Microdermabrasion is considered to be the most popular non-surgical skin resurfacing method but nevertheless there are possible risks and side effects. Here is their complete list.
One thing which shouldn’t be ignored is the medical history. It provides the useful clues concerning the quality of certain procedures. It’s better to visit the specialist first even if there is nothing serious in the medical chronicle to prevent one from the procedure.
Side effects of microdermabrasion
There is only one, though secondary, side-effect of microdermabrasion: tampering with color balance of the skin (in another way, there can be dark or light patches from the micro dermabrasion treatment). It’s significant to keep in mind that scarring and pigmentary changes are widespread side effects for other skin rejuvenation procedures, such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels and dermal abrasion.
During the procedure of microdermabrasion the risk is highly unlikely because it’s a very mild procedure. It’s considered to remove the top layer of skin (consisting only of dead skin cells), while leaving the live substances underneath entire. Nevertheless, it’s a accepted fact that people with darker skin (Type IV, V and VI on the Fitzpatrick Scale which is could be found below) are more inclined to problems with pigmentation and while the risk of microdermabrasion tampering with the pigmentary steadiness is almost impossible (smallest of all rejuvenation procedures) with darker skin types, it’s still there.
Fitzpatrick Skin Scale
Type I: The skin is white; it always burns in the sun and never get sunburned.
Type II: White; usually burns in the sun and tans with difficulty.
Type III: White; burns slowly in the sun and tans moderately.
Type IV: Temperate brown; rarely burns and tans easily.
Type V: Dark brown; rarely burns and tans very easily.
Type VI: Black; never burns and tans so easily.
The Fitzpatrick Scale helps dermatologists prognosticate how the skin might react to different cosmetic treatments and tell which methods are best suited for it. For instance, a Fitzpatrick Type I person will better to apply the laser resurfacing for wrinkle removal than a Type IV.
Risks of microdermabrasion
The common agreement is that microdermabrasion procedure which has any risk but just like earthquakes can occurred, there are things that could led to disorders during or after microdermabrasion treatment.
• There can be a risk of hyperpigmentation, skin damages or infections, if the microdermabrasion machine is not appropriately handled or has not been thoroughly sterilized (it is possible extremely rare).
• There is also a risk to breathe in micro crystals from the microderm machines which have been used during the procedure. Aluminum oxide crystals, however, (the most common abrasive component used in micro dermabrasion) cause no allergic or negative reactions. They are both not toxic and non-carcinogenic. However swallowing micro crystals in extremely large quantities, can cause disorders of respiratory system – but so would dust – (possible in extremely cases).
• Speaking about people with serious eye problems there was some probable for them to have eyes diseases due to microdermabrasion treatment because of penetrating of stray crystals into their eyes. Technologies were not such well developed at that times. Nowadays, however, all plastic surgeries, spas and beauty salons are provided wit special equipment as lastic or rubber goggles.
• There is also a possibility of increased sun sensitivity, flaking and redness after micro dermabrasion and some people also mention temporary discoloration in the skin. These are fairly widespread reactions but not if they persist.
Contraindications
Is there a possibility to have microdermabrasion if… is a common question which could be particularly divided in three conditions:
• Is there possible to apply microdermabrasion being pregnant/nursing?
• Is there safety for a teenager? (under 14 years old)
Hormones can subdue or change the effects of microdermabrasion procedure in case of teenagers and pregnant or nursing women as well. It’s best to wait until the hormones settle down before being treated.
• The third point which is often get asked about:
Can one have microdermabrasion if being/having been on Accutane recently?
It’s quite natural and normal for everyone to have the skin without acne scars as soon as possible, now that Accutane has cleared the breakouts, but it causes so serious damage to the skin. Accutane increases sensitivity of the skin that is why one should wait about a year before having any skin resurfacing treatment, not only microdermabrasion. The same features concerning recent laser surgery.
Most specialists also guess that microdermabrasion is not recommended to people with undiagnosed lesions, to keratosis sufferers, active rosacea juvenilis or common acne (however people with mild acne are considered to get good results), weeping acne (stages 3 to 4), diabetes, auto-immune diseases, fragile, capillaries, dermatitis, eczema, , psoriasis or lupus. Microderm also has no pernicious influence on active herpes lesions or malignant skin tumors (warts).
As usually, the best microdermabrasion candidates are persons with blotchy skin or acne-prone skin, fine scars, rhytides, enlarged pores, milia, sebaceous hyperplasia and people with sun-damaged skin.
