Does microdermabrasion work for acne scars?

Microdermabrasion is a procedure usually performed at a medical spa for enhancement and brightening overall facial appearance. Patients may present with complaints of dull skin texture, or superficial skin irregularities that just need a little freshening. It is more aggressive than a facial, but much less aggressive than dermabrasion. Although the terms are related, the “micro” in microdermabrasion arises from the fact that originally, little tiny crystals were used as an exfoliant within the handpiece to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. More updated equipment relies on different methods of liquid exfoliation currently, but the effect is the same. Downtime is minimal if any, and usually results in a few hours of redness or mild irritation of the skin, similar to the sensation of a mild sunburn. It’s important to reduce or eliminate sun exposure after any exfoliation procedure, but other than that, it is a relatively pain-free and uncomplicated endeavor and may require repeated or regular appointments for maintenance of ideal skin tone. Microdermabrasion can be performed on all skin types and colors safely because the injury is very superficial.

Dermabrasion, on the other hand, is a much more involved procedure. Often performed under sedation or local anesthesia, depending on the area treated, it may even require the operating room. A surgeon or dermatologist will use a special instrument that actually “sands” the top layers of the skin to reveal deeper, fresher skin. Patients in need of dermabrasion may present with deeper scars, acne scars, or traumatic tattoos from motor vehicle accidents or other trauma that require aggressive resurfacing. Recovery takes a week to 10 days  depending on the depth of abrasion, and often the skin in the area treated appears lighter or redder in color for several weeks after treatment. As always, sun avoidance and sunscreen are imperative in the healing period and some time off work is often needed to allow for postoperative wound care. Dermabrasion can be performed safely on most patients of light skin colors, but is often not recommended or very carefully performed on patients of Mediterranean, Asian, Hispanic or African American backgrounds, because irregularities in skin color can arise easily if performed aggressively.

At the Emory Aesthetic Center, we request that all prospective patients to either the clinic or spa meet with a physician before undergoing any procedure, allowing us to formulate a treatment plan based on your specific needs, outcome desires and recovery time.

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Anita Sethna, MD, FACS is double board certified in Head and Neck surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a passion for helping her patients to achieve their most confident, empowered, and youthful selves. To schedule your private consultation, please give our Atlanta office a call at 360.223.7530 or fill out our online contact form and we will get in touch with you right away.

FOR A PERSONALIZED CONSULTATION WITH DR. SETHNA, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 404-778-6880

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