Professional microdermabrasion (revisted)
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Fri Apr 14, 2006 6:52 am

A while ago I posted about getting free microderms from an esthetician (friend of a friend) at a spa.

There was some debate over whether it was appropriate to get microderms at a spa vs. dermatologist's. I have to say after doing my research on the spa and checking up on the esthetician's credentials, I feel fully comfortable with it. I guess this has to be a matter of individual preference, though.

I wanted to ask others who have had microdermabrasions what results they experienced, if they were pleased with the results, and how long you saw them "last."

As far as my own treatments, I've had three so far and I am LIKING the results. It's more subtle than I had hoped for, but I have to say my skin is a lot smoother and softer. I touch my cheeks sometimes and am shocked at how soft they feel -- like baby skin! Also, I have acne scars which are becoming less noticeable. Still have three treatments to go and am excited to see my skin improve more.

The only complaint I have is that I'm seeing no effect really on my fine lines (I have some around my eyes). In my research, I read that microderm would improve the fine lines and so far I see no evidence of that.

free skin care · Fri Apr 14, 2006 6:57 am

I have had 7-8 on my face and 3 on my neck and chest and although it does help with softening and smoothing and making skin look brighter, it did not help me with fine lines either, to a very noticable degree. Now, they do have to keep the settings lower for me because of my rosacea so I may not be a good source to judge that on. I do enjoy them because they always follow up with a nice soothing mask. Mine were also given by the easthetician at my med/spa not by the doc himself (he just does the botox/resty) but felt the ladies were very gentle and knowledgable.

Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:25 am

AnnieR wrote:

I have had 7-8 on my face and 3 on my neck and chest and although it does help with softening and smoothing and making skin look brighter, it did not help me with fine lines either, to a very noticable degree.

That's a shame to hear it didn't help with your fine lines, either. I wonder how these websites can go about claiming that microderm does that. Or maybe it just works for some people and not others. I'm fairly young so my lines aren't that bad yet, which I thought gave me a better chance with it helping. Oh well! Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Fri Apr 14, 2006 8:15 am

It could also be that some people are able to tolerate the higher settings, which is more abrasive, so I would assume removes more, like sandblasting. I have very fine, sensitive, THIN skin, so it would only make my skin worse I believe. I do it just to remove surface dullness and flakiness.

free skin care · Fri Apr 14, 2006 8:36 am

Micro cannot be done around the eyes as it would be much too harsh for the delicate eye area. The closest they can get is up to the very outside of the orbital bone. Any lines inside this area would have to be treated with a mild exfoliater like Retinol. As far as wrinkles go, they improve over time, but as with any treatments, once they're discontinued, the excess sebum and dead skin cells start to build up again. Once the initial treatments are completed, you need to follow up with treatments every 4 to 6 weeks to "maintain" your new healthy skin.

Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:38 am

My esthetician certainly doesn't go right up near my eyeballs, but she does cover the crow's feet area that I'm concerned about... and I haven't seen any progress there. I was hoping for results there, but now I'll just settle for the smoother/fresher skin that microderm seems to reveal.

I do wish the procedure was less expensive. I can't afford to go in for "maintenance" once a month at $120 a pop. At best I might be able to do it 3-4 times a year.

At such a price, you kind of wish you would see *dramatic* results. I do feel like the procedure is getting a lot of hype and there are some inflated claims out there.

free skin care · Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:50 am

I saw "dramatic" results after my initial 7 treatments, and had tons of compliments on my skin. I quit the procedures for a few months but have since gone back to them, as my face had never looked better, than it did after the micros. Now I am just using much better skin care products in between visits, and for the first time in years, I am beginning to really love my skin! Very Happy

free skin care · Fri Apr 14, 2006 12:00 pm

We got our treatments for 40.00 each if you purchase a package of 6. Also, my med/spa offers a free maintenance micro w/ purchase of botox in the glabellar area (the 11"s) so I have taken them up on that once a year when I have a touch up. I've amassed a few, passed some on as gifts and used some. My aesthetician does not pass over the eye area either, just above the orbitol bone, down the nose, and closer to the temple. She barely touches my crow's feet area because of my sensitive skin. It's always such a strange sensation, sort of like being licked by a cat but allover your face.

free skin care · Sat Apr 15, 2006 12:05 pm

i had five treatments done at my derm's and the results were great but not "dramatic". I also didn't see much change for my forehead fine lines as well as indented acne scarring. I now do it at home with epidermx followed by silkia camellia oil and i can honestly say i am getting dramatic results after a couple of months. The home version is not as deep as the derm's per treatment basis but the cumulative results are fabulous.

free skin care · Sat Apr 15, 2006 12:41 pm

Isn't that funny! I had the opposite results with Epidermx. I found it very harsh on my skin, and although it smoothed ok, I didn't see any difference in lines or acne scars (I only have three), so thought it might diminish them. I did not re-purchase, and went back to the professional micros. Everybody really does have unique skin, and we just have to do what works best for us I guess. I really wanted the Epidermx to work because it's a much cheaper route to go. Oh well.... Sad

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