Microdermabrasion: A clinical and histopathologic study

BACKGROUND. Microdermabrasion is a widely performed skin rejuvenation proce dure. Few studies have examined its efficacy. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the clinical and histopathologic effects of microder mabrasion. METHODS. Fourteen patients underwent microdermabrasion treatments over 12-1 4 weeks. Self-rated questionnaires were given before and after the treatmen t series and were evaluated by a paired t-test. Three of the 14 patients we re treated for moderate to severe acne scarring. Acute histologic effects w ere assessed ex vivo on human abdominal skin. Chronic histopathologic effec ts were examined in three volunteers who underwent skin biopsies before and after a treatment series on the dorsal forearms. RESULTS. By patient assessment, there was statistically significant improve ment in roughness, mottled pigmentation, and overall improvement of skin ap pearance, but not in rhytides. Acne scarring sometimes improved, but requir ed deeper ablation. Acutely the stratum corneum was homogenized and focally compacted. Chronically there was epidermal hyperplasia, decreased melaniza tion, and some increase in elastin. CONCLUSION. Microdermabrasion improves some aspects of photoaging and selec t cases of acne scarring.