Microdermabrasion in Santa Cruz, CA
As we age, dead skin cells and debris can build up on the surface of our skin, leading to a dull and uneven complexion. Microdermabrasion is a safe and effective resurfacing treatment that uses a wand to gently exfoliate this dead skin to reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. We’ll explore what microdermabrasion is, how it works, the benefits it provides, what to expect during treatment, and why Rebecca Small, MD at RSMD Medical Aesthetics is the provider to trust for customized microdermabrasion treatments and outstanding results.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that uses a handheld wand with a roughened tip to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of dead skin cells. As this dead skin is removed, newer and healthier skin is revealed. This improves skin texture, evens skin tone, enhances glow, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, mild acne scars, and other skin concerns. Microdermabrasion is an effective treatment option for the following skin concerns:
- Uneven skin texture and tone
- Dull, tired-looking complexion
- Mild acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
What are the Benefits of Microdermabrasion?
Some of the benefits of microdermabrasion include:
- Improved skin texture and smoothness
- Enhanced skin tone and radiance
- Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Minimized appearance of enlarged pores
- Fading of mild acne scars
- A refreshing, youthful glow
- Quick, comfortable treatment
- No downtime
Frequently asked questions
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are both skin-resurfacing treatments that improve texture, tone, and radiance. However, there are some key differences between them. Dermabrasion is a more aggressive procedure that penetrates much deeper into the skin than microdermabrasion, using either a sharp instrument or fine crystals to exfoliate the skin’s surface and remove multiple layers of skin tissue. Due to this deeper penetration, dermabrasion can produce more dramatic results in terms of minimizing wrinkles, scars, and skin discoloration, but it also carries a higher risk of side effects. Furthermore, dermabrasion has a longer recovery period, with downtime lasting between 7-10 days as the skin heals and regrows. Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, exfoliates only the outermost layer of skin tissue using a gentler, less invasive approach. For this reason, results tend to be more subtle with microdermabrasion, but there is virtually no downtime or side effects outside of some short-lived redness and sensitivity. Ultimately, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion approach skin resurfacing differently, with dermabrasion being a deeper and more intensive procedure and microdermabrasion being a more superficial approach with a much quicker recovery time.
Is Microdermabrasion Right for Me?
If you are seeking a gentle skin rejuvenation solution that can refresh the skin with minimal downtime, you may be a good candidate for microdermabrasion. At RSMD Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Small will evaluate your skin health during a consultation, during which time you can discuss your treatment goals and determine if microdermabrasion is right for you. With Dr. Small’s expertise, she can develop a customized treatment plan to produce your desired results.
What is a Microdermabrasion Treatment Like?
The microdermabrasion treatment is a painless process that gently exfoliates the skin. A standard microdermabrasion session takes approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. The treatment requires no anesthesia or numbing beforehand. To perform the treatment, Dr. Small will gently maneuver the microdermabrasion wand across your skin to remove dead skin cells.
Are There Any Microdermabrasion Side Effects or Downtime?
There’s virtually no downtime after microdermabrasion because it uses gentle techniques. That said, you may still experience some redness, tightness or tenderness in the skin immediately following your treatment. It’s important to know that your skin will also be more sensitive to sunlight after being exfoliated, so you should wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure for a few days. We may also recommend that you abstain from using certain skincare products for a few days while the skin heals. Otherwise, you can resume your normal activities immediately following your microdermabrasion treatment.
How Often Can You Get Microdermabrasion?
You’ll begin noticing results from your microdermabrasion treatment after one treatment session, but depending on your cosmetic goals, we may recommend a series of microdermabrasion treatments for optimal results. Typically, we recommend a series of 4-6 microdermabrasion treatment sessions. You can safely get microdermabrasion treatments every 2-4 weeks to complete this recommended treatment protocol. Afterwards, many patients choose to receive regular maintenance treatments to prolong their results.
How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost?
At RSMD Medical Aesthetics, the cost of microdermabrasion treatments may vary depending on the treatment area, the number of treatment sessions needed for optimal results, and other variables. During your consultation, Dr. Small will develop a customized treatment plan based on your cosmetic goals. At this point, we establish the procedure costs so you can receive upfront pricing before you begin your treatment.
Why Choose RSMD for Your Microdermabrasion?
Dr. Rebecca Small is an industry leader in facial aesthetics with extensive experience customizing microdermabrasion treatments to help patients rejuvenate the appearance. Her artistic vision and technical skill with skin rejuvenation techniques means she can develop a tailored microdermabrasion regimen to target your unique skin concerns and goals. From your initial consultation through maintaining your optimal results long-term, Dr. Small oversees every part of your microdermabrasion experience at RSMD to ensure your satisfaction.
We invite you to schedule a microdermabrasion consultation and take the first step towards the refreshed appearance you desire. Call today and discover why patients trust RSMD for their cosmetic goals.
Dr. Small has the experience and expertise to treat individual facial anatomy because there is no one else exactly like you. We are serving the communities of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Watsonville, Capitola, Soquel, Scotts Valley. Call 831-475-1077 to book your appointment today. Your skin will thank you.