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Skin Resurfacing · Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion: A Gentle Polish, Not a Rebuild

Microdermabrasion buffs away the outermost layer of dead skin for an immediate glow with no downtime. Here's what it can realistically do, and how it differs from deeper treatments like microneedling.

Reviewed by Dr. Sam Abaza. Diplomate, American Board of Physician Specialties

4 min read · 5 scientific references

900,000+

Microdermabrasion procedures performed in the U.S. in a recent year. American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

0

Days of required downtime for most patients — one of the few treatments with none. American Academy of Dermatology.

5–10

Typical number of maintenance sessions per year for patients using it as an ongoing skin maintenance treatment. American Academy of Dermatology.

1

Skin layer affected — the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that mechanically exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells using a device that sprays fine crystals or uses a diamond-tipped wand across the skin's surface, immediately followed by gentle suction to remove the loosened cells. Unlike microneedling, it doesn't create any injury below the skin's surface, which means there's no meaningful downtime and no real collagen-stimulating effect — it's a surface-level treatment, not a structural one. Results are immediate: brighter, smoother-feeling skin right after treatment, though the effect is temporary and best maintained with a regular treatment schedule.

What Microdermabrasion Can — and Can't — Actually Treat

Microdermabrasion is well-suited to dullness, mild uneven texture, minor congestion, and the appearance of very fine surface lines, and it's often used as a complement to other treatments since removing the dead surface layer can improve how well skincare products absorb afterward. What it can't meaningfully address is anything below the skin's surface — deeper acne scarring, significant sun damage, or true skin laxity require a treatment that goes deeper, like a medium-depth chemical peel or microneedling. Setting the right expectation matters here: microdermabrasion is closer to a powered version of exfoliation than a corrective medical procedure.

What to Expect

  1. Treatment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and requires no numbing or preparation.

  2. Skin may appear slightly pink immediately afterward, resolving within a few hours.

  3. There is no real downtime — most patients return to normal activities, including makeup application, the same day.

  4. A single session provides a temporary, immediate glow; a series of treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, is typically recommended for more noticeable, sustained improvement in texture and tone.

  5. Sunscreen is important after treatment, since freshly exfoliated skin is briefly more sensitive to UV exposure.

Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical Peels vs. Microneedling

These three are often confused, but they work at meaningfully different depths. Microdermabrasion mechanically buffs away only the outermost dead skin cells, with no downtime and modest, temporary results. A chemical peel uses a controlled chemical solution to remove damaged skin at a depth determined by the acid and strength used, ranging from a superficial refresh similar to microdermabrasion up to a significant medium-depth resurfacing treatment. Microneedling works differently altogether, creating controlled micro-injuries below the surface to stimulate the body's own collagen production, which is why it's the only one of the three capable of meaningfully improving scarring or skin laxity. The right choice depends entirely on whether the goal is a quick surface refresh or an actual structural improvement.

Common Questions About Microdermabrasion

Does microdermabrasion hurt? No. Most patients describe it as feeling like a gentle scratching or vacuum-like sensation, with little to no discomfort and no need for numbing.

How is microdermabrasion different from microneedling? Microdermabrasion only exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin and doesn't create injury below the surface, so it has no downtime but also can't stimulate meaningful collagen production. Microneedling works below the surface to trigger collagen remodeling, which allows it to address deeper concerns like scarring.

How often can I get microdermabrasion? Because there's no real downtime or skin injury involved, microdermabrasion can be repeated regularly, often every few weeks, as an ongoing maintenance treatment.

Is microdermabrasion right for acne scars? Not for meaningful improvement. Microdermabrasion only affects the skin's surface, so it isn't effective for true acne scarring, which typically requires microneedling, a deeper chemical peel, or laser treatment.

Sources cited on this page

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic surgery statistics report, microdermabrasion.

  2. American Academy of Dermatology. Microdermabrasion: what to expect.

  3. Freedman BM, et al. Microdermabrasion: a clinical and histopathologic study. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

  4. American Academy of Dermatology. Comparing skin resurfacing treatments.

  5. Mayo Clinic. Microdermabrasion: what you can expect.

This page is for general educational purposes and does not replace an in-person medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend on an in-person consultation and your specific skin type and goals. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Abaza to discuss your specific case.

BOTTOM LINE

A Simple Refresh, Not a Substitute for Deeper Treatment

Microdermabrasion is a low-commitment way to keep skin looking bright and smooth, best used as part of an ongoing routine rather than a fix for deeper concerns. Dr. Abaza offers microdermabrasion at both our Diamond Bar and Anaheim Harbor locations, and can help determine whether it — or a deeper treatment — actually fits your goals.

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