Microdermabrasion is a skin procedure that works to eliminate and decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, "Crow's feet," dark age spots, skin discolorations and acne scars on the skin. It promotes and encourages the production of collagen. It is an extremely common and popular nonsurgical treatment. As with any cosmetic treatments, however, there always is some kind of risk of experiencing side effects, and microdermabrasion is no exception to the rule.
Most Common Risk
The most common risk that is associated with the microdermabrasion procedure is a rather minor one. It is altering the color balance of the skin. People who get this procedure might experience some dark or light patches on the complexion, and some unevenness of skin tone. Pigmentation and scars are common side effects of all skin procedures and not only microdermabrasion (including chemical peels, laser surfacing and dermal abrasion).
Reason
Microdermabrasion is seen as a very risk-free and safe procedure. The reason for this is because the process is very gentle and solely takes away the top layer of the skin, while leaving the lower part completely intact and untouched. Also, the top layer of the skin is only composed of dead and dull skin cells.
Warning
People with darker sign and who have higher pigmentation levels are, however, far more prone to getting negative side effects as a result of microdermabrasion. These individuals are at a higher risk of microdermabrasion altering their pigment equilibrium, although the risk is still very minimal. Also, people with more sensitive skin types are more prone to experiencing side effects as well.
Other Common Side Effects
Although the majority of microdermabrasion patients don't experience any side effects, those who do experience them report that flaking, dry skin, redness and itchiness are the most common problems. In general, however, these side effects are extremely mild and temporary (they go away within a few days of undergoing the treatment).
Acne Microdermabrasion Side Effect
For patients receiving acne microdermabrasion (as opposed to microdermabrasion procedures that focus mostly on anti-aging), one potential side effect is an increase in spotting on the face (generally dark spots). This is a temporary side effect and essentially no cause for alarm. This side effect is known as "purging" and is a natural reaction to the process. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating process (since it removes the top layer of dead skin cells) and it unclogs pores, which leads to bacteria being released. This bacteria brings upon a temporary acne surge.
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