Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion has been practiced for many years (before the advent of lasers) and involves the controlled deeper abrasion (wearing away) of the upper to mid layers of the skin with any variety of strong abrasive devices including a wire brush, diamond wheel or fraise, sterilized sandpaper, salt crystals or other mechanical means.
Since the procedure can typically remove the top to deeper layers of the epidermis and extend into the reticular dermis, there is always minor skin bleeding.
The procedure carries risks of scarring, skin discoloration, infections and facial herpes virus (cold sore) reactivation.
[2] Microdermabrasion is a light cosmetic procedure that uses a mechanical medium for exfoliation to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis.
Minimal to no recovery time is required after microdermabrasion and most people immediately return to daily activity after a session.
[citation needed] Traditionally, a "crystal" microdermabrasion system includes a pump, a connecting tube, a hand piece, and a vacuum.
[citation needed] One of the safest methods of microdermabrasion involves the use of corundum or aluminum oxide crystals suspended in an antioxidant cream.
This version of microdermabrasion is generally the most cost efficient as it involves the use of a small handheld skincare tool instead of expensive equipment used by a salon.
Multiple treatments in combination with sunscreen, sun avoidance and skin care creams yield best results.
Dermabrasion is generally used to refer to a true surgical procedure that aggressively abrades away the top to mid layers of the skin.
[citation needed] The first microdermabrasion unit was developed in Italy in 1985, using small inert aluminium oxide crystals to abrade the skin.
In 1996, Mattioli Engineering partnered with one of the Italian designed machines and started working towards meeting FDA requirements for the USA.
[7] The first standard vacuum based microdermabrasion system called Vacubrasion was introduced in 2012 in the US and world markets, and provides diamond tip exfoliation and suction.
Vacubrasion's patented air regulator delivery system was designed and underwent extensive testing by US dermatologists and physicians.
Patient goggles or eye shields, as well as operator face masks are recommended when treating with crystal based systems.
