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The epidermal and dermal changes associated with microdermabrasion
B M Freedman1, E Rueda-Pedraza, S P Waddell
1Plastic Surgery Associates of Northern Virginia, McLean, Virginia 22102, USA.
Background:
Microdermabrasion has become a popular method of skin rejuvenation for treating dyschromia, fine wrinkles, and mild scarring.
Objective:
To analyze the onset and extent of the dermatologic changes associated with microdermabrasion.
Methods:
Ten volunteers, ages 31-62 years, underwent a series of six aluminum oxide microdermabrasion facial treatments 7-10 days apart. Skin biopsy specimens were obtained prior to the study, after three treatments, and after six treatments.
Results:
Compared to the controls, the treated areas demonstrated the following histologic changes: thickening of the epidermis and dermis, flattening of the rete pegs, vascular ectasia and perivascular inflammation, and hyalinization of the papillary dermis with newly deposited collagen and elastic fibers.
Conclusion:
This study suggests that microdermabrasion produces clinical improvement by a mechanism resembling a reparative process at the dermal and epidermal levels.
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