Microdermabrasion utilizes small particles of salt or aluminum oxide crystals to remove the top layer of skin. The particles are delivered to the skin under relatively high pressure to produce a controlled epidermal exfoliation.

 What types of skin problems does microdermabrasion treat?

   Microdermabrasion can treat a wide variety of skin problems including sun damage, fine lines, age spots, acne, some types of acne scarring and uneven skin tones. The skin may be pink to slightly red for several hours to 1-2 days. Desired results are typically seen after 6-8 treatments.

What is Macrodermabrasion?

   Macrodermabrasion is an extension of the microdermabrasion process. In conjuction with microdermabrasion, simultaneous glycolic acid and supplemental ultrasound application to the skin provide deep thermal stimulation of the dermis, with increased penetration of the glycolic acid compound. Enhanced texture and tightness of the skin are noted. Macrodermabrasion provides added benefits over microdermabrasion in the treatment of sundamage, fine lines, age spots, some forms of acne scars, and uneven skin tones.

 How does the DermMaster® differ from other types of microdermabrasion?

   At Cary Dermatology Center we use the DermMaster® to resurface the skin. The DermMaster utilizes natural salt crystals applied to the skin with positive pressure, rather than suction. Most other types of microdermabrasion use aluminum oxide abrasives and usually apply suction to the skin. Aluminum oxide has been linked to health risks in other settings. Suction may cause streaky bruising of the skin or broken blood vessels. The use of suction also limits how forcefully the crystals may be applied to the skin. Patients report faster and more uniform results with the DermMaster® when compared to vacuum-based microdermabrasion.