In the world of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, microdermabrasion has long been the heavyweight of skin rejuvenation. But vibradermabrasion, or vibraderm, is a similar and newer skin rejuvenation treatment that has also drawn attention. So which one is better? What are the procedural differences? Let’s compare, okay?
similarities
Vibraderm and microdermabrasion are virtually painless and risk free. Both procedures do not require anesthesia, involve little to no recovery time, and are designed to treat the same skin concerns, including:
- acne
- sun damage
- fine lines and wrinkles
- sebaceous hyperplasia
- Superficial scars and age spots
- large pores
- syringomas
- rosacea
- keratosis pilaris
Both procedures correct these problems using non-invasive methods of exfoliation. The main difference between vibraderm and microdermabrasion lies in the technology of the treatments, the costs and the duration of the procedure.
differences
microdermabrasion It first uses a precise, pressurized stream of abrasive particles to remove the top layer of the epidermis of dead or damaged skin tissue. Then the suction device of the machine cleans the remaining glass debris from the surface of the skin. Treatments typically take 30-45 minutes and can cost as little as $75 per treatment. The three main types of microdermabrasion are:
- Crystal: Sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, or exfoliation with magnesium crystals
- Corundum crystal: exfoliation of aluminum oxide crystal.
- Diamond-tipped: crystal-free exfoliation with natural or synthetic diamond-tipped applicators
Microdermabrasion with corundum crystals is the most popular option among skin cosmetic specialists. Other crystals used for exfoliation are cheaper, but have also been shown to be less effective. Aluminum oxide crystals also have bacteria-killing properties and do not generally cause skin allergies. Diamond-tipped microdermabrasion is believed to be the most hygienic and vigorous procedure of the three because there is no glass cleaning and the wands are often disposable.
vibradermabrasion Exfoliates skin on the face, neck, or body using vibrating fixed abrasive paddles to remove dead skin cells. Vibraderm treatments generally take 20 to 30 minutes and have an average minimum cost of $125. The paddles come in various sizes for specific areas and the speed of vibration of the paddle can be adjusted according to the density of the skin or the sensitivity of the treatment area.
conclusion
Because vibraderm does not use crystals or a suction device, the procedure is considered by some to be easier than microdermabrasion. Vibradermabrasion procedures are also faster due to the greater surface area that the vibraderm paddles can treat. The focused scope of the Microderm handpiece applicators focus on small areas at a time and consequently are not as effective for treating large areas of the body. In terms of costs, microdermabrasion is the most economical option, but the procedure can also leave the skin reddened briefly for later, which vibraderm does not.