Which Is Better Dermabrasion Or Microdermabrasion

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are both skin resurfacing treatments that use a diamond-head tip to remove the outermost layer of the skin. Dermabrasion is a more aggressive procedure that can leave your skin red and raw, so it’s typically recommended for people who have deep wrinkles, scars, or other severe damage to their skin.

Microdermabrasion is gentler and less likely to damage healthy tissue around your face, so it’s often used as an alternative to chemical peels. However, it may not be suitable for people with darker complexions or sensitive skin.

In this post, we’ll consider the cost of dermabrasion vs. microdermabrasion and the difference between microdermabrasion and dermaplaning.

Even the most skincare-savvy among us may be confused by the differences between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. After all, they share similar names and can both be effective skin resurfacing procedures. Here, we’re breaking down the two treatments in terms of invasiveness, technology, and what aesthetic concerns each addresses to help you understand which might be the best choice for you.

Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion

Yes, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are similar in theory, but they are completely unique in reality. “While both sound similar and are resurfacing procedures that damage the skin in a specialized manner to improve it, they are otherwise pretty dissimilar,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion differ greatly in their intensity, depth of skin damage and, therefore, in the results, downtime, and associated risks.

Dermabrasion involves mechanically removing the epidermis and upper layer of the dermis. Microdermabrasion, meanwhile, is a minimally invasive treatment option that exfoliates the surface of the skin. While microdermabrasion is suitable for all skin types, dermabrasion is best for people with lighter skin — usually Fitzpatrick skin types I through III, explains Jennifer Levine, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in NYC.

Now that we understand the differences between the two, it’s time to explore the ins and outs of each.

Dermabrasion

According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, dermabrasion is a surgical technique that resurfaces the skin by abrading it with a high-speed rotating tool. She compares the instrument to a “sanding-like” instrument that has the ability to pierce the skin deeply. In essence, she says, “layers of skin are removed down into the upper dermis and then a new layer of healthier, smoother skin replaces them through the natural healing process.”

There is usually a one- to two-week recovery period following the treatment, which calls for either local or general anesthesia. Deeper wrinkles, creases, pigmentation, and other textural irregularities (including scars) can all be reduced with high-quality dermabrasion.

POPULAR TYPES OF DERMABRASION

You can use wire brushes, serrated wheels, or motor-powered diamond fraises for dermabrasion. Alternatively, you can complete the process by hand using a medium-grade drywall sanding screen. “The skin surface is quickly planed by dermabrasion,” Dr. Weiser says. Depending on what you are seeking to treat, the tool you utilize will probably change. “While the fraise and wheel are usually used to soften the edges of skin removed by the wire brush, the wire brush is best used for deeper scars and irregularities,” Dr. Weiser states.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM DERMABRASION

You will receive pain medicine, a local anesthetic for nerve blocks, and occasionally general anesthesia before dermabrasion. According to Dr. Weiser, “the skin is occasionally treated with gentian violet stain to monitor how deeply the treatment is extended, and eyes are covered to protect from potential spray.” “The skin is held taut and then abraded, resulting in some bleeding and a raw skin surface.

Significant redness, swelling, and mild discomfort (controlled with painkillers) are to be expected. Bleeding after therapy is another possibility. According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, “scabbing or crusting will occur as the area heals, and the redness and swelling will eventually subside over one to two weeks.” “To prevent infection during the healing process, you must adhere to your doctor’s instructions and take excellent care of your skin.” Additionally, you should consult your physician to determine the appropriate time to return to the sun. “You should avoid all exposure to sunlight on the treated area during the healing process,” she advises. A month or so after the treatment, the majority of doctors will also advise against doing any intense activity.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is at the other end of the spectrum of aesthetic procedures, whereas dermabrasion is at the invasive end. According to Dr. Weiser, “microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that helps exfoliate the skin surface by removing dead skin cells from the epidermis.” However, it does not penetrate the superficial dermis and lower epidermis’ viable skin cells. According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, microdermabrasion can help with superficial skin issues like fine lines, dark spots, and enlarged pores.

