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Microdermabrasion (49 Reviews)

Worth It Rating: 98%

(49)
  • Loved It!: 53%
  • Liked It: 45%
  • Not Sure: 2%
  • Don't Bother: 0%
Microdermabrasion

An Overview

If you're looking for a safe, affordable, time-tested skin rejuvenation treatment option, you'd be hard pressed to find a beter solution than Microdermabrasion. A genuine "lunch break facial," microdermabrasion treatments can take as little 20 minutes, working wonders on anything from acne, acne scars, and age spots to enlarged pores, wrinkles, and rosacea.

In the simplest terms, a Microdermabrasion can recharge your look, painlessly buffing away dry, damaged skin cells while encouraging the rise of new, natural collagen: the building blocks of clear, vibrant, youthful skin. Whether it's a one time treatment for sun damage or skin discoloration, or a monthly routine to keep your skin refreshed, Microdermabrasion can prove beneficial for virtually anyone. Check out the Microdermabrasion video below to see how a session is conducted.

What to Expect from Treatment

As seen above, a "microderm machine" is operated by the esthetician. This device emits a pressurized stream of crystals on the skin's surface. Common crystals used in Microdermabrasion include aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, corundum, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium oxide. Typically, medical spas and dermatology clinics are set up to handle two or more crystal setups, with aluminum oxide being the industry standard. Aluminum oxide is chemically inert, making it the safe, secure microderm treatment most professionals prefer. Alternative, crystal-free Microdermabrasion options include Vibraderm™, which uses a vibrating paddle. Whichever Microdermabrasion system you choose, each one is designed to gently slough off dead skin, eliminate black heads, shrink large pores, and leave skin feeling soft and smooth.

Microdermabrasion as Acne Treatment: Acne sufferers can see quality results with Microdermabrasion treatments because of the procedure's ability to unclog pores and clear away dirt, oil, and dead skin. This removes much of acne's damage while also allowing the skin to heal more quickly. Furthermore, when dead skin cells are removed, acne-causing bacteria cannot survive as easily. While every patient's situation is unique, most people experience obvious, posituve changes in their skin's tone and texture after after just one Microderm session, and a noticeable reduction in skin imperfections in as little as two sessions.

Also known as the "power peel," Microdermabrasion is a low risk procedure and requires absolutely no downtime or recovery period. It’s effective as an isolated treatment, but can also be combined with Chemical Peels and laser or light-based treatments like IPL Photofacial. Microdermabrasion can actually improve the effects of both Chemical Peels and Photofacials by eliminating dead skin cells and "cleaning the slate," so to speak.

Discuss the advantages or disadvantages of Microdermabrasion at Cosmetic Enhancement Forum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Microdermabrasion Reviews:

Love The Microdermabrasion

Posted by CHARNEITA B. on .
I love it, it's great.

Great Equipment @@ Even Better People!

Posted by MICHAEL K. on .
Great equipment and even better people. Your staff is excellent at making the appointments as comfortable as possible.

Satisfied With Professional Staff @@ Quality Treatments

Posted by JUSTYNA J. on .
I was given excellent deal that i had to negotiate. 10 sessions for $300, 5 micro, 5 peels. Excellent results even though extraction services are provided with peels (with visible acne). I wish make up removal was a little more professional vs. Baby wipes. Overall, i am very satisfied with American Laser centers. This was my first visit to 14 union sq location. Loved the 50% discount on Vivite products! I hope to receive an even better deal on future services. I have not received any emails lately from the Center. I miss the "open house events, with wine and complimentary services. Overall i am satisfied with professional staff and quality services provided.

Happy With Microderm

Posted by ANNIE R. on .
happy with everything

Cassandra Is Wonderful

Posted by ANNIE R. on .
My tech was Cassandra, she was great, gentle, has a great personality
Show All

Microdermabrasion Treatment Was Thoughtful @@ Thorough

Posted by SUSAN R. on .
treatment was thorough and thoughtful (focus on problem areas)

Microdermabrasion Left My Skin Bright @@ Smooth

Posted by CINDY P. on .
used the new type of microderm and was pleased. It did not leave the sandy feel on my face and my face was much brighter.

Seeing Positive Results After Just One Session

Posted by RHONDA R. on .
New version of microdermabrasion without use of crystals is much more thorough, less messy. Nutrients infused into skin. See results already after one session.

