Does Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion work the Same?

Many people get confused with the terms microdermabrasion and dermabrasion. Although the words might sound and even appear as one is an advanced form of the other, these terms are totally different and operate on different principles.

Dermabrasion is a surgical method that is mostly performed by a surgeon or a qualified doctor in a clinical setting. This treatment is primarily meant to improve skin tone and texture. It works by exfoliating the skin through the use of a rotating device with attached blades. Other methods like the use of sterilized sandpaper, salt crystals, or a diamond wheel can be used. It is mostly used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven texture. 

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical method that can be performed by untrained doctors, or even the patient can use it at home. It involves the use of a handheld device that is used to exfoliate the skin and remove the dead skin cells. The process is painless, and no hard machines are used to do the treatment. The downtime associated with this method is minimal, and most of the time, it is nonexistent. 

As you have seen from the above definitions, it is evident the two processes are different since one requires a clinical set up whereas the other can be done at home by even untrained personnel. Their main point of differentiation is the depth of penetration; dermabrasion can get deep while microdermabrasion is superficial. However, both methods are cosmetic processes that help to improve the texture and the tone of the skin by allowing new skin cells to re-grow.

Precautionary measures when using these procedures:

Dermabrasion has been replaced by other simpler methods like lasers and peels due to the harshness and injury it inflicts on the patient. However, this does not leave microdermabrasion as the safest option since it has its set of downsides. The precautionary measures to apply when using these two methods of enhancing beauty are:

Microdermabrasion cautions:

• The crystals should not be sprayed very close to the eyes, and in any case, the client should wear goggles to prevent any stray particle from getting into the eye.
• Use non-irritating creams to reduce any scarring effect and skin sensitivity.
• Given a choice between crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion, chose the diamond one since it is safer than crystals.
• The crystals can be suspended in antioxidant creams to make it more efficient to use them.

Dermabrasion cautions:

• Use anesthetic creams to reduce pain associated with the treatment since the method can get deep to as far as the reticular dermis.
• Use antibacterial medication and creams to reduce the chances of developing a secondary infection. Other undesirable consequences that may result from the treatment are discoloration and scarring.
• Avoid exposing the treated parts to direct sun in the first week

Which is the option to go for?

Since both methods are designed to improve the appearance of the skin, either of them can be used, and a variety of factors can determine the choice on which one to use. For example, if you are concerned about cost, dermabrasion might be the cheaper option since the treatment sessions are fewer. In microdermabrasion, the sessions are as close as seven days apart. 

This can get really expensive for those people on a budget. On the other hand, there are conditions that are entrenched deeper in the skin and microdermabrasion might not be effective on them. To get ensure you get the best treatment, consult with your doctor to get the best advice on the best method to use.