Pre- and post-treatment photographs clinical improvement of acne following eight microdermabrasion treatments. April 2001

Background

Microdermabrasion is a superficial peeling modality that has become quite popular with our patients and the media.

Objective

To evaluate the use of microdermabrasion in patients with acne.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with grade II-III acne were en- rolled into this pilot study. All patients were under dermatologic care and were maintained on their acne medications throughout the study. Patients received eight microdermabrasion treatments at weekly intervals. The results were documented with before and after photographs and evaluated for clinical improvement.

Results

Twenty-four patients completed the study with 38% (9/24) having excellent results, 34% (8/24) with good results, 17% (4/24) with fair results, and 12% (3/24) with poor results. Ninety-six percent (23/24) of patients were pleased with their peel results and would recommend this procedure to others.

Conclusion

The use of microdermabrasion in this pilot study appeared to produce a positive effect on the improvement of acne.

Over the past few years, use of the microdermabrasion procedure has experienced widespread growth among physicians as well as aestheticians for a host of conditions, despite few studies concerning its safety and efficacy.1.2 The majority of information concerning microdermabrasion is provided by the vendors and is echoed in the popular press.

Microdermabrasion is a process that uses aluminum oxide crystals and negative pressure to superficially peel the surface of the skin. It has been well documented that superficial peeling agents are beneficial in the treatment of acne.3-7 This pilot study was done to assess the use of the microdermabrasion process to aid in the treatment and resolution of acne.

Information by JENIFER R. LLOYD, DO, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Youngstown, Ohio

<h2<References

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2. Newman I, Hopping S, Patterons R, Saxton S. Power peeling (micro skin abrasion). Intl Cosmet Surg 1998-1999;6:101-5.

3. Moy LS, Murad H, Moy RL. Superficial chemical peels. In: Wheeland RG, eds. Cutaneous Surgery. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1994:463-78.

4. Wang CM, Huang CL, Hu CT. Chan HL. The effect of glycolic acid on the treatmenr of acne in Asian skin. Dermatol Surg 1997;23:23-9.

5. Atzore L, Brundu MA, Orru A, Biggio P. Glycolic acid peeling in the treatment of acne. J Eur Acad Dermatol VenereoI1999;12:119-22.

6. Kligman DJ Kligman AM. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent for the treatment of acne. Cosmet DermatoI1997;10:44-7.

7. Grimes PE. The safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peels in darker racial-ethnic groups. Dermatol Surg 1999;25:18-22.

@ 2001 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. . Published by Blacklvell Science, Inc ISSN: 1076-0512/01/$15.00/0 . Dermatol Surg 2001;27:329-331