Microdermabrasion San Diego

Microdermabrasion is a gentle yet effective treatment that uses an exfoliating material and a machine applicator to “buff away” the top layers of skin where lines, wrinkles, and acne damage can be found. The result is new, fresh, more youthful skin.

Professional microdermabrasion in San Diego

Whether you have specific skin issues you’d like to address (acne scars, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, etc.) or just want to look more youthful, microdermabrasion may be exactly what you’re looking for.

This non-invasive procedure affects only the most superficial layers of the skin, and is excellent for helping with low-grade skin concerns. It exfoliates the skin, softens scars, stimulates new collagen, and does much more.

Microdermabrasion is effective for minimizing the appearance of:

Fine wrinkles
Shallow lines in the skin
Scars left behind by acne
Hyperpigmentation
Stretch marks
Enlarged pores
Blackheads and whiteheads

Skin lesions
Uneven skin tone/texture
Melasma
Age spots
Dull complexion
Sun damage

How microdermabrasion works

The top layer of the skin is comprised primarily of dead skin cells that your body is in the process of shedding. Sometimes these can build up on the top layer of your skin, giving it a dull, lifeless appearance. This can also contribute to lines, wrinkles, and skin problems. With our top-of-the-line microdermabrasion treatment at Laser Cliniqúe, we can scrub away that top layer to reveal the healthy skin underneath. Microdermabrasion is more intense than the exfoliating treatments you can do at home. In fact, if you were to attempt to microdermabrasion at home, you would most likely damage your skin. If you’re truly interested in this treatment, be sure to only work with a professional who understands how to safely and effectively perform it.

What’s the difference between microdermabrasion and dermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a less intense version of dermabrasion. Dermabrasion was developed to treat more severe conditions such as pockmarks, deeper acne scars, and scars or blemishes left from accidents or disease. Dermabrasion requires the treatment area to be thoroughly numbed with an anesthetic, iced, and potentially even sprayed with a cryogenic solution.

A wire brush or diamond wheel with rough edges is then applied to the skin, and there is considerable healing time. Microdermabrasion relies on the same basic process of removing the outer layers of skin, but causes significantly less damage than dermabrasion does. Microdermabrasion is similar in intensity to a thorough exfoliation, and requires no anesthetic or downtime.

Crystal-free microdermabrasion at Laser Cliniqúe

Traditionally, crystals have been used to effectively “blast” dead cells off the surface of the skin, and then both the crystals and skin cells are vacuumed off the skin’s surface. However, this can be problematic. Not only can it be damaging and even painful for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin; it also poses the risk of loose crystals getting into the eyes during this procedure.

This is why we offer crystal-free (non-particulate) microdermabrasion in San Diego. Using this method, no foreign particles are introduced to the surface of the skin. Instead, a diamond-tipped instrument is used to exfoliate the skin, and then a suction function to remove the dead cells. The diamond tip is four times harder the crystals, and has been shown to be twice as effective at removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells for a healthier, rejuvenated appearance. Other variations of crystal-free microdermabrasion include the use of various reusable or disposable paddles to exfoliate the skin.

While the cost of crystal-free microdermabrasion is a bit higher than the traditional method, it’s typically considered the best choice, and preferred among those with sensitive skin.

Microdermabrasion treatment details

Microdermabrasion is very customizable to each unique patient’s different needs and tolerances, which means that every treatment will be a little different. However, in general, treatments include a small handheld device with an abrasive surface being used to gently “buff” away the superficial layer of your skin. People have described the sensation as feeling like everything from “sandpaper” to “cat kisses”, so it really depends on each person’s pain threshold. You may notice your skin peeling and falling away as the treatment is being performed. After this part of the treatment, extractions and additional exfoliations will be done if needed. Treatments take approximately 30 minutes.

Microdermabrasion recovery and results

Skin is often reddish or pink immediately after the treatment, but this effect typically wears off within 24 hours. You may also experience some temporary peeling. Because the dead skin is gone, you will notice that your skin is radiant and glowing soon after your first appointment.

However, for the best results, we recommend four sessions scheduled 2-4 weeks apart, then once-a-month maintenance sessions. The new collagen will work gradually, so it may take some time to see final results.

Why choose Laser Cliniqúe for microdermabrasion?

Laser Cliniqúe is ranked one of the top medspas in San Diego County, with thousands of rave 5-star reviews. Since 2005, we have been providing personalized care and excellent, rersonable service to each and every patient that walks through our door. Founded by Dr. P. Alexander Ataii, known for his compassionate bedside manner (and also the Patients’ Choice Award winner 2007-2020), Laser Cliniqúe is a friendly, passionate, and patient-centered practice that values exceptional results above all else. We proudly serve the beautiful, beachy city of San Diego and its surrounding communities with a range of safe and effective surgical and non-surgical treatments that have helped people feel much more comfortable and confident in their own skin. If you’re in the San Diego area (or are planning to be) and are considering microdermabrasion, we invite you to reach out to us! We look forward to serving you.

I strive each day to exceed my patients’ expectations.