Dermabrasion Vs Microdermabrasion: Benefits, Care and Side Effects

Dermabrasion is a surgical method that removes the upper layer of your dead skin cell in a very controlled manner. It triggers the growth of glowing and youthful skin beneath.

This procedure involves a handheld device to exfoliate and remove dead cells skin and make it look glowing and smooth.

Unlike microdermabrasion, dermabrasion is very invasive and may require local or general anaesthesia.

Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may take up to 2 hours. The recovery period after dermabrasion is quite long (10-14 days), depending on the size of the treated skin surface area.

In the healing phase, patients may experience some degree of pain that can be managed with pain relief. The skin also gets temporarily red, swollen, or inflamed, but it keeps on disappearing as it heals.

In addition to providing a younger-looking appearance, dermabrasion can also help with treatments such as:

Acne scars
Age spots
fine wrinkles
Precancerous skin patches
Redness or rhinophyma and thick skin on the nose
Scars from surgery or injury
Sun damage
Tattoos
Uneven skin tone

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is more of a light, gentle and painless version of dermabrasion. That’s why it’s called microdermabrasion.

It is a non-invasive, less abrasive form of skin exfoliation that combines exfoliation and suction in the skin layers. There are two types of microdermabrasion: Crystalline and Dimond.

The Crystal microdermabrasion uses a special handheld device that explodes the aluminium oxide crystals in the skin and empties dirt, dead skin cells and used crystals.

The abrasive properties of the crystals are considered excellent for deep exfoliation and removal of the dead skin.

On the other hand, Diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond tip that is used to remove the upper skin level (dead skin cell) while a vacuum stick sucks up dirt and other impurities. This method is so accurate that there are no particles left on the skin.

Diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand that has more accuracy in removing dead skin from hard-to-reach areas which is particularly better than crystal devices.

This procedure uses a handheld device that is guided by a specialist over the skin to provide light and gentle abrasion. Microdermabrasion helps to unclog the clogged pores. It targets dead skin cells and leaves only viable skin cells behind.

This means it is not as painful as dermabrasion and requires minimal recovery time. Patients can expect their skin to be completely fresh and refreshing immediately after the procedure.

The American College of Dermatology recommends microdermabrasion for:

Acne scars
Uneven skin tone (hyperpigmentation)
Sunspots (melasma)
Age spots
Dull complexion

Microdermabrasion vs dermabrasion

The main difference between the two procedures is the surface strength. Dermabrasion is a denser version of microdermabrasion and significantly removes deeper layers.

Microdermabrasion removes only dry or dead skin, whereas dermabrasion works deeper within the skin and leaves a viable (living) layer of skin.

Comparison In Brief

Dermabrasion provides more impressive results than microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a great technology for patients with more serious skin problems (severe pigmentation, acne scars, or deeper scars).

Treatment includes significant pain and discomfort compared to microdermabrasion, as well as a longer recovery time.

Patients undergoing dermabrasion may be at greater risk than those who opt for microdermabrasion such as infection, irreversible skin pigmentation, and scarring.

Dermabrasion	Microdermabrasion
More aggressive technique	Less aggressive technique
Removes significantly more wrinkles or scars	Removes significantly fewer wrinkles or scars
Causes bleeding	Does not cause bleeding
Resolves with downtime	Resolves without any downtime
It’s more effective on deeper problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, or deep acne scars	It’s less effective on deeper problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, or deep acne scars
According to 2019 statistics, the average dermabrasion cost is $1,296.	The average cost of microdermabrasion is $150
It tightens the sagging skin or treats deep wrinkles.	It can’t tighten sagging skin or treat deep wrinkles.

Side effects of Dermabrasion

Uneven skin colour (transient or permanent)
Scar formation
Infection
swelling
Darkening of the skin (usually temporary, but can be permanent); It is caused by exposure to the sun after the treatment.

Side effects of microdermabrasion

Irritation of crystals falling into unprotected eyes.

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Dermabrasion After Care

You will need to attend follow-up appointments immediately after dermabrasion.
Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after treatment.
Don’t take aspirin or products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for the next week.
Do not smoke.
Try to avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible for 3 to 6 months.