Microdermabrasion is a technology that has been around for a long time and is still going strong. But does it have a place in a laser clinic?
Microdermabrasion has a place in any aesthetic clinic and therefore it will also complement a laser clinic.
Microdermabration is the mechanical removal of debris and dead layers of the outer skin. This can be a diamond tip microdermabrasion unit, where a sucking tip with diamonds set in it is rubbed over the skin. It can be a unit that blast the skin with crystals and then such the crystals and debris back in. Or nowadays it can be a hydro unit where water or other fluids are sprayed over the skin under pressure and then sucked back in containing the debris.
Unit with crystals 
Diamond tip unit
It is not recommended that you do microdermabration on an area that you are about to do a hair removal treatment on. Neither is it a good idea to combine microdermabrasion with an IPL photo facial in the same session. Alternating microdermabrasion with IPL photo facials can produce some very good results. You have to leave at least two weeks between these sessions.
Please do not try to enhance laser tattoo removal with microdermabrasion, it will lead to scars.
Microdermabrasion combines very well with fractional and ablative laser treatments as well as microneedling. When you start combining these technologies you have to be cautious, because the effects stags quite drastically.
Let’s start with combining microdermabrasion with Er:Glass fractional laser (1550 nm) or microneedling. Both these treatments aim to cause micro injuries in the epidermis and dermis. Any debris layer will have a negative effect on the treatment. By first removing the debris and dead skin cells you boost the results you will have from the treatment. Keep in mind that it will also influence the sensation a client experience during such a treatment. If you combine microdermabrasion with Er:Glass or microneedle treatments the client will experience more “pain” during the laser or microneedling treatment, but the results are worth it. It is the skill of a professional therapist to find the right balance for each individual client.
Combining microdermabrasion with ablative fractional and full ablative laser treatment makes a huge difference. Using a laser to work through the layer of debris and dead skin cells that may be on the skin is an expensive exercise. You save a lot of pulses, and time, by doing a microdermabrasion session before you switch your laser on. From a business point of view, the cost of the treatment comes down (given that you use a diamond tip microdermabrasion unit) and you have the possibility to increase your asking price because the client perceives it as an extra. The results, when done right, will also justify it.
Microdermabrasion can also be combined with low-level laser, LED and other forms of photochemical light therapy. For a light (LLLT or LED) facial you can start with microdermabrasion followed by serums and creams/lotions, and conclude with light irradiation.
