Microdermabrasion Questions and Answers

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Question:

Can you tell me if the Laser procedure done with NLite has good results? Also is microdermabrasion a good alternative for wrinkle reduction?

Answer:

Dear L. The Nlite is a very superficial laser as is microdermabrasion. If your problems are minor, both would be of some help. I would suggest that a deeper procedure be performed if you have substantial wrinkling.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have had two dermabrasion treatments, and both hurt very much. My friend is doing the same treatments (at another center) and says it does not hurt. Will you provide me with more information, please? And is it supposed to hurt? My face usually stays red for several hours afterward and I can see every stroke the wand made. Thank you very much.

Answer:

I take it that you mean microdermabrasion treatments which are very different from dermabrasion. There are settings for varying the intensity of the suction and the flow of crystals on the various machines avaialable. If it hurts, it is likely delivering a deeper peel and you may get better results than your friend. If it bothers you too much, though, tell the operator and have them turn down the power.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I read a reply to a question about scar revision from the archive at this site, and the doctor replied that microdermabrasion will get rid of very superficial scars. How deep is "very superficial"? I have ones that are so shallow as to look more like enlarged pores, and make for uneven skin texture that isn't very noticeable but still bothers me. Is this the type of scar microdermabrasion is intended for? And would microdermabrasion in conjunction with oxy-mist be more effective? Also, do you know of any place I could get objective information about microdermabrasion that is also reliable? Thank you for your time. Lauren

Answer:

Dear Lauren, If the extent of your scarring is as you describe, microdermabrasion would be helpful to you. It is difficult without seeing the scars but it would certainly be worth a few such treatments, with no down time, to determine if it helps you enough that you do not have to investigate more vigorous procedures such as laser resurfacing to help your scarring. the oxy treatments, which my estheticians also perform, help with more rapid healing but do little to help the final outcome. You should reach maximal improvement after about 5 to 8 treatments. Any plastic surgeon's or deratologist's office where microdermabrasion is performed should be able to give you reliable information on the procedure. Hope this helps.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

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