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What can I Expect After Microdermabrasion?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

Skin care after microdermabrasion can help improve the results of the procedure. Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive cosmetic skin procedure intended to exfoliate dead skin cells and leave skin brighter, fresher, and younger looking. Microdermabrasion can be performed by a dermatologist as an out-patient procedure. Home microdermabrasion kits are also available. Side effects after microdermabrasion are usually few and mild.

Microdermabrasion generally uses a stream of aluminum oxide micro crystals to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin's surface. The procedure typically brightens skin by exfoliating dry, dead cells from the skin's surface. It can stimulate collagen production to help firm skin. A series of microdermabrasion treatments can even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Following a microdermabrasion treatment, it's important to consistently use a sunblock.
Following a microdermabrasion treatment, it's important to consistently use a sunblock.

In most cases, patients can return to normal activities immediately after microdermabrasion. Side effects are usually very mild. Patients may experience slight swelling and redness of the skin, to the same degree as that caused by a mild sunburn. Some dermatologists allow patients to hide skin inflammation beneath a layer of powder makeup, while others insist that makeup must be avoided until the skin has completely recovered.

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive cosmetic skin procedure that leaves skin brighter and younger looking.
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive cosmetic skin procedure that leaves skin brighter and younger looking.

Recovery from microdermabrasion usually takes two to three days. During this time, skin will need to be kept moist. Most dermatologists supply their patients with appropriate moisturizers to take home after the procedure. Moisturizers containing copper, or vitamins A, E, or C, can be applied to help rejuvenate skin and speed skin healing. Skin may feel exceptionally dry during the recovery period, and moisturizer should be applied liberally.

Intense pulsed light photorejuvenation may be used safely with microdermabrasion.
Intense pulsed light photorejuvenation may be used safely with microdermabrasion.

Avoiding exposure to the sun after microdermabrasion can help patients avoid unpleasant complications. Treatments that exfoliate the skin, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Sunblock is best applied to the treated area consistently, even on cloudy days or days when the patient remains indoors. Patients are usually advised to limit sun exposure for at least a week after microdermabrasion. Even after the skin has fully recovered, consistent use of sunblock can help extend the results of the treatment.

Those with lighter skin tend to have fewer side effects from microdermabrasion.
Those with lighter skin tend to have fewer side effects from microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion does not typically produce drastic results right away. Many patients notice that skin looks brighter, fresher, and firmer after an initial microdermabrasion treatment. A series of at least five treatments are usually needed to noticeably reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and age spots. Once an initial series of treatments has been completed, maintenance treatments can be administered every three months to help extend results.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

I had the procedure one time, and it really disagreed with me. I wasn't pleased with it. My face got very red in spite of everything I did to alleviate it. I put cool packs on it and finally called my doctor. His theory was that I was sensitive to something in the chemicals used for the procedure. Well, duh. I kind of figured out that one for myself.

I definitely stayed out of the sun, but I still looked like a cooked chicken. I was not happy about it. When my skin finally healed, it looked great, I'll admit, but not enough that I'm willing to put myself through the process again. Everyone is different.

Grivusangel

My cousin had this done and her dermatologist told her to take ibuprofen when she got home to help minimize inflammation. She said it really helped. She also said aloe vera gel was helpful, along with cool water packs, which also definitely helped with the redness.

I've never had the procedure so I don't know what it's like. I've exfoliated my skin, but that's about as far as I've gone. My cousin said she really liked the results she got and she goes back two or three times a year to get follow-up treatments. She apparently has liked the results enough to keep going back.

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    • Following a microdermabrasion treatment, it's important to consistently use a sunblock.
      By: Nobilior
      Following a microdermabrasion treatment, it's important to consistently use a sunblock.
    • Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive cosmetic skin procedure that leaves skin brighter and younger looking.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive cosmetic skin procedure that leaves skin brighter and younger looking.
    • Intense pulsed light photorejuvenation may be used safely with microdermabrasion.
      By: highwaystarz
      Intense pulsed light photorejuvenation may be used safely with microdermabrasion.
    • Those with lighter skin tend to have fewer side effects from microdermabrasion.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Those with lighter skin tend to have fewer side effects from microdermabrasion.
    • Complications can occur after microdermabrasion if a person is exposed to the sun for too long.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Complications can occur after microdermabrasion if a person is exposed to the sun for too long.
    • Moisturizing cream is applied to prevent dryness following a microdermabrasion procedure.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Moisturizing cream is applied to prevent dryness following a microdermabrasion procedure.