Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure employed to improve your overall skin tone and texture. It addresses the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, age spots, melasma (brown spots), acne scarring, and other skin-related conditions. This procedure can be done in your dermatologist’s office, medispa, or salon.
If you have never experienced microdermabrasion before, you are probably wondering what happens in this treatment, whether it will hurt or not, how long it will last, and how many treatments may be needed. You’ll find the answers you’re looking for below.
Crystal vs. Diamond-Tip Microdermabrasion
Your microdermabrasion treatment should be performed by a licensed skin care professional for the best outcomes. There are two general methods for this procedure, namely crystal microdermabrasion and diamond-tip microdermabrasion.
During crystal microdermabrasion, the professional uses a handpiece that emits a spray of fine crystals onto your skin’s surface. This process results in a “polishing” process or gentle exfoliation. The same handpiece is used to suction off the crystals along with the sloughed-off dead skin cells. Think of it as something like a high-powered scrub.
The diamond-tip microdermabrasion, on the other hand, employs a diamond-tip handpiece that abrades the skin gently and exfoliates the dead skin cells. Just like the crystal microdermabrasion process, this also includes vacuuming up the dead skin cells using the same handpiece or through a secondary process.
Most experts say that the crystal method is better suited for irregular surfaces and thus can provide a deeper exfoliation, whereas the diamond-tip method is gentler, and requires less downtime afterward. Diamond-tip microdermabrasion is also more appropriate for patients with sensitive skin.
How Long Does Microdermabrasion Take?
The actual procedure might take around 20 minutes for the neck and 30 to 40 minutes for the face. The step-by-step process goes like this:
- Once in the treatment room, you may be asked to wear a gown to protect your clothing, and to lay back on the treatment table.
- Your face and neck will be cleansed to prepare your skin for the treatment.
- Using a special handheld device, your aesthetic specialist will slowly and gently run the device over the skin being treated. If using the crystal method, this may be followed by a secondary cleansing to remove any stray crystals on your neck or face.
- A moisturizer and sunscreen may be applied to the newly treated skin.
How Many Microdermabrasion Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions will depend on your objectives. Are you using the service as a special spa-day treat, or are you looking for a solution to a specific problem? If it’s the former, one treatment is sufficient to leave your skin bright and soft.
If you are seeking to address a particular issue, you may need repeat procedures. For example, you may require 5 to 15 treatments depending on the severity of the problem. Some people have their microdermabrasions weekly while others do it every other week. The number and frequency of the sessions will vary, depending on your goals and needs. Make sure to get the advice of your aesthetic specialist.
Microdermabrasion in Texas
Find out more about microdermabrasion at The Vein Institute & MediSpa in Kingwood, Texas. With the help of our board-certified physicians, you will regain your smooth and youthful skin in no time. Just call (281) 312-0208 or request an appointment now to schedule your session
