ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct 22, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- University of Michigan
scientists say they have determined microdermabrasion using a coarse
diamond-studded instrument can induce wound healing.
The researchers, led by Dr. Darius Karimipour, said the procedure appears to
induce molecular changes in the skin of older adults that mimic the way skin is
remodeled during the wound healing process.
Microdermabrasion is a popular procedure for skin rejuvenation, the researchers
said, and it's been suggested the procedure can improve the appearance of
wrinkles, atrophic acne scars, dyspigmentation and other signs of aging skin.
Karimipour and colleagues said they conducted a biochemical analysis of skin
biopsy specimens involving 40 adults ages 50 to 83 years with sun-damaged skin
who volunteered to participate in the study. Each underwent microdermabrasion
with a diamond-studded handpiece of either a coarse-grit or medium-grit
abrasiveness.
When performed with the coarse-grit, the result was an increased production of a
wide variety of compounds associated with wound healing and skin remodeling.
Such molecular changes were not seen in individuals receiving microdermabrasion
using the medium-grit, the researchers said.
"We demonstrate that aggressive non-ablative microdermabrasion is an effective
procedure to stimulate collagen production in human skin in vivo," they said.
"The beneficial molecular responses, with minimal downtime, suggest that
aggressive microdermabrasion may be a useful procedure to stimulate remodeling
and to improve the appearance of aged human skin."
The study is reported in the journal Archives of Dermatology.
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