Question:
What is the difference between a Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion?

Answer:
Chemical Peels contain a variety of agents used to help exfoliate, lighten and minimize discoloration such as Melasma. Microdermabrasion utilizes a vacuum in conjunction with diamond-tips to smooth and exfoliate dead skin cells. Both treatments promote new collagen and healthy skin.

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Question:
Will my skin become dry and flaky after my microdermabrasion treatment?

Answer:
Microdermabrasion exfoliates dead skin cells so skin doesn’t usually become dry and flaky afterwards if it is properly moisturized.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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Question:
Is microdermabrasion similar to sandblasting? What is used for the “sand”? Does this treatment provide any long lasting effects?

Answer:
Microdermabrasion treatments provide a smoothing effect to the skin similar to an object that has been sandblasted. Some Microdermabrasion treatment machines utilize aluminum oxide crystals that are abrasive feeling like “sand” across your skin. We use the Diamond-Tome Microdermabrasion machine that utilizes diamond-tipped wands instead of aluminum oxide crystals. This method is actually less messy. Microdermabrasion treatments do provide long lasting effects with regular routine maintenance.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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Question:
How effective is microdermabrasion in treating acne scars?

Answer:
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment performed to smooth and exfoliate skin. Several treatments may be necessary to smooth shallow scarring but the treatment will not improve deep scarring.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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Question:
I have always had horrible acne and now have horrible acne scars. I’m very pale with sensitive skin and I’d like to know if a chemical peel would be safe for me and if it would help with the acne and scars.

Answer:
If you have not yet seen a Dermatologist; that would be my first recommendation. You may need an oral antibiotic to help clear the acne from the inside. A chemical peel containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid could help clear acne by working from the outside. I would suggest Microdermabrasion for smoothing your scarring or Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing could also be an option once the breakouts are under control.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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