Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive resurfacing treatment that uses a fine diamond-tipped or crystal wand with light suction to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. It refines texture, brightens dull skin and improves product absorption, with no downtime and no chemicals.
The surface has a fine grain: rough to the touch across the cheeks and forehead, open pores near the nose, foundation clinging to dry patches. Cell turnover slows with age, sun and dehydration, and home scrubs work unevenly or irritate. You want smoother, brighter skin without acids, needles or peeling.
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Where you want to be
A diamond-tipped or crystal wand passes across the skin while gentle suction lifts loosened cells away, removing the outermost dead layer without touching the living skin beneath. The surface is immediately smoother and more light-reflective, the mild stimulus encourages renewal over the following days, and products absorb better afterward.
Because it is superficial and uses no heat or acid, it suits every skin tone and can be repeated. It will not treat deep pigment, scarring or laxity; those call for peels, microneedling or energy-based treatment.
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What to expect
Your provider works across the face in overlapping passes, with lighter pressure near the eyes. It feels like light scratching with a gentle pull, and a hydrating serum, moisturizer and sunscreen finish the treatment.
The visit
30–45 minutes. Cleanse, resurfacing passes with pressure set by area, then serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
First days
No downtime. Mild pinkness, like light windburn, fades within an hour or two; drier skin may flake lightly on day two or three.
Results
Smoother skin the same day. Brighter, more even texture holds for about two weeks.
Longevity
Builds across a series. Four to six sessions two to four weeks apart, then maintenance every four to eight weeks.
Who it tends to suit
Dull, rough or thickened skin texture that home exfoliants haven't improved
Enlarged pores, mild congestion and uneven surface tone
Fine surface lines and early sun damage on the face, neck or chest
Skin of any tone, since the treatment does not rely on heat or acid
Patients who want a no-downtime step between deeper resurfacing treatments
Not suitable for active acne, rosacea flares, fragile or very thin skin, or recent isotretinoin use; your provider will advise on alternatives
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Who performs it
Pressure, suction and the number of passes are set for your skin's thickness and sensitivity. In a longer personalized treatment plan it usually plays a supporting role between peels or microneedling, or serves as a starting point before anything deeper; your provider will tell you when a different treatment would serve you better.
No. It feels like a fine, slightly rough brush with a light pull from the suction. Around the nose and near the eyes your provider lowers the pressure, and nothing about it requires numbing.
How many sessions do I need?
One treatment gives an immediate improvement in smoothness and brightness. For a lasting change in texture, most patients do four to six sessions spaced two to four weeks apart, then maintain every one to two months.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on the area treated, whether it is a single visit or part of a series, and any added steps such as a hydrating mask. Pricing is set at your assessment.
Is there any downtime?
None to speak of. The skin may look faintly pink and feel slightly tight for an hour or two. Avoid exfoliating products, retinoids and direct sun for a few days, and wear sunscreen daily.
What's the difference between microdermabrasion and a chemical peel?
Microdermabrasion removes the surface layer mechanically and has no downtime; it improves texture and brightness but not deeper pigment. A chemical peel dissolves layers with acid, can reach further and addresses sun damage and pigmentation more directly, with some peeling. Many personalized treatment plans use both, at different points.
Can it help with acne scars?
It can soften very shallow surface irregularities and improve the texture around scarring. It does not reach the depth where pitted or rolling scars sit; for those, your provider will discuss RF microneedling or other resurfacing options.
