The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage

Background. Aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion has recently become po pular for facial rejuvenation. Although it is a widely used technique with perceptible benefits, the clinical efficacy on photodamaged skin has yet to be established. Objective. To measure and quantify the effect of microdermabrasion on photo damaged skin. Methods. Ten subjects underwent one treatment a week for five to six treatm ents. Skin surface roughness, topography, elasticity, stiffness, compliance , temperature, sebum content, and histology were analyzed. Results. Subjectively, seven patients noticed a mild improvement. Physician analysis of clinical photography indicated mild improvement in the majorit y of patients. Objectively, immediately following treatment skin temperatur e increased, sebum content decreased, and a temporary increase in skin roug hness and mild flattening of some wrinkles occurred. Dynamic skin analysis demonstrated a perceptible decrease in skin stiffness and an increase in sk in compliance. Histology showed slight orthokeratosis and flattening of ret e ridges and a perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrate, edema, and vascula r ectasia in the upper reticular dermis 1 week after completion of the seri es of treatments. Conclusion. Immediately following the procedure, changes occurring in skin characteristics can be measured that are consistent with mild abrasion and increased blood flow. Objective biomechanical analysis demonstrated a stati stically significant decrease in skin stiffness and an increase in skin com pliance consistent with persistent edema. Subjectively, patients and physic ians report a mild improvement in the majority of subjects. Histology showe d dramatic vascular changes in the reticular dermis below the level of dire ct abrasion. The effect of negative pressure may result in these vascular c hanges.