Welcome

"Question with boldness..."
– Thomas Jefferson

CLINICAL AND HISTOLOGIC CHANGES DETERMINE OPTIMAL
TREATMENT REGIMENS FOR MICRODERMABRASION

Freedman, B.M., MD, Rueda-Pedraza, E., MD

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the sequence of dermatological changes associated with microdermabrasion to better determine the optimal treatment frequency and interval.

Method: Eleven volunteers, ages 31 to 62, underwent a series of 6 aluminum oxide microdermabrasion facial treatments spaced over 7 to 10 day intervals. Photographs and skin biopsies were obtained prior to the study, after 3 treatments, and after 6 treatments. The biopsies were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and studied with hematoxylin, eosin and elastin stains. A 90 day no-treatment period ensued, after which biopsies and photographs were taken.

Results: Clinical improvements in dyschromia, actinic changes and fine rhytides were observed photographically after 6 treatments. Compared to the controls, the treated areas demonstrated the following histological changes: epidermal thickening with basal cell hyperplasia and mitotic activity, flattening and widening of the rete pegs; papillary dermal thickening; deposition of collagen and elastic fibers; and perivascular chronic inflammation in the dermis. After the 90 day no treatment period, some of the clinical and histologic changes persisted. Clinically and histologically they were measured to be less than those immediately after the last treatment.

Conclusion: This study concludes that the clinical and histological changes are most likely secondary to a mechanism resmbeling a soft tissue reparative process at the dermal and epidermal levels. The persistent changes after a period of no treatment suggest that some of the changes could be permanent. We propose that an initial series of 6 microdermabrasion treatments be employed to improve facial skin quality. A no-treatment period of 90-120 days can ensue, followed by 2-3 additional treatments to re-enhance the clinical and histologic condition. This cycle could be repeated to maintain a stable level of facial rejuvenation.

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION (Requires Acrobat™ Reader)

RETURN TO INDEX