Lovely, Caring, @@ Thorough Treatment

Posted by JUDY P. on .
While 'bare bones', no change of clothes, nor protection for clothing against grit from microdermabrasion, the aesthetician was totally lovely, caring, and did a thorough and fine procedure.

Excellent Machines @@ Amazing Results

Posted by SIMPLE B. on .
I like everything no need to wait, excellent machines, amazing results.

Microdermabrasion Makes My Skin Silky Smooth

Posted by FRANCES B. on .
Love how smooth my skin feels after microdermabrasion treatment. I'm very happy to have Melissa as my consultant/technician, she answered all my questions and concerns and made me feel very much at ease.

Microdermabrasion Significantly Reduced Acne Scars

Posted by RUBY R. on .
I was very pleased with the results of my treatment. My skin feels soft and smooth and there are no dry patches. The acne scarring has reduced by a lot. I had a little redness for a day and my skin felt irritated for a few hours but I had no major problems. The staff was very nice and made me feel comfortable and answered all of my questions to my satisfaction and even made suggestions of products and other treatments.

Microdermabrasion Is Awesome!

Posted by JEAN F. on .
first time i had a microdermabrasion, it was awesome, staff explained everything and were great

Microdermabrasion Took Care Of Sun Damage

Posted by STACEY B. on .
My results were better than I had expected. I had a lot of sun damage on my sides. I was happy that the sun damaged was completely gone with less than 15 treatments.

Love The Madison Avenue Staff

Posted by BEATRIZ V. on .
All expectations are met love the staff I would continue my services at this location.

Microdermabrasion Treatments Going Well

Posted by HILLARY R. on .
Everything went well. The results are as expected.

Love Microdermabrasion Treatments

Posted by PAOLA C. on .
I wish my skin would get better results. I love the microdermabrasion. I think it might be my age.

Inna's Wonderful

Posted by VANESSA B. on .
The treatment was very brief in time. The aesthetician was a lovely woman named Inna.

Professional @@ Gentle

Posted by VANESSA B. on .
Inna was entirely professional and gentle.

Microdermabrasion Improved My Skin

Posted by RHONDA R. on .
The treatment improved my skin

Great Expectations

Posted by KATHY M. on .
I have only had one treatment so I am not really sure yet, the hair on my legs seems the same, but I did handle the treatment well. Bobbi has reassured me that when I am done I will be hairless for good, so I have great expectations.

Microdermabrasion Left My Skin Soft @@ Renewed

Posted by GRACIELA G. on .
It was a very good experience, the staff very friendly and the treatment very easy but effective, leaving my skin smooth and renewed

I love how quick the sessions are in Great Neck, NY

Posted by ALAINA L. on .
I love how quick the sessions are! If there is any discomfort during the laser hair removal, it seems like it lasts less than a minute.

Nurse Linda was great in Plainview, NY

Posted by MICHELE M. on .
Nurse Linda was great in Plainview!!

Results Are So Great I Don't Need Makeup Anymore

Posted by DIANA S. on .
I am very satisfied on starting to finally see the results of the treatment, i was told when i started, that it was going to take me awhile for me to see results, and they were right! But now that I'm beginning to see results, i cannot tell you enough how happy i am! My face was horrible, i was embarrassed to get close to people, and now, i don't even wear makeup anymore, only on Sundays to go to church! I'm only half way there, cant wait to see the end result! I also have acne scarring on my back, i have started treatment on that also, haven't seen any difference yet, but i know its just a matter of time until i see the same results as on my face! Thanks staff at American Skin Laser, & specially to the girl doing my treatments!!

Expectations were met in Rochester, NY

Posted by TRACEY C. on .
Expectations were met

Impressive Results

Posted by VERONICA W. on .
I haven't had a treatment in a while because of sun exposure but I am still very impressed with my results from my last treatments.

Techs Need To LISTEN

Posted by ZARANA "JARNA" S. on .
Technicians are sloppy with laser hair removal, and are reluctant to improve their techniques even after they see the issue. After five treatments, most of the inside of my thigh still has seen no hair removal. Technicians sometimes say this is because some hair is not in the cycle of growth where it would be optimally burned off by the laser, but that would result in a few stray hairs -- not entire patches (several inches long) of skin with no hair removal whatsoever. Or they say my hormonal balance may prevent permanent hair removal. However, significant parts of the tops of my thighs and knees have seen lots of hair removal. Clearly, the technicians are doing a messy job when they get to the inside of my thigh. I can appreciate that the inside of my thigh is harder to reach and treat than the top of my thigh. All the technician needs to do is slow down and pay attention. Instead, technicians get very defensive and refuse to change the way they are treating my leg even after seeing the hair. Technicians need to know not just how to use the equipment, but how to listen (and then adjust) to the patient to make sure treatments are working.

