Palm Desert Plastic Surgery Blog

Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion 

Dermabrasion Procedures

Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion Dermabrasion is a procedure that involves injuring the skin in a controlled way by using an abrasive. This causes a noticeable change in the skin appearance and works well with aging or scarred skin. Dermabrasion is mostly performed on facial skin, but it may be used on other parts of the body, too. Cosmetic surgeons or trained and qualified professionals carry out this procedure.  

Microdermabrasion is also a skin rejuvenation technique that makes use of abrasion with vacuum suction to remove only the most superficial layer of skin. Unlike dermabrasion, anesthetics are not required before this process because it does not penetrate to the deeper skin layers. It is a painless and non-invasive procedure.  

Besides dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, other techniques such as skin peels, laser surgery and filler injections may also be used to rejuvenate the skin. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides advanced skin care procedures to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities.  

Candidacy for Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion 

Dermabrasion works on the deeper skin layers and creates a wound. When the wound heals, the new skin is of a better quality than the original skin. This technique works well for wrinkles, scars from trauma and acne, tattoos, enlarged and red nose (rhinophyma) and actinic keratoses (initial phase of skin cancer). 

Microdermabrasion works on only the topmost layer of skin called the stratum corneum. This layer comprises dead cells and the procedure is safe for most people because the deeper skin layers are not touched. Persons with acne or other active skin disease must not undergo microdermabrasion.  

What happens during the procedure? 

Dermabrasion requires local anesthesia before the start of the procedure. Sometimes a sedative may also be administered intravenously. After the skin is numb, the surgeon applies an abrasive device to the skin. The device is made of a rotating wire brush or a wheel encrusted with diamonds or an abrasive screen.  

The surgeon decides which device to use based on the area of skin to be treated. They may also spray a refrigerant to prevent the skin from moving during the procedure. Dermabrasion results largely depend on the experience and skill of the surgeon. 

In microdermabrasion, the surgeon sprays a crystalline, inert material onto the skin. The procedure may also involve forceful rubbing of a wand impregnated with crystals to exfoliate the superficial skin layer without affecting the deeper skin layers. There may be mild inflammation, but the swelling is temporary.  

Recovery Process 

Dermabrasion produces a wound that requires daily moist dressings. You will be taught to keep the wound clean and dress it yourself. Healing generally takes 10 days and the redness of skin reduces after about six weeks. Microdermabrasion is a superficial technique and does not cause any wound. You may experience mild redness and swelling but these are temporary and there are no other post-operative issues. 

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for safe and proven dermabrasion and microdermabrasion procedures. 

Schedule a Consultation with California Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Q

To learn more about the plastic surgery treatments and procedures performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) please contact us at 760-324-2660. To learn more about Dr. Q’s Medical Spa please visit drqmedicalspa.com

Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, CA, and other suburbs and towns in this part of California.

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