Microdermabrasion (MDA) is a minimally invasive epidermal resurfacing procedure used to treat uneven skin tone/texture, photoaging, striae, melasma, and scars, including acne scars.
Helps grow new skin cells. Reveals newer, undamaged skin. Thickens collagen, which is a protein that keeps your skin firm.
It is widely available and one of the most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed.
Introduction
MDA was introduced as a less aggressive alternative to chemical peels and dermabrasion. The MDA procedure can be performed in the outpatient setting by a trained clinician, aesthetician, medical assistant. During the procedure, abrasive crystals are propelled against the skin under the control of a handheld vacuum system. The crystals cause gentle mechanical abrasion to the skin, which ultimately removes the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis. As part of the wound healing process, new epidermis forms. The technique is considered safe for all skin types.
SKIN LAYERS : There are five layers of the epidermis, each with different properties. Moving from the most superficial to deep layers, they are as follows: Stratum corneum ,Stratum lucidum, Stratum granulosum. Stratum spinosum, Stratum basale. Microdermabrasion removes the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis.
MDA has also been shown to affect deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis. MDA causes a re-arrangement of melanosomes in the basal layer of the epidermis, flattening of rete ridges at the dermal-epidermal junction, increased collagen fiber density at the dermal-epidermal junction, and vascular repair in the reticular dermis.
Indications : Scars, including acne scars, Acne Uneven skin tone/texture , stretch marks. Melasma, Photoaging, Seborrheic skin, Fine wrinkles, Enlarged pores. Patients often report enhanced skin glow, softness, texture, and decreased visibility of pores. Decreased sebum levels are noted immediately after the procedure.
Benefits :
In individuals with melasma, MDA decreases melanization and evenly distributes melanosomes in the epidermis.
In individuals with scarring, striae, and photoaging, MDA improves collagen fiber density and distribution. Methods to increase transdermal delivery often target the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis, as the stratum corneum is the principal barrier that limits the percutaneous diffusion of molecules. Drugs diffuse more freely in the viable epidermis, directly below the stratum corneum layer.
Contraindications
Microdermabrasion is contraindicated in an area of active cutaneous infection, such as herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, human papillomavirus, and impetigo. In individuals with contact allergies to the abrasive crystals (i.e., aluminum allergy), a different crystal or a crystal-free system should be used.MDA should be used cautiously in individuals with a known history of hypertrophic scarring (keloids). Rosacea and telangiectasias are considered relative contraindications.
Equipment
Microdermabrasion devices are categorized as either crystal or crystal-free systems.
The crystal-based system propels abrasive crystals at the skin at a predetermined flow rate. The most common crystal used is aluminum oxide. Sodium chloride, magnesium oxide, and sodium bicarbonate crystals are less commonly used. With the crystal-free systems, diamonds embedded in the handpiece provide the abrasive stimulus. The following equipment is needed to perform the procedure.
Fresh abrasion crystals (for crystal-based systems) Filters (for machines with a closed-loop vacuum system) Gentle skin cleanser Protective equipment (eyewear, gloves, mask) Using negative pressure, the device pulls the skin into the handpiece. The device then releases the abrasive crystals at a controlled flow rate. Surface debris and the stratum corneum layer of cells are removed, and the particles collect in a reservoir. The device is then passed over the skin to target the desired surface area. A single treatment usually requires three passes over the treated area. The entire procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Patients often require 4-6 weekly treatments to achieve the desired results. The degree of stratum corneum removal is dependent on the crystal flow rate and procedure exposure time. The pressure generated by the vacuum device has little effect on stratum corneum removal.
Common complications include tenderness, swelling, redness, petechiae, and bruising. Eye irritation can occur if the crystals come in contact with the conjunctiva. There is an increased risk of autoinoculation of viral cutaneous lesions (e.g., molluscum contagiosum) and reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus in an affected dermatome. Since stratum corneum removal occurs during MDA, the skin is more sensitive to photodamage for a few days after the treatment. Follow the skincare advised by your expert.
The primary clinical significance of microdermabrasion lies in cosmetic and aesthetic benefits. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can offer evened skin tone, bright complexion, reduced appearance of dark spots, and wrinkles, with cleaned-out pores and improved smoothness of the skin. Microdermabrasion has also been shown to enhance transdermal drug delivery by allowing the drug to diffuse more freely in the viable epidermis. Microdermabrasion may be performed by several types of practitioners in the outpatient setting, including aestheticians, medical assistants, and nurses. Appropriate expectations should be set, and patients should be informed that several treatments might be required to achieve the desired results. As some patients may experience petechiae and redness immediately after the procedure, treatments should be avoided for at least two weeks prior any events. Proper sterilization of MDA equipment is essential to prevent infectious disease transmission from one patient to another. Patients should be advised to use sunscreen when outdoors following the procedure.
Its advisable to consult your Dermatologist to know if your skin is suitable for MDA.