Because Microdermabrasion Causes Only Superficial Wounding

Microdermabrasion is most effective for superficial skin conditions, as it targets mainly the superficial skin layers of the skin. Superficial skin conditions include early photoaging, fine lines, superficial scarring, and reduction of pore size. Deep scars, acne scars, and rhytides require a greater depth of skin injury for effective treatment.

Identifying the patient’s skin type and sun reactivity is necessary to define the risk of pigmentary changes with any procedure that wounds the skin, such a resurfacing with microdermabrasion. The Fitzpatrick classification classifies skin according to sun-reactivity and propensity for photodamage. [12]

Table. Fitzpatrick Skin Classification (Open Table in a new window)

Skin types I-III generally tolerate resurfacing procedures with minimal risk of pigmentary complications. Skin types IV-VI have a higher risk of pigmentary changes with deeper wounding, such as dyschromia, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and permanent hypopigmentation. Superficial wounding extends to the stratum granulosum or papillary dermis. Medium-depth wounding extends into the upper reticular dermis. Deep wounding extends to the midreticular dermis. Wounds that extend beyond this level can cause scarring, regardless of the skin type. Because microdermabrasion causes only superficial wounding, it does not carry the risks of pigmentary changes or scarring seen in other techniques, such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing.