Microdermabrasion

[WDWAurora]

My MD just mentioned this to me when I visited for an ear infection. He asked if my acne is a problem (it is, thanks genetics) and he knows an excellent dermatologist who could do it for me. He thinks they could help with current and future problems, as well as deal with some of my past lingering problems. I just started grad school and I really think before I start my career (and before I get married, which is probably just next year) that I want to do something. I've tried everything else, prescription wise, and I'm curious about this procedure.

What is it like? I'm not really worried about pain, just if it takes a few days for redness to go away, etc. What kind of costs are associated with it, and are they covered by insurance? My doctor would definitely write any referral I would need, as he brought it up on his own, with no prompting from me. I'm just curious if people have done it, or know people who have, and any information you can provide will be appreciated!

 

[WDWAurora]

bump

 

[stitch79]

I'm hoping you get an answer from someone who has had it done, I'm curious too!

 

[snoopy]

Weird you should bring this up, my girlfriend just got it done, I had dinner with her last Sunday night. She looks FABULOUS! She has had acne for as long as I have known her, plus she has super sensitive skin that is always red. The procedure seems to have alievated both problems. She has to go back one more time. She did have red marks all over her neck, but said that would go away in a few days.

 

[WDWAurora]

That's great to hear! I'd really like to do it, but I want to get an idea if my insurance would cover it first (they have to have the 5 digit code to be able to tell me, and I don't have access to that right now)

 

[llij]

My mom had it done and unfortunately it wasn't covered by insurance. Her skin looks great though! Maybe in some cases your insurance might cover it so check and see.

I looked into it and my insurance said no. I ended up on Accutane and I know use Proactive daily. My skin is very clear and I don't have any problems. I would have liked to try the Microdermabrasion though.....

Good luck to you!!

 

[Kama89]

It's wonderful! Little to no discomfort depending on your level of skin sensitivity and how "agressive" your tech is. I came out just a little pink the first time, but all of that was gone by evening. I love it because I feel as though I'm finally getting that last layer of gunk off that regular cleansing can't do. It really helped to even my skin tone out. I was amazed! I'm a microderm junkie. I can't help concerning the insurance info though, sorry.

 

[WDWAurora]

llij-I did accutane several times, too. The first few times it worked well with effects that lasted well over a year each time, but after that it wasn't as "magic" as before. What do you think of Proactiv? Is it as good as it sounds? It seems expensive, but if it works, that doesn't matter I suppose.

Anyone else know anything about the process? Glad to hear it's not very painful...that I could definitely justify either way though.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

I used Proactive for a while. But after a few months I think it was causing me to breakout more. The dermatologist thinks it's a little harsh - esp. if you have sensative skin.

 

[WDWAurora]

bump! Anybody else have experience with microderm?

 

[danacara]

Is the issue recurrent flare-ups, or existing scarring? If the former, I'd give Accutane another shot, maybe up the dosage? If the latter, microdermabrasion is reputed to be a great option.

 

[WDWAurora]

Both actually. I've tried accutane two times since my good experiences and it didn't work as well. Actually, the last time there really wasn't any difference at all. I usually started at the low dosage and went to the higher through the 6 month course.

 

[LScot]

I just read something on Microdermabrasion. It was an Email I received from that Paula Beugon (sp??) who is the "cosmetics cop". Trying checking her website: cosmeticcop.com (I beleieve) and see if you see an article listed there. Seems like she spoke of the doctor's office kind and the OTC treatments also. OTC were pretty mucha waste of time and money while the office ones were impressive. Good luck!

 

[WDWAurora]

Thank you!! That will be a great read, I'm going now!

 

[adamak]

Thanks too. Great site to read up. I've been thinking about it, but didn't know which dermatologist to go. Does anyone know if there is any review sites?

 

[LScot]

Just curious if you have ever tried the new Benzoyl Peroxide meds that are OTC (doesn't have anything to do with micro or in helping scarring) which are 10%BP? The highest I ever used was 5% and I am trying the Walmart Equate brand which has 10% in it and I am amazed at the diference in my face so quickly. You might want to check it out. (I think it was like 1.86!) I have tried ProActive and it did nothing for me. Anyway, just a cheap treatment I thought I'd share!

 

[WDWAurora]

I haven't tried that specific one, but I've done that high of a dose on prescriptions when I was younger. I have sensitive skin with stuff that strong, but for that price I'd be willing to try it again for a few days!

I did try that Clearasil 3day clearup stuff...UGH! I did it right before college graduation and on either side of my chin my skin was red, raw, and painful...The first few days were fine, then all of a sudden-OW! I don't recommend that stuff.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I have an appointment for MD this Friday. It is complementary since my dermatologist kept me waiting at my last appointment (skin cancer check) for 2 hours. I have no acne problems, just wrinkels ! I am a little worried since I am the type that breaks out after facials and waxing. In fact I have a rash right now from my lip wax LAST friday !

 

[WDWAurora]

Please let us know how it goes! Best of luck, from the reading I've done over the past few days, it sounds as though a windburn is what to compare the after effects to for those with sensitive skin. So hopefully it won't be bad!! P & PD!!!

 

[ZachnElli]

I've been using ProActiv for the last 4 weeks and it's not working for me (yet?).

Judy, if you like the derm. let me know who it is will ya?