factor cannot be quantified, so the answer is that if your skin feels improved with microdermabrasion, then certainly it is well worth the money. Besides, this treatment is not only super comfortable, & affordable it is also relaxing! Microdermabrasion’s popularity is a testament to its success.