Excellent staff in Rochester, NY

Posted by DOUG F. on .
All the staff are excellent!

Skin Tightening Was OK - Rochester, NY

Posted by DOUG F. on .
Skin tightening was somewhat helpful. Vela Shape did not work for me at all. Botox did not produce the desired results either. I might do fillers in the future, but right now I have eyelid surgery scheduled for this October, so I wait until after then. Very friendly staff. Extremely professional and competent staff. Excellent ambiance.

Very Excited To Begin!!!

Posted by WILLAMENA C. on .
I'm looking forward to my appointment :) The consultation experience was very pleasant and exciting. I can't to see my results. I would definitely recommend this place of business to anyone. I've already bought the Vivite facial wash, hydrating cream, and sunscreen. I've been using this product for almost a week which will be Friday. Since using the facial care products my skin is more smooth and my hyper pigmentation has changed to look better. I thought that when i started using this product that I was just hallucinating. I'm very excited for this appointment and future appointment for my results!!!! Thank you! ^_^

Wish I Had Thought To Ask For Before Photos

Posted by MICHELE M. on .
I wish I had had before photos taken; I just didn't happen to think of it due to the wealth of other information I received. Also, the technician didn't tell me her credentials, but there was a certificate for her I noticed on the wall.

Microdermabrasion Treatment Was Terrible

Posted by JONIE D. on .
Awful microdermabrasion was in room for approx 7 min did a quick job for $125 she could have done a better job the lady had an attitude before I went in. After my procedure I went up front to check out and she was grabbing her purse to leave she could have waited for me to leave will not EVER go back.

Worse Marks On My Face After eMatrix Treatment

Posted by JACQUELYNN K. on .
This is my second purchase with American Skin Care. In essence I feel this stage is now a necessity following my ematrix treatments. I was told after I was unhappy with the results from my ematrix that now I would have to work on anything that was brought to the surface due to the ematrix I.e major cysts that left very deep scars because the ematrix was done on top of the cysts. I wish I was more informed on the ematrix produce prior to beginning it, I by no means feel it improved what I was after and now has left me with much worse marks and embarrassment.

No Pain

Posted by SIGALIT B. on .
Great machine painless.

Great Results!

Posted by VERONICA W. on .
This was the first time I have had microdermabrasion and it was fantastic. There was no pain, it was very relaxing and produced GREAT results!

Got What I Paid For

Posted by LATASHA G. on .
So far I've only had one session. It was nice, short and what I paid for. The staff was friendly and answered all my questions. I can already see a few black heads gone from around my nose.

Microdermabrasion, Botox, @@ Peels Are A Good Value

Posted by PATRICIA C. on .
the e-matrix was too much down time; and I'm not sure the results were worth the time and money. the other procedures: exfoliation, botox, and peel were better value for me. i plan on continuing with these.

Love The Facial Treatments!

Posted by DAPHNE B. on .
I have been doing laser hair removal for nearly two years now, and the location I visit finally received a new machine, which seems great. The previous machine, which required gel, was painful. The fotofacial and microdermabrasion are very effective. I usually have a difficult time reaching someone on the phone and making appts, which is my only complaint.

Procedures Have Been Hot Or Miss

Posted by DOUG F. on .
VelaShape did not work at all on me and was a waste of money. Skin tightening has helped some. Not sure what the botox did. Microdermabrasion was nice. Laser hair removal on my back was a pain, but in the end the result was excellent.

Overcharged @@ Uneven Results

Posted by BEA K. on .
Had the consult, and three procedures on the spot. The Price however, after being at home, reviewing my receipt, I was charged a higher price for the Botox than quoted in the office, and the Lip treatment only being the next day... if off kilter... top left side of lip is larger that right side, and the lower lip does not seem to have any injectable, so not sure what can be done now?

Fingers Crossed It'll Work

Posted by MICHAEL L. on .
Will recommend to other if this procedure work.

