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    Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion: Which one do I need? 

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    Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion: Which one do I need? 

    Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion

    Dermabrasion involves the use of a special high-speed rotating device on skin that has been previously cooled. The device causes “sanding” of the skin and removes the outer layers to allow a new skin layer to grow in its place. The new skin has a smoother and more youthful appearance.  

    Dr. Q Medical Spa, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q), provides dermabrasion and microdermabrasion treatments to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding location. 

    What is dermabrasion? 

    Dermabrasion is a relatively more invasive med spa procedure in which the upper layers of skin are removed to trigger the growth of new skin underneath. The instrument used is made up of a rotating wheel fitted with wire brushes. It must be operated precisely by an expert cosmetic surgeon after administration of an anesthetic.  

    What is microdermabrasion? 

    Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure where the exfoliation of the skin is carefully controlled to remove only the outermost layer of dead skin. A handheld device is rolled over the skin by a professional to provide a gentle abrasive effect.  

    What to Expect With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion 

    Dermabrasion helps to get rid of scars caused by an accident or skin disease or acne. It may also be used to remove wrinkles, age spots, and tattoo scars. Following treatment, the skin forms a crust which falls away after a few days to reveal the new skin below. This new skin is red in color just as with any skin resurfacing technique such as a chemical or laser peel.  

    Microdermabrasion or “power peel” uses a spray of tiny crystals that removes superficial skin issues such as dull skin, fine lines, and mild acne scars. It also works well on brown spots, age spots and skin damaged due to exposure to sunlight. Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical med spa procedure; there is no bleeding and downtime is minimal. 

    Dermabrasion is More Invasive 

    Dermabrasion is a surgical, invasive procedure that requires prior numbing of the skin with a local or general anesthetic. The process is intensive and will require about two hours to complete. Recovery may take anywhere from 10 to 14 days depending on the level of treatment. During this time, the skin appears red, irritated, or inflamed, and you may experience some pain for which your surgeon will prescribe pain medication.  

    Microdermabrasion is Less Intensive 

    Microdermabrasion involves mild exfoliation and removes only the dead skin cells and does not act on the living cells below. This makes it a less invasive and relatively painless procedure with minimal downtime. Your skin begins to feel refreshed soon after the treatment.  

    These two forms of treatment differ mainly in the skin resurfacing intensity. Microdermabrasion removes only dead cells on the outermost skin layer whereas dermabrasion penetrates deeper to forcefully remove the deeper, living skin layers.  

    Which one of the two do you need? 

    Results of dermabrasion are more dramatic as compared to microdermabrasion. If you have severe skin problems such as deep wrinkles, intense pigmentation, or acne scars, choose dermabrasion for more long-lasting results. Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for dermabrasion and microdermabrasion.  

    Contact Dr. Q Medical Spa in Palm Springs Southern California

    For more information on Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgical Medical Spa Procedures and Treatments in the Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, CA and surrounding areas please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) by clicking here or calling 760-324-2660.

    What is dermabrasion / dermaplaning? 

    Dermabrasion

    Dermabrasion is a procedure used to reduce scars or remove wrinkles on the skin. The purpose is the same as a chemical peel, but the method is different. In dermabrasion, the surgeon uses a brush that rotates at a high speed over the skin surface and this removes the topmost layer of skin. The surgeon decides how much skin is to be sloughed based on the depth and size of the scars or the degree of wrinkling of the skin. 

    Dermaplaning is a med spa treatment for deep acne scars. It uses a hand-held device called a dermatome which is similar to an electric razor. The instrument is fitted with an oscillating blade that moves over the skin and “skims” off its surface layers.  

    Dermabrasion and dermaplaning may be performed alone or in combination with other procedures on the entire facial skin or on particular areas. While these methods help improve the skin, they cannot completely get rid of all scars or prevent skin aging. 

    Dr. Q Medical Spa, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q), provides dermabrasion or dermaplaning treatments to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities.   

    Who is a candidate for dermabrasion or dermaplaning? 

    Women and men of all ages can undergo dermabrasion and dermaplaning. The final outcome depends on several factors such as skin type and coloring and medical history of the patient. People who suffer from the following skin conditions can undergo this procedure: 

    • Wrinkles and fine lines 
    • Scars  
    • Acne rosacea 
    • Sun damage 
    • Rough skin texture 
    • Dull skin tone 
    • Pigmentation  

    What does the procedure involve? 

    Cosmetic surgeons or other skin care experts can perform dermabrasion and dermaplaning on an outpatient basis at a qualified med spa. The procedures require numbing at the beginning. This is done using a local anesthetic with a sedative or under general anesthesia.  

    Sometimes, the med spa treatment providers spray Freon instead of a local anesthetic or use a combination of both. Depending on the skin area to be treated, the procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Multiple sessions may be necessary if the skin requires greater work.  

    Temporary Side Effects  

    After dermabrasion or dermaplaning, you may experience the following short term side effects: 

    • Red and swollen skin 
    • Difficulty in eating and talking for a few days 
    • Burning or tingling sensation or pain 
    • Scabbing  

    The new skin that appears may have a bright pink color and also feel swollen or sensitive. After about three months, this pink color fades and the new skin blends in with the surrounding area. Protecting the treated area from sunlight is pivotal to avoid skin damage. 

    About Microdermabrasion 

    Unlike dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is a painless, non-surgical, and non-invasive procedure. It uses crystals or a fine abrasive tip with vacuum suction to remove the superficial layer of dead skin cells. It can be carried out by non-physician experts too as there is no surgery involved. Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for dermabrasion. 

     

    Contact Dr. Q Medical Spa in Palm Springs Southern California

    For more information on Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgical Medical Spa Procedures and Treatments in the Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, CA and surrounding areas please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) by clicking here or calling 760-324-2660.