Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is mechanical exfoliation. A handpiece combines a fine abrasive surface with gentle suction to lift away loose dead cells from the surface of the skin and draw debris out of blocked pores.

Removing that build-up leaves the skin smoother and brighter immediately, helps clear congestion, and allows skincare applied afterwards to penetrate better than it would through a layer of dead cells.

It is a surface treatment. It works on the outermost layer only, which is both its limitation and the reason it has so little downtime.

What it is used for

Dullness and uneven texture
Congestion, blackheads and enlarged pores
Mild acne and post-acne marks
Superficial pigmentation and early sun damage
Fine lines
Preparing the skin before a course of other treatments, and maintaining results between them

Where it sits against the alternatives

Treatment	Depth	Downtime	Best for
Microdermabrasion	Surface only	Essentially none	Dullness, congestion, maintenance
Superficial peel	Outer layer, chemically	A few days of light flaking	Tone, texture, superficial pigment
Skin needling	Into the dermis	1-2 days redness	Texture, scarring, collagen
Laser resurfacing	Superficial to deep	Days to weeks	Deeper pigment, lines, scarring

If your concern is deep - established scarring, marked pigmentation, significant lines - microdermabrasion is not the treatment for it, and a clinic recommending a long course of it for those concerns is under-treating you.

What to expect

A facial treatment takes about 30 minutes. The sensation is a mild scratching or vacuum feeling; no anaesthetic is needed and most people find it comfortable.

Afterwards the skin looks pink and feels tight for a few hours, sometimes slightly sandpapery for a day. You can wear make-up the same day if you want to, though skin generally looks better without it.

For 48 hours: no sun exposure, no saunas or hot showers, no exfoliating actives, and use sunscreen daily.

Because the effect is cumulative, microdermabrasion is usually done as a course - commonly every two to four weeks - with maintenance sessions afterwards.

Who it does not suit

Active inflammatory or cystic acne in the treatment area - abrasion can spread and worsen it
Active eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis in the area
Active cold sores or skin infection
Open wounds or recent sunburn
Fragile or very thin skin
Recent use of oral acne medication
Rosacea in flare - the abrasion and suction can aggravate it

What results are realistic

Immediately: smoother, brighter, cleaner-feeling skin. Over a course: improved texture, less congestion, some lightening of superficial pigmentation.

Microdermabrasion does not remove scars, deep lines or deep pigmentation, does not tighten skin, and does not permanently reduce pore size. Because the skin continually renews and re-accumulates surface cells, the effect fades and maintenance is needed. Individual results vary.

Risks

Redness and mild swelling for a few hours
Dryness, tightness and flaking
Temporary increased sensitivity
Bruising or petechiae from suction, particularly around the eyes and on thin skin
A temporary breakout as congestion clears
Post-inflammatory pigmentation, more likely in darker skin types
Aggravation of rosacea or active acne
Grazing or abrasion injury if performed too aggressively
Increased sun sensitivity afterwards

See risks and complications.

Cost

As at September 2024 and including GST, a skin assessment is $50. Dermal skin treatments start from $130. Ask for the cost of a course rather than a single session. Not covered by Medicare.

Who performs it

Michelle Casey, Paramedical Aesthetician, with over 18 years' experience and more than 25,000 skin treatments performed.

Booking

Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the online consultation form.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.