Despite the similarity in terms, there is a significant difference between the cosmetic facial treatment called microdermabrasion and the surgical procedure called dermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure which does not require anesthesia. It involves the use of a special instrument that disperses abrasive crystals, usually aluminum oxide, baking soda or other crystals, against the top layer of skin. A vacuum attachment removes the crystals and dead skin cells. The procedure refreshes the skin’s surface, cleans the pores, and stimulates collagen production.

Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure which permanently alters the derma, or lower layer of the skin.  The surgeon uses a surgical cutting wheel to sand away layers of skin down into the derma layer, actually changing the surface and removing discolorations and blemishes. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia but a general anesthesia is sometimes used. Recovery takes 7-10 days.

You may be like many people who would like to improve their skin or body contour but automatically assume that you probably couldn’t afford the expense of a procedure.

With modern advances in cosmetic surgery and a new generation of ‘miracle’ anti-aging products available, there are many options which are much less expensive than you might expect. In addition, many procedures which once required a hospital stay and full anesthesia – and the expense that creates – can now be performed in a medical clinic by a board-certified plastic surgeon using local anesthesia

Some of the new dermal fillers such as Sculptra, Radiesse, or ArteFill, can accomplish a fresh youthful look for much less than you may think.  The only way to get started is with a consultation, where all of the financial (and other) questions will be answered.

In the Northern California / San Francisco Bay area, people prioritize living in balance, and in many cases having a connection with the natural environment.  A surgery that might be appropriate for a patient in another area of the country, could easily be considered “overdone” in this region.

Therefore, communication about a patient’s plastic surgery goals is all the more important in the San Francisco region.  Natural beauty and bodily balance are crucial factors in obtaining the best result possible, and fortunately that is exactly the type of plastic surgery I enjoy performing the most.

There’s actually nothing wrong with most of the so-called anti-wrinkle products on the market today; most of them are formulated using good quality moisturizers with a tiny amount of “active ingredient”.Anyone who notices signs of aging – fine wrinkles around the eyes, either side of the mouth or over the lips, or suffers from dry sagging skin will naturally show a positive initial effect from a renewed cleansing/moisturizing regimen which softens or moisturizes the epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin.

The problem is, the actual aging process is going on underneath the epidermis, in the layer called the dermis where collagen is produced and the skin’s moisture-retaining capability originates.If the creams, gels, or serums don’t deliver this “active ingredient” by penetrating the dermis – as most of them simply cannot – there is no real therapy going on.

For real results that aren’t just “skin deep”, a consultation with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon will have two important benefits for you:first, a plastic surgeon is qualified to analyze your individual skin characteristics and recommend a dermal filler containing a much more potent “active ingredient” that is uniquely suited to your needs.And second, as a surgeon, he is skilled in delivering the “active ingredient” directly into the dermis with the use of carefully placed fine surgical needles where it will have an internal and long-lasting effect.

If you add up all the money you’ve spent on anti-aging products I believe you’ll find that consulting with a true specialist may also turn out to be more cost effective in the long run.

All life changes, even cosmetic surgery, can have an associated element of stress. That’s why, whenever possible, it’s a good idea to have some important members of your support system behind your decision to undergo surgery. This might be your family, partner or simply a good friend.

Sometimes it is difficult to get a loved one on board with the plan to have cosmetic surgery. Their priorities are different, and they might not clearly see the goals you have for your face and body. In these settings, it’s best to keep communication open and help them understand your priorities, so that they can better accompany you on your journey of self-improvement.

Everyone thinks about the many steps necessary to get to surgery, but it’s important to plan for your recovery as well. I advise patients to create a small zone of comfort in their homes, with the basic things you need close at hand. These sorts of items might be books, snacks, and healthy meals that are easy to prepare.

However, it’s important not to get too comfortable. Patients that sit around after surgery and ‘act sick’ will actually have more problems during their recovery.  Patients who have a mild level of activity after surgery will commonly be able to speed their recovery along.

The cases of “bad plastic surgery” highlighted in the media tend to be very rare and extreme.  “Bad” plastic surgery can be avoided by doing due diligence and researching your potential surgeon.  It is important to verify that any surgeon you see is Board Certified; meaning they have the highest standard of certification and experience.

I also recommend that you look at before and after pictures of previous patients to see if the surgeon’s aesthetic matches yours.  Make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page when it comes to your treatment plan and goals.

It’s also important to note that complications can happen no matter how good the doctor is or how minor the procedure.  Any surgical procedure should be undertaken with caution and a clear knowledge of the facts, potential risks, and rewards.

You want to find a surgeon who listens to your goals, addresses your questions, is someone you feel comfortable with, has high safety standards, and has a great deal of experience.  You should feel comfortable with your surgeon every step of the way, and if you do not, find another.

Unfortunately, these terms might mean a fully certified surgeon who performs cosmetic surgery, or could mean another sort of physician who doesn’t have proper training or Board Certification but practices plastic surgery anyway.

To attain status as a plastic surgeon alone takes a lot of commitment, time, and educational training.  To attain status as ‘board certified’ it requires even more of those things and a rigorous examination process as well.  Often, to achieve the status of ‘cosmetic surgeon’ a doctor can just start using that term without any true certification or training at all.  Therefore, such a doctor would not be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons like a ‘Board Certified Plastic Surgeon’ would be.

However within the field of plastic surgery there are many specialties, including hand surgery, reconstructive surgery, pediatric plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.  So the term cosmetic surgery could possibly mean a specialist within the field of plastic surgery that is an expert in aesthetic procedures.

So that means you should always check credentials of your potential surgeon and verify that they are indeed ‘Board Certified’ by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.