Dermabrasion Treatments
Many patients wonder about the difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion procedures. The answer lies in the depth of the procedure and the amount of downtime involved. Dermabrasion usually involves deeper skin layers while microdermabrasion only involves the topmost skin layer.
Also, dermabrasion needs to be performed by a highly trained and committed cosmetic professional because it is more invasive. Microdermabrasion can take place at a qualified medical spa as long as the aesthetician is trained and experienced.
At the time of your initial consultation, your treatment provider will explain the differences between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion procedures in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
Modern Body Contouring & Laser Center, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides dermabrasion and microdermabrasion treatments to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities.
What Is Involved in Dermabrasion?
The plastic surgeon will give you a local anesthesia to numb the target area before dermabrasion. In some cases, you may be given a sedative intravenously or administered general anesthesia. The surgeon will make use of a specialized abrasive tool to remove your skin layers and peel it down to the dermis.
The type of tool used varies according to the procedure performed. In some cases, it is a spinning wheel that is embedded with diamonds or a wire brush that spins really fast. The entire process doesn’t take longer than an hour depending on the skin target area size.
Once the treatment is performed, your skin will look as if somebody rubbed sandpaper on it. It will appear raw and an unsightly red. You may experience bleeding as well after this minimally invasive plastic surgery.
What Is Involved in Microdermabrasion?
You are not under any sedation during microdermabrasion. The treatment provider will spray an inert gas containing tiny crystals on the skin. The procedure is significantly less uncomfortable as compared to dermabrasion. The spray is applied with force that helps in exfoliating the topmost layer of the skin. A tiny vacuum is then used to suck away all crystals.
Another way of performing microdermabrasion is to use a diamond-tipped wand to gently exfoliate the top-most skin layer. You may experience mild vibrations or scratching on the surface of your skin. The treatment may take about an hour depending on the area treated with minimal discomfort.
Why is Dermabrasion Performed?
Dermabrasion is usually performed on people that want to reduce or remove deep wrinkles on their face. It is also helpful in reducing scars from acne and traumatic injuries. Your plastic surgeon may recommend the procedure if you want to ease deep creases or lines around the mouth caused by smoking or age.
Why is Microdermabrasion Performed?
Microdermabrasion can help reduce acne scarring. It can also be used to treat acne. The procedure can go a long way in reducing the early signs of aging. Skin exfoliation can help remove or reduce dark spots caused by sun exposure or hormone shifts.
Cosmetic surgeons at MBody receive patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and nearby areas for dermabrasion and microdermabrasion skin enhancement procedures.
CONTACT MBODY CONTOURING AND LASER CENTER in NORTHERN VIRGINIA
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit or click here to contact us.
Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.