What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is also known as microderm, and is a cosmetic procedure that is popular in day spas and medical spas, as well as among some cosmetic doctors. Microdermabrasion uses light abrasion to remove the stratum corneum--the outermost layer of skin, which consists of dead cells. This technique works to remove skin that has been damaged by the sun, as well as to reduce or eliminate scars. Microdermabrasion can also lessen and remove dark spots on the surface of the skin. The process requires no anesthetic and is not particularly painful. Microdermbrasion of a scar is most effective when the scar is raised.
Types of Microdermabrasion
In the past, microdermabrasion was performed using abrasive crystals. However, as the process has become more common, there have been many new developments. There are now multiple methods of microdermabrasion. In the oldest technique, crystal microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are blasted at high speed onto the face to exfoliate and remove the outer layer of skin. Diamond microdermabrasion uses a small, diamond-tipped head instead of blasted diamonds. This diamond head also works to exfoliate the skin. Home microdermabrasion is a method that, while not as effective as professional treatments, is cheaper and easier. Home microdermabrasion kits use tiny particles to sand and polish the skin, with the goal of helping to refresh ir and remove older, dead skin. Home microdermabrasion can have significant effects with repeated use.
How Does Microdermabrasion Help to Reduce Scars?
Reducing stretch marks, scars and other lesions of the skin is accomplished via a process called skin remodeling. When wounded, the skin heals quickly to avoid infection and blood loss. The initial healing involves a quick base of collagen that helps the process along. This collagen base, which makes up the basis of a scar, is gradually removed and replaced with normal skin. One way to speed up this process is to cause a very small amount of damage to the area via microdermabrasion, which stimulates the renewal process. This causes the scar to be replaced more quickly with regular skin.
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