Microdermabrasion instead of a peel.

Feb 10, 2015

Erica K.

I had a consultation regarding my melasma and though she did suggest the vi peel I chickened out a decided to go with 4 microdermabrasion treatments. Successful lightening of melasma is lower with microdermabrasion than the peel but side effects, like further darkening, are very rare. Any thoughts? I haven't had the treatments yet as my appointment is march third. Any suggestions other than microdermabrasion or the vi peel?

Feb 10, 2015

Erica K.

Also I've never had a professional skin treatment. What can I expect?

Feb 11, 2015

Maggie F.

I've had microdermabrasion several times. It definitely kept my skin clearer from from acne and it feels nice after, but it doesn't produce any real significant results for pigmentation issues from what I can tell. It's very superficial. I would honestly go with the Vi peel. I have one scheduled for tomorrow (my issue is acne, minor acne scarring and just skin rejuvenation). I'm nervous too, but think it will be worth it. Micro doesn't have any side effects for me. I've had prob 10 and never 1 issue.

Also check this out. Doctors don't recommend micro for melasma.

http://www.realself.com/question/microdermabrasion-remove-melasma

Realself.com is a great site! check it out before treatments like that.

Feb 11, 2015

Erica K.

Thank you Maggie. I have looked at that site many times before and will check it out. Please let me know how your peel goes?? I have until March to decide. Best of luck

Feb 11, 2015

Traci L.

Honestly if you can I would look into laser resurfacing you have to have a peel done several times to get deep enough to see a real improvement on melasma and it still can come back , with a laser it can get rid of most of melasma the first time and its only focused on the damaged cells not the entire face like a peel is , I'm not sure if this is a option for you , but a lot of clients are disappointed when they get a peel expecting there melasma is going to be completely gone or not return and depending on the depth of your melasma sometimes that does not happen, a peel can only go down so deep , and some melasma lies in the dermis where a peel can't penatrate, once your skin care professional looks at your skin they will be able to determine how deep yours is.

Feb 11, 2015

Erica K.

Thank you ladies- I am terrified of more pigmentation, I read this can happen with peels and laser. Is this true?

Feb 11, 2015

AJ M.

It can happen, but you should see a professional first to determine the type of melasma you are dealing with, that is the most important step. Once you know the type, you can seek the appropriate treatment.