Seeing Some Improvement But Am Constantly Rushed Out

Posted by RHONDA R. on .
The consultant is a great salesperson. She could probably get a 20 year old to purchase skin rejuvenation supplies. She is extremely personable and professional-appearing. I was rushed through on my first visit so much so that I realized in subsequent visits that I should have had facial products applied after my microdermabrasion & a hand massage. The employee mentioned to me that she had to go get her small son and provide her sister with the car seat so she could babysit him. On a subsequent visit, I was scheduled for laser & skin tightening but the employee told me after I got there that she had a conference call to take so she could only do the laser treatment. I'm to have the skin tightening later. It seems as if the end of the month appts. I am offered services at a greater discount. The employees offer hair removal, etc. at a discount which they 'cannot guarantee will not increase in price should I decide later to have it done'. I have had multiple appts. since Feb. I am just now seeing visible signs of improvement.

Friendly, But Overpriced @@ Inexperienced

Posted by SOKHOEN K. on .
I felt that they were not experienced with what i wanted to get out of the service. It wasn't until i signed up for the service, that i realized none of the technicians have not specialized/ experienced in stretch mark removal. I thought the price was way too much with no improvements. I believe that they should have at least experienced one patient and have seen some improvements before offering that service with such a high price. I have not seen any improvements after paying 2300.00 for the service. One of the strengths that i have found with the provider were the friendly service that i received.

Skill Level Varies Among Technicians

Posted by JODI W. on .
One of the ladies specializes in the microdermabrasions, she did a very good job and I was very pleased with the results. A few of the other staff seem to be "rushed" or just aren't as gentle. Perhaps some of the staff need more training to become better skilled. All are very friendly, my only suggestion is that some may need more practice to become better skilled. On one occasion my face stayed pink for over 3 days after a microdermabrasion. I believe it was done too rough.

Looking Forward To Amazing Results

Posted by TED P. on .
Although the price was a bit high, I'm looking forward to a good, perhaps even amazing result. I wish the procedure could be done a little faster.

The Cost Is Holding Me Back A Little

Posted by SUE L. on .
I really liked the specialist. I have been going to another place for this procedure and it hasn't worked. She didn't show me pictures but I have seen pictures before. She was very informative and answered all of my questions. The only thing that is holding me back is the cost. I have to figure out how I am going to pay for it. I also want to make sure that the 3,000 is going to cover my legs and arms. I would like to get started on it right away so I have to make a decision. I wish that I could pay for it at each visit. I have to call and see if that is an option. I have had 12 laser sessions at another place and it hasn't worked very well so I really don't want to pay the 3,000 up front and not have it work.

Jamie Was Exceptional!

Posted by CHERYL I. on .
Jamie was exceptional in explaining everything to us (myself and my fiance) from beginning to end. Jamie is very caring and understanding. She influenced my decision to have this procedure done because she was thorough, knowledgeable and very patient. I had a million questions and she answered all of them!! I am looking forward to this procedure!

Website Should Include More Info

Posted by APRIL R. on .
There wasn't any before and after pictures of African American people in the office. I wasn't enthused about needing 10 treatments before I got desirable results. I didn't like the fact that I would look worse before I looked better... something about the procedure uncovers the gunk underneath and it will be visible for a while until the treatments get pass that layer. I just was very disappointed that I wasted gas to go out there and find out it was going to take 10 treatments, I think that should be in the brochure and web site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does this Procedure Take?

Microdermabrasion treatments only last for about 30-45 minutes. The number of Microderm treatments required is based on the severity of the skin condition, but many medical spas, laser clinics, and aesthetic professionals sell treatment packages of 5-6.

Microdermabrasion Side Effects:

You can expect a slight dryness and flaking for a few days after your Microdermabrasion treatment.

Length of Microdermabrasion Results:

The duration of your Microdermabrasion results should be fairly long lasting, however, it depends on the severity of the skin damage and the number of treatments received. While you may require up to 2 treatments per month initially; with time many, people require only one treatment a month as a part of a consistent skin care routine.

Microdermabrasion Recovery Time:

There is no recovery time from Microdermabrasion; you can expect to resume your normal activities following your treatment. Microdermabrasion is a great procedure to undergo during your lunch hour.

Typical Minimum Cost:

$125 per treatment

Typical Maximum Cost:

$300 per treatment

Average Cost of Microdermabrasion:

$127 per treatment

Will I feel pain or discomfort after treatment?

You should not feel any pain or discomfort during your Microdermabrasion treatment. If you have extra sensitive skin, your Microdermabrasion provider may suggest some soothing moisturizers to use after treatment to make sure your skin is properly hydrated.

Microdermabrasion can be Combined with:

Other Names for Microdermabrasion:

Microderm, intense exfoliation, power peel, dermabrasion, skin rejuvenation

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