Microdermabrasion

Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso, Texas – Microdermabrasion

For patients in Texas, microdermabrasion is a popular, gently exfoliating treatment that stimulates collagen growth, and is excellent for treating skin that has been subjected to a dryer climate. One of the most effective and minimally invasive skin resurfacing procedures available, Microdermabrasion can be used all over the body to give a rejuvenated appearance to face, arms, hands and decollete.

Microdermabrasion at Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso uses Vibraderm, a vibrating paddle system that exfoliates dry, sun-exposed skin without loose crystals or suction. Your treatment is performed by our experienced skin care team and overseen by three board-certified plastic surgeons. Many patients choose microdermabrasion as a regular refresher for dull skin, and others use it to prepare for a chemical peel or maintain results between laser sessions.

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical treatment that removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath. It targets the stratum corneum, the thin surface layer that makes skin look dull and rough when old cells build up.

Microdermabrasion devices differ in how they exfoliate. Older systems spray fine crystals across the skin and vacuum them away, and diamond-tip wands buff a small area at a time. The microdermabrasion treatment uses patented paddles that vibrate the surface and remove layers of damaged skin, stimulate the underlying tissue and infuse customized topicals. MIcrodermabrasion improves skin tone and texture, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, appearance of pore size, dryness, oiliness, and dullness.

Skin Concerns Microdermabrasion Can Improve

Microdermabrasion works best on surface-level concerns, including:

• Rough or uneven texture
• Dullness and dry, flaky patches
• Fine lines
• Sun spots and mild hyperpigmentation
• Shallow acne scars
• Pores that look enlarged or clogged

You can treat your face, neck, décolletage, hands and arms. These areas take the most sun in El Paso, where low humidity and strong year-round UV exposure leave many patients with a rough, dehydrated surface layer. Clearing that layer helps your moisturizer and serums absorb more evenly.

Deeper or pitted acne scars usually need more than exfoliation. Our scar revision treatments are designed for those cases.

Living in Texas – Skin Resurfacing Procedures and their Benefits

For clients who live in El Paso, skin resurfacing procedures are a minimally invasive method of rejuvenating skin without undergoing surgery, chemical peels, or injections. In Texas, microdermabrasion is a popular method of regaining youthful, healthy-looking skin due to the dryer climate which can cause skin problems for a large population. 

Microdermabrasion can be scheduled as a one-off treatment, or as a series of shorter treatments for an on-going skincare regimen. While powerful, this gentle treatment can be beneficial for patients with all skin types, and can provide instant results with limited redness and skin sensitivity. For clients who have had sensitivities during skin resurfacing procedures in the past, Vibraderm is a comfortable alternative to achieving radiant, rejuvenated skin.

What to Expect During Your Microdermabrasion Treatment

Your experience begins with a skin assessment. Vangie Quintanilla, RN, an Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, offers full-facial assessments in English and Spanish. Yolanda Morales brings more than 27 years of experience in lasers and medical skin care. Both work alongside our three board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Mark A. Jabor, Dr. R. Dale Reynolds and Dr. Jaime Aburto.

After cleansing your skin, your provider moves the Vibraderm paddle across each treatment area in smooth, even passes. Most patients describe a light buzzing sensation similar to a massage. The paddle’s textured reverse side is then used to work a topical product into your freshly exfoliated skin. Your session ends with broad-spectrum sunscreen.

A facial treatment typically takes about 30 minutes. No anesthesia is needed, and you can return to work or your usual routine right away.

Microdermabrasion Results and Treatment Series

Your skin will look brighter and feel smoother right after your first session. Improvements in tone, texture and fine lines build gradually over a series of treatments. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your goals and how your skin responds. Many patients return every few weeks for an initial series before moving to monthly maintenance.

Microdermabrasion results are temporary because your skin continues to shed and renew itself. A medical-grade regimen such as Obagi® Skin Care or one of our skin care programs supports your skin between visits, and daily SPF protects the fresh skin from El Paso’s strong sun.

Microdermabrasion vs. DiamondGlow, HydraFacial and Chemical Peels

Our practice offers several exfoliating treatments, and each one suits a different goal.

• Microdermabrasion with Vibraderm focuses on mechanical exfoliation and can treat the face, hands, arms and décolletage.
• DiamondGlow combines diamond-tip exfoliation with suction extraction and SkinMedica® serum infusion for the face.
• HydraFacial pairs cleansing and extraction with intensive hydration for a gentler facial.
• Chemical peels use acids to resurface the skin and can address deeper pigmentation, with more peeling afterward.

Your provider can help you choose one treatment or combine several based on your skin.

Microdermabrasion FAQs

Does microdermabrasion hurt?

Most patients find Vibraderm comfortable and compare it to a vibrating massage. You may feel mild warmth or tingling during each pass. No numbing cream or anesthesia is needed. If an area feels sensitive, such as the skin around your nose or upper lip, your provider can lighten the pressure or shorten the passes there.

How many microdermabrasion sessions will I need?

Many patients start with a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart. The number depends on your goal. Brightening dull skin often takes fewer visits than softening sun spots or shallow acne scars, which improve gradually as your skin renews itself. Your provider will build a plan around your specific concerns and adjust it as you see results.

Is there any downtime after microdermabrasion?

There is no downtime. Your skin may look slightly pink for a few hours, similar to mild windburn. Some patients also notice mild dryness or tightness for a day or two. A gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer and daily SPF are usually all your skin needs while it settles. Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs for about three days after your session.

Can I wear makeup after microdermabrasion?

Most patients can apply makeup the same day. Your provider may suggest waiting a few hours to let your skin settle. Mineral makeup is a gentle option for the rest of the day. Use clean brushes or sponges to keep bacteria away from your freshly exfoliated skin.

Is microdermabrasion safe for darker skin tones?

Microdermabrasion treats only the surface layer and uses no heat or light, which makes it a lower-risk option for deeper skin tones. Darker skin can still develop temporary dark spots after irritation, a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To lower that risk, your provider adjusts the intensity of each pass to your skin and reviews your sun protection routine with you.

Can I combine microdermabrasion with BOTOX® or fillers?

You can, with some planning. Pressure and movement over fresh injection sites can shift product, so timing matters. Your provider will space your appointments so exfoliation does not interfere with fresh BOTOX® or filler injections. One simple approach is to book microdermabrasion first and your injectables at a later visit. Pairing the two lets you smooth surface texture while BOTOX® softens expression lines.

Schedule Your Microdermabrasion Consultation in El Paso, TX

If dry air and sun exposure have left your skin rough or dull, microdermabrasion offers a comfortable way to refresh it with no downtime. At Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso, your treatment is guided by Vangie Quintanilla, RN, and Yolanda Morales and overseen by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Mark A. Jabor, Dr. R. Dale Reynolds and Dr. Jaime Aburto.

Contact Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso today to schedule your consultation with either Dr. Reynolds or Dr. Jabor. Request your appointment and select “Non-Surgical and Skin Care Consultations,” or call our West office at (915) 543-5600 or our East office at (915) 855-7800. Financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit®, Alphaeon Credit and Prosper.