A diamond or crystal tip tool can be used for microdermabrasion, which is usually thought to be painless and requires little to no recovery time. “With little discomfort, no real downtime, and no need for anesthesia, a handheld device sprays tiny crystals onto the skin, causing light skin abrasion or exfoliation to the outermost ‘dead’ skin cells,” Dr. Murphy-Rose adds.

The term “microdermabrasion” is sometimes used to describe over-the-counter skincare products. These exfoliators aim to replicate, albeit less thoroughly, the benefits of the in-office treatment at home.

Popular types of microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is best suited for younger skin. It can also be a helpful treatment option for acne-prone skin types. The most common forms of microdermabrasion include

1. Dr. Weiser explains the Crystal Tip: “We spray crystals on the skin’s surface, and a vacuum-based tip suctions up both dead skin cells and loose crystals.” It’s best for acne because the crystals also have antibacterial properties.
2. Diamond Tip: This technique involves a tip made from natural or synthetic diamond chips with attached suction. “The diamond abrades the dead skin cells, which are removed by the vacuum-based suction,” she notes.
3. Dermasweep: To enable more customization, we use a gentler vacuum pump with a silk, nylon, or polyester bristle-tipped head.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MICRODERMABRASION

There is little to no downtime with microdermabrasion, in contrast to the seven to fourteen days that dermabrasion requires. According to Dr. Weiser, “depending on the skin type, there is a mild scratching sensation over the skin surface — sometimes in single or repeated passes.” Your skin may look red or pink after therapy. Dr. Levine compares it to the appearance of skin following a cut. According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, “any exfoliating procedure or product will make you more sensitive to the sun, so excellent sun protection is essential.” She suggests wearing a hat, sunglasses, and mineral sunscreen daily after microdermabrasion. Any other advice? Don’t wash your face the day of the event. Choose a mild cleanser and apply a lot of moisturizer in the days that follow. According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, “you can otherwise go about your routine without limitations.”

Dermabrasion Vs Microdermabrasion Cost

Salons, spas, or your dermatologist’s office perform both diamond-tipped and crystal microdermabrasion. A single treatment session costs between $75 and $200. In some geographical locations or for certain higher-end procedures, the cost may increase upward of $800.

What’s involved in the cost?

The cost of microdermabrasion is determined by your geographical location, the skill level of your esthetician or dermatologist, the size of the treatment area, and any included extras.

The cost will increase due to any added or optional extras. For example, some salons will offer microdermabrasion as part of a complete facial package. In these cases, you would pay for any additional products used, such as peels and toners, as well as the extra time spent.

Cost of microdermabrasion vs. alternatives

Alternative skin care procedures differ not only in degrees of efficacy and downtime but also in price per treatment. Insurance does not cover alternatives to microdermabrasion, anti-aging, or skin rejuvenation.

Before deciding on a specific procedure, consult a dermatologist to determine which one is best suited to your specific needs, skin conditions, and budget.

Conclusion

The cost of microdermabrasion is reasonable, with the average cost of a session being $75–$200. The geographical location, skill level of the provider, size of the treatment area and the addition of optional extras all play a role in determining the exact cost of the procedure.

About four to six individual treatments are usually required for the best results, but many providers offer discounted package deals for multiple sessions. Additionally, you can combine microdermabrasion with other cosmetic procedures to achieve better skin rejuvenation results. Usually, we offer discounts in such cases.

Alternatives to microdermabrasion are available, both with varying efficacy and price points. The cost of such procedures ranges from comparable to pricier than microdermabrasion. Consult a dermatologist to determine which procedure is right for you.

Microdermabrasion may also be performed at home through the use of a microdermabrasion kit. Although a kit may cost more than a single microdermabrasion session, it becomes a more cost-effective solution after one or two treatments.