Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion
When it comes to noticeable skin rejuvenation, patients have a variety of options. As non-surgical services that require little to no downtime after treatment, microneedling and microdermabrasion are two of the most popular techniques to renew the tone and texture of the skin. Both treatments are capable of improving wrinkles, discoloration, age spots, acne, and many other skin concerns. With the ability to treat many of the same cosmetic skin conditions, how do these facial rejuvenation treatments differ from one another?
Microdermabrasion is the process of exfoliating dirt, debris, and dead skin cells from the surface layer of the skin to reveal the softer and healthier skin underneath. This is accomplished using an abrasive tool or an exfoliating material, such as sodium bicarbonate crystals, to gently scrub off dull, dry skin. This treatment does not penetrate below the outer skin layer, therefore redness and tenderness after the procedure is usually minimal. In turn, microdermabrasion can be a relatively simple and effective technique to reduce pores and brighten the complexion, as well as improve mild skin discoloration, acne, fine lines, and age spots.
Microneedling, however, is designed to treat concerns at a deeper level and stimulate the growth of new skin. During the procedure, thousands of microperforations are made along the planned treatment area to catalyze the body’s natural wound healing processes, allowing healthier, more youthful skin to replace damaged skin cells. While the temporary redness and swelling is relatively more extensive than microdermabrasion, microneedling is considered a more powerful treatment that can achieve a wider range of cosmetic goals, such as improving moderate to severe scarring, tightening lax skin, smoothing deep wrinkles, and much more. At the M Spa, board-certified plastic surgeon Tiffany McCormack, MD offers Infini™ microneedling, a technology that simultaneously employs radiofrequency energy during treatment to further firm, tighten, and smooth the skin. While microneedling and microdermabrasion can both smooth your complexion to help you achieve a radiant glow, the two techniques differ in many respects.
Our aesthetic professionals can help you determine which facial rejuvenation service from our medical spa is the most ideal treatment for your concerns. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.