What Is The Difference Between Microdermabrasion and Laser Resurfacing?

Many residents have fine lines, wrinkles or facial scars that they would like to get rid of, without undergoing cosmetic surgery. Microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing are two non-surgical procedures that can be effective in treating these facial issues. But, what’s the difference between microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing? Which treatment type provides the most natural looking results? And which option is right for you? Read on as Dr. Sikorski; board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Natural Image OC in Orange County, who places a strong emphasis on providing her patients with natural-looking results, explains the difference between these two procedures.

About Our Skin.

Our skin is made up of multiple layers, with the oldest layer appearing on the surface. Our skin naturally sheds to reveal the newer layer beneath it. This shedding, which is part of the skin cycle, occurs quickly in babies and small children, which explains why they have such bright, youthful-looking skin. But for teens and adults, the skin cycle slows down, meaning that the older surface layer of the skin can appear rough, dry, and dull.

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion uses suctioning and abrasion to speed up the skin cycle, removing the older, surface layer of the skin and revealing the younger, fresher layer of skin beneath. It also stimulates your face’s natural production of collagen, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sikorski has found that microdermabrasion is an effective solution for a variety of facial conditions, including:

• Treating fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the lips, eyes, and forehead;
• Reducing acne scarring;
• Revising scars caused by surgery or trauma;
• Unclogging pores;
• Smoothing out rough, sun-damaged skin; and
• Blending age spots.

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure. There is no downtime to recover from microdermabrasion, though Dr. Sikorski may recommend that you use a special moisturizer to enhance your results.

What is Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is another method of speeding up the skin cycle and revealing younger, more youthful-looking layers of skin. Laser resurfacing consists of directing short, pulsating beams of light at skin irregularities including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, blemishes, and scars. Laser resurfacing vaporizes skin that is damaged at the surface level.

Like microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure. But it does include some recovery time, about 3 to 10 days depending on the type of laser used. During that time you will need to soak, apply an ointment, and dress the treatment area every day. While laser resurfacing does involve a recovery time compared to microdermabrasion, it’s preferred by many residents for its more effective, natural-looking results.

I’m Ready to Treat My Face. What Do I Do Next?

If you’re ready to treat your face’s skin irregularities, then it’s time to call Dr. Sikorski of Natural Image OC for a consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Sikorski will examine your skin and help you determine whether or not you would receive the best natural-looking results from microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing.