Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a gentle, in-office skin resurfacing treatment designed to refresh dull skin and improve overall skin texture. Using controlled exfoliation, microdermabrasion helps reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin while supporting long-term skin health. At Pinnacle Dermatology, this treatment is customized to your skin goals, whether you’re focused on tone, texture, or maintenance-level rejuvenation.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation treatment performed by a trained skincare professional to improve the look and feel of the skin. Using a diamond-tip device or fine crystals, it gently removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to help refine texture and tone while enhancing product absorption.

By delivering precise mechanical exfoliation, microdermabrasion supports the skin’s natural renewal cycle. The treatment encourages healthy cell turnover and increases circulation at the skin’s surface, leaving the complexion looking smoother, brighter, and more radiant over time.

Microdermabrasion is a gentle, in-office skin resurfacing treatment designed to refresh dull skin and improve overall skin texture. Using controlled exfoliation, microdermabrasion helps reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin while supporting long-term skin health. At Pinnacle Dermatology, this treatment is customized to your skin goals, whether you’re focused on tone, texture, or maintenance-level rejuvenation.

Conditions Microdermabrasion Treats

Microdermabrasion is commonly used to address a range of mild to moderate skin concerns by improving surface texture and supporting healthy skin renewal. This treatment works best for patients looking to refresh their skin's appearance, maintain results from other treatments, or target early signs of skin aging. 

Microdermabrasion may help improve the appearance of:

  • Dull or uneven skin tone
  • Rough or uneven skin texture
  • Fine lines and early signs of aging
  • Enlarged or clogged pores
  • Mild acne and post-acne congestion
  • Superficial acne scarring
  • Mild hyperpigmentation

Benefits of Microdermabrasion:

At Pinnacle Dermatology, microdermabrasion treatments are customized to support your skin’s unique needs while delivering visible, natural-looking results. This gentle resurfacing treatment helps improve overall skin health, making it an effective option for patients seeking both corrective benefits and ongoing skin maintenance.

Key microdermabrasion benefits include:

  • Exfoliates dead skin cells
  • Improves skin texture and tone
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enhances absorption of skincare products
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Helps address hyperpigmentation
  • Improves the appearance of acne and acne scars

Side Effects of Microdermabrasion:

Microdermabrasion is generally well-tolerated and considered a low-risk treatment when performed by trained professionals. Most side effects are mild, temporary, and resolve on their own within a short period of time. Your Pinnacle Dermatology provider will review your skin type and medical history to help minimize potential reactions and ensure a safe treatment experience.

Possible side effects of microdermabrasion may include:

  • Temporary redness
  • Minor swelling
  • Increased skin sensitivity
  • Dryness or flakiness
  • Temporary changes in pigmentation
  • Mild bruising

What to Expect at Your Microdermabrasion Appointment

Your microdermabrasion appointment at Pinnacle Dermatology is designed to be efficient, comfortable, and tailored to your skin goals. Each phase of the visit is carefully guided by a skincare professional to ensure safe treatment and optimal results.

Before Treatment

Before your treatment begins, you’ll have a consultation to discuss your skin concerns, goals, and medical history. Your provider will review your current skincare routine and any previous cosmetic treatments, cleanse your skin to remove makeup or dirt, and explain the procedure so you know exactly what to expect.

During Treatment

The treatment itself typically lasts 30–45 minutes and involves gentle exfoliation using fine crystals or a diamond-tipped device. Your skincare professional will move the device across your skin in controlled patterns, targeting specific areas while minimizing discomfort. No anesthesia is required.

After Treatment

After your session, you can return to normal activities right away. Your provider will share post-treatment skincare guidance to help protect and maintain your results, including the importance of daily sunscreen use while your skin renews.

Microdermabrasion Maintenance Recommendations

Proper aftercare and a consistent treatment plan help maximize the benefits of microdermabrasion. Following your appointment, you’ll receive personalized skincare instructions that may include limiting sun exposure, using gentle products, and avoiding activities that could irritate the skin as it renews. 

Microdermabrasion Maintenance Schedule

Depending on your goals, your Pinnacle Dermatology provider may recommend a series of microdermabrasion treatments to achieve and maintain optimal results. They will also provide guidance on treatment frequency and complementary services that can further support your skin health.

Am I a Candidate for Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is suitable for most skin types and tones and is an ideal option for patients seeking mild skin rejuvenation or a refreshed complexion. However, it may not be recommended for individuals with active skin infections, severe rosacea, or other certain skin conditions. A consultation with a Pinnacle Dermatology provider is the best way to determine whether microdermabrasion is appropriate for your skin and to create a personalized treatment plan.

Microdermabrasion vs Microneedling

Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin to improve texture, tone, and brightness with minimal downtime, making it ideal for surface-level refreshment and mild discoloration. 

Microneedling uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production, targeting deeper concerns like fine lines, acne scars, and loss of firmness. While both enhance skin appearance, microdermabrasion focuses on surface renewal, and microneedling addresses deeper structural improvements.

Watch: What is Microneedling?

Microdermabrasion at Pinnacle Dermatology

At Pinnacle Dermatology, our experienced providers customize each microdermabrasion treatment to your skin’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking to maintain healthy, radiant skin or address specific concerns, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve natural-looking results in a professional medical setting.

Schedule a consultation with one of our skincare professionals to discuss your skin concerns, learn more about the microdermabrasion procedure, and determine if this treatment is suitable for your specific needs.

Microdermabrasion FAQs

Microdermabrasion is commonly used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture.

Microdermabrasion is generally well tolerated. Patients may feel a mild scratching or vibrating sensation during the procedure, but it is not considered painful.

Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the patient's specific goals.

Results may vary, but multiple sessions are usually recommended for optimal results, often spaced a few weeks apart. Your provider will develop a personalized treatment plan.

Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique using a small blade to remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair. Microdermabrasion uses a device with crystals or a diamond tip to exfoliate more evenly and can target larger areas. Both leave skin smooth and refreshed, but microdermabrasion may provide slightly deeper exfoliation and improve circulation.

Yes. Microdermabrasion can complement treatments like chemical peels, facials, or professional skincare regimens to enhance overall results. Your provider will recommend safe combinations based on your skin type and goals.