What is the Difference between Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion?

When it comes to skin care, there are many options available to the average American. Chemical peels are perhaps the most dramatic way to rid a face of wrinkles and sunspots. Green peels, also known as herbal peels, are often the gentlest way to make a younger fresher looking face. But what about the procedures in between? These are known as dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Unfortunately, many Americans do not know the difference between the two.

Dermabrasion requires some anesthetic, depending on the area that is going to be treated. A hand-held device removes the top layer of skin. The procedure takes anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the area of skin that needs to be treated. The skin is left puffy and red and the patient often must wait 10 days to fully recover.

Microdermabrasion, however, is much less invasive. Patients can even perform this procedure at home with small kits, which are sold in pharmacies around the country. Small crystals are blasted on the skin, where they remove dead cells. For more information about these two procedures, or the options for skin rejuvenation that are available to you, contact your plastic surgeon today!