Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin treatment that removes the dead and damaged upper-most layer of skin cells to reveal healthier skin cells beneath. While there are a multitude of treatments available, it has its positives and negatives.

Plastic surgery is probably one of the fastest growing specialities of medicine. It is helping to ease cosmetic concern in both the young and the elderly via the development of new techniques and practices. A part of the body that causes a lot of stress to people in such a way, is the skin, and more-so the skin of the face and neck. Blemishes in these areas, which include acnes, scars, wrinkles and discolored skin, not only affect our physical appearance, but also our all important self-esteem and confidence. The process of microdermabrasion as explained above, is a new type of procedure that, along with previous ones, can now help alleviate these problems.

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical technique which is obviously non-invasive, and is accessible in plastic surgery clinics, spas, and private health clinics. Basically, the process involves using a rough surface to remove (abrade) the upper-most surface of the skin (the part with the blemishes). The abrasive surface can consist of zinc, aluminium oxide crystals, and even micro-diamond (more expensive) surfaces.

As the outer most layer of skin (also known as the stratum cornea) is scraped off in dust form, it is sucked off immediately with a small vacuum device. Microdermabrasion is completely safe and does not have any unwanted side-effects, because this layer of skin is just dead and will not detrimentally effect the healthy skin lying underneath it. It doesn't affect the muscles, fascia, tendon sheath, or nerves, so anaesthetic is not required.

Although microdermabrasion may sound like a heaven-send to those who have had difficulty using other skin cleansing techniques; there are some things it cannot do. It doesn't get rid of deep, coursing wrinkles, strong discoloration or deep scars. One myth is that it can be used as a one-time treatment to easily treat acne, however, repeated microdermabrasion is required to keep acne from relapsing.

With smaller blemishes however, your skin will be smoother, cleaner and will be left looking more natural. There will be a reduction in the number of fine lines and wrinkles, scars and acnes.

Like I already said, microdermabrasion is a good alternative to invasive skin surgical procedures that encompasses the ever controversial field of plastic surgery. Just remember to keep in mind the drawbacks or the treatment, and the efficacy of the treatment providers.

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About the Author

Asanka Samaranayake (BSc Hons Neuroscience) and Darren Patten (Bsc Hons Surgery & Anaesthesia)have a specialist interest in microdermabrasion and provide you with an indispensable resource at Microdermabrasion Info. Net