Background: Microdermabrasion has become one of the most popular forms of superficial resurfacing. The benefits and efficacy of microdermabrasion remain an intensely debated topic among dermatologic surgeons.
Objective: This article reviews the efficacy, safety, epidermal barrier function, histopathologic effects, complications, advantages, and disadvantages of microdermabrasion.
Conclusion: In general, microdermabrasion studies have been conducted in small groups of patients. Protocols, units, and settings have differed. There remains a major disparity between the popularity of microdermabrasion in the public sector and cohesive and comprehensive scientific data documenting the efficacy of the procedure.