1. Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Skin Conditions Quiz
3. Gallery of Skin Problems Pictures

Medical Author:

Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD

Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD

Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• What is microdermabrasion?
• Who should consider microdermabrasion?
• How does microdermabrasion work?
• What ages are appropriate for microdermabrasion?
• How often can I have microdermabrasion?
• What does the vacuum do in microdermabrasion?
• What should people expect before, during, and after microdermabrasion?
• Does microdermabrasion help with acne scars?
• Can microdermabrasion help with melasma?
• Does medical insurance pay for microdermabrasion?
• Can microdermabrasion help with keratosis pilaris?
• What are possible side effects of microdermabrasion?
• How effective are at-home microdermabrasion kits?
• How much does at-home microdermabrasion cost?
• What home remedies can produce results like microdermabrasion?
• What is the average cost of professional microdermabrasion?
• Where can people get more information on microdermabrasion?
• Microdermabrasion At A Glance
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Microdermabrasion Index

Can microdermabrasion help with keratosis pilaris?

Microdermabrasion can help temporarily improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris (especially on the upper arms). Optimally, the microdermabrasion is given biweekly or monthly and is combined with lactic-acid lotions like Lac-Hydrin lotion or AmLactin and weekly glycolic-acid peels.

What are possible side effects of microdermabrasion?

Potential side effects of microdermabrasion are minimal and this is a very safe procedure. Potential drawbacks are very limited in that microderm only affects the epidermis, which is the outermost skin layer. Common minor, temporary side effects include slight skin tightness, redness, bruising, and sensitivity. As a general rule, the greater the potential benefits with a cosmetic treatment, the greater the potential risks and side effects. The possible risks with more aggressive treatments like dermabrasion and laser are much greater than microdermabrasion.

Possible side effects of microdermabrasion include

• skin tightness,



• redness,



• minor bruising,



• skin sensitivity,



• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH),



• small skin abrasions,



• spots of bleeding,



• eye-skin bruising (especially if you are taking aspirin or other blood thinners),



• fine broken blood vessels (telangiectasia),



• and cold sore reactivation around lips.

Cold sore reactivation may uncommonly occur after microderm around lips. If you have had a lot of previous cold sores, consider either avoiding treatment around the lip borders or asking your doctor about taking an antiviral pill prophylactically. A typical cold sore prevention regimen may be to start an antiviral pill like acyclovir (Zovirax) 800 mg or valacyclovir (Valtrex) 1 gram once a day starting the day before and continuing for one to two days after your treatment. Antiviral creams are not recommended for effective cold sore prevention.

Overly aggressive microderm may cause breaks in skin and resulting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Also overaggressive treatment may cause an increased risk of bruising (ecchymosis), especially if you are taking aspirin or other blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix). Since microdermabrasion only causes superficial skin removal, scarring and pigment changes are very rare.

There may be a small possibility of increased surface blood vessels (telangiectasia), particularly if you have very thin skin, scleroderma, lupus, suppressed immunity, severe sun damage, taken long-term prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Prednicen-M, Liquid Pred), or other conditions where your skin is abnormally fragile and prone to forming telangiectasia.

In addition, if an individual is on isotretinoin (Accutane) or has taken this medication within the previous six to 12 months, resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion may not be appropriate due to the potential increased risk of scarring. As the potential risk is very slight, some dermatologists may treat patients on Accutane with gentler sessions.