The differences between microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing
Both microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, especially those caused by acne, hyperpigmentation, age spots and wrinkles. So what is the difference between them?
Microdermabrasion Dermatological Services
Microdermabrasion is a gentler form of mechanical exfoliation that uses tiny crystals of baking soda or another material to remove the very top layer of dead skin cells. This encourages the body to produce fresh cells and elastin and collagen, types of protein that are abundant in youthful skin. During the procedure, the dermatologist uses a wand to blast fine powder onto the area to be treated. Along with the wand that applies the crystals, a small vacuum suctions up the removed dead cells and the powder residue.
Another type of microdermabrasion utilizes a wand with a diamond tip. This tip also scrubs dead skin cells off the very top layer of the skin. It also uses a tiny vacuum to remove the skin cells. Each type of session lasts about a half an hour.
Laser Resurfacing Cosmetic Surgery in Calabasas
With laser resurfacing, the dermatologist targets the area with short and intense beams of light. This also removes damaged cells on the top layer of the patient’s skin. At the same time, the laser light heats up the dermis, which is the layer of skin just under the top layer, or epidermis.
This also encourages the body to produce collagen in the area. In the past, lasers were not as precise and targeted as they are today. This sometimes affected healthy skin and led to such conditions as hypopigmentation. This is when an area of skin is noticeably lighter than the area around it.
Now, lasers are so precise that they only affect the area to be treated without touching healthy skin, though patients are still treated with topical medications before the treatment to reduce the risk of discoloration and to speed healing. Dermatologists also apply topical analgesics before the treatment. A typical laser resurfacing procedure takes between 30 minutes and two hours.
The two most popular lasers used for resurfacing are the very precise CO2 laser and the Erbium laser. This laser is used to remove wrinkles and superficial blemishes. It can also be used on the patient’s hands, neck and chest as well as their face.
Call Your Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist For Microdermabrasion or Laser Resurfacing
A person who is interested in either of these skin treatments should call Calabasas Dermatology Center in Calabasas, CA and schedule a consultation.