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Microdermabrasion

What it is: Microdermabrasion is a skin care treatment technique meant to remedy skin conditions related to sun damage and the signs of aging.  The most common method uses a device to spray very small crystals on the face that scrape away the outermost dermal layer, which is intended to remove irregularities and rejuvenate the skin.

What it addresses:  Mild skin conditions including:

- Sun spots
- Scars
- Facial wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone

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Question

Can I have Microdermabrasion before Fraxel?

I have light Asian skin with lots of acne scars, most are rolling and give my skin an undulating appearence. I've had two Fraxel Restores so far and combined it with Titan. My results are not at all impressive though pore size has reduced and skin feels softer though I feel I see more scars now. Is it because they're now shallower?

I'm about to go in for my 3rd Fraxel and I wanted to get Microdermabrasion at least 3 days before that, should I or shouldn't I? I have a feeling my skin is already irritated with too much exfoliation yet still, will the Fraxel yield better results if I get microdermabrasion before it?

Also, I'm about to get married in December and I want my skin to look fair and smooth. Should I go in for facials after Fraxel? If so which ones? Please do answer as my microdermabrasion is schedueld for tomorrow.

Thanks a million! Maliha

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Asked by: Aurora
Turkey

Answers (2)

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1
December 22, 2008

Skip microderm and facials

Virginia Stevens, MD
Virginia Stevens, MD

I would not risk over irritating your skin with microdermabrasion before Fraxel.  It will not improve your Fraxel outcome.  Likewise, "facials" are not particularly effective except maybe to hydrate the skin a bit.  As you know, Asian skin takes special settings on Fraxel to minimize the possibility of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), while maximizing the acne scar smoothing action.  http://www.brownskin.net/hyperpigmentation.html

This is a helpful site discussing PIH, so you can understand it. 

Do not give up on the Fraxel for acne scars: acne scarring takes 6-8 treatments to smooth the skin, and they have to be spaced farther apart for Asian skin than for Caucasian skin to avoid the PIH.  You will not see much improvement at this stage.  There is no one "fix" to give you smooth skin by your wedding most likely, except: Profusion by Aesthera where plumping serum is infused into the skin for temporary hydration and plumping.  Keep up with your Fraxel treatments, they will pay off for you.

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2
December 20, 2008

When's the Wedding?

Armando Soto, MD
Armando Soto, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Hi-

As long as it is not a particularly vigorous microdermabrasion, it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but I would talk to your provider first- they may have strong feelings about it.

I think the greater concern is that you are undergoing treatments for improvement of a problem (acne scars) that are not likely to be significantly improved by the laser being used.

The best lasers for acne scarring in patients with pigmentation are fractional CO2 lasers like the Mixto SX, the DOT, or Repair option from Fraxel. Whether or not this is something you can consider is I'm sure going to be related to the date of the wedding and your recovery timeline. Talk to your Doctor about it.

Congratulations on your wedding!

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