Close-up of smooth, refined facial skin during a skin care routine
Skin Care · Exfoliation

Microdermabrasion in Carmel & Indianapolis

Non-invasive mechanical exfoliation for smoother texture, improved tone, and a brighter complexion — with zero downtime.

4.8 · 361 reviews Physician-supervised All skin types Zero downtime
Overview

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive mechanical skin exfoliation treatment that uses either ultra-fine crystals or a diamond-tip wand to gently sand and vacuum away the outermost layer of dead, dull skin cells (the stratum corneum). The simultaneous vacuuming action stimulates circulation and removes the exfoliated debris, leaving skin immediately smoother and brighter.

Unlike chemical peels or laser treatments, microdermabrasion does not use heat or chemicals — making it suitable for virtually all skin types with no risk of hyperpigmentation or chemical sensitivity. It is a gentle, controlled exfoliation that improves skin texture and prepares the skin to absorb topical treatments more effectively.

At My Plastic Surgery Group, microdermabrasion is performed by trained providers in a clinical setting using medical-grade equipment. It is often combined with light chemical peels or used as a regular maintenance treatment between more intensive procedures.

What It Treats

What Does Microdermabrasion Treat?

Microdermabrasion is a maintenance and enhancement treatment. For significant acne scarring, deeper pigmentation, or meaningful wrinkles, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or Morpheus8 will produce more impactful results. Our providers will help you determine the right treatment for your concern level.

  • Dull, rough, or uneven skin texture
  • Mild acne scarring (shallow, superficial scars)
  • Superficial hyperpigmentation and sun damage
  • Enlarged pores
  • Fine lines in the superficial skin layer
  • Skin that does not absorb products well due to dead cell buildup
  • General skin maintenance and a pre-event glow treatment
What to Expect

What to Expect During Microdermabrasion

A straightforward in-office treatment with no preparation or numbing required — a typical session takes 30–45 minutes. Most patients describe a mild sandpaper-like sensation with suction, comfortable throughout. The skin appears slightly pink immediately after and resolves within an hour. Here is what a typical session looks like, step by step:

  • Your provider performs a thorough skin cleanse to remove makeup, oils, and surface residue, so the device makes direct contact with skin rather than debris
  • The appropriate tip and suction setting are selected for your skin type and concern
  • The wand is moved in slow, overlapping passes across each zone of the face or body area being treated
  • Sensitive areas around the eyes and lips receive extra care, with lighter pressure and fewer passes
  • A calming serum and SPF are applied to support the skin post-treatment
  • You can return to work, apply makeup, and resume all normal activities immediately — many patients schedule sessions over a lunch break
Recovery

Recovery and Downtime

Zero downtime. Mild, temporary pinkness resolves within an hour. No flaking, no peeling, no restrictions. Skin may feel slightly sensitive to sun exposure for 24–48 hours — daily SPF application is recommended. This makes microdermabrasion an ideal treatment to schedule before a social event or as a regular monthly maintenance appointment.

Compare

Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical Peel

Patients often ask how microdermabrasion compares to a chemical peel, since both are non-invasive exfoliation treatments with minimal downtime. The key difference is the mechanism: microdermabrasion is mechanical — it physically removes the outer skin layer using a wand and suction — while a chemical peel uses an acid solution to chemically dissolve dead skin cells and stimulate renewal. Microdermabrasion is consistent and predictable across all skin tones, with essentially no risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Superficial chemical peels can address slightly deeper pigmentation and mild acne scarring, but carry a small risk of uneven results in darker skin tones.

In practical terms: microdermabrasion is the better choice for patients who want zero downtime, have sensitive or reactive skin, or prefer a reliable maintenance treatment they can schedule monthly. A light chemical peel may be more appropriate for patients dealing with mild sun damage, uneven tone, or acne that hasn't responded to microdermabrasion alone. Many patients at My Plastic Surgery Group combine the two — alternating treatments monthly — for comprehensive, ongoing skin maintenance. Our providers will recommend the right approach based on your skin type, tone, and specific concerns.

Investment

Microdermabrasion Cost in Indiana

$125 – $175 per session

Series packages of 4–6 treatments are available at a discounted rate, and monthly maintenance sessions are commonly scheduled. A consultation can confirm whether microdermabrasion alone or in combination with other treatments is the right approach for your goals — financing options available.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is microdermabrasion the same as dermabrasion?
No — they are significantly different procedures. Microdermabrasion is a gentle, non-invasive surface exfoliation with zero downtime, suitable as a regular maintenance treatment. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that aggressively removes skin layers using a rotating abrasive device under local or general anesthesia, with a recovery period of several weeks. Dermabrasion is used for deep scars and significant skin irregularities — a fundamentally different intervention.
How many microdermabrasion treatments are needed?
A series of 4-6 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart delivers the best cumulative results. Individual sessions produce a temporary improvement in radiance and texture, but repeated treatments drive more meaningful improvement in mild scarring and pigmentation. Monthly maintenance sessions are popular for ongoing skin health. After completing an initial series, most patients maintain their results with a single appointment every 4-6 weeks, making microdermabrasion an easy addition to a regular skin care routine.
What skin concerns does microdermabrasion treat?
Microdermabrasion is well-suited for dull or rough skin texture, mild acne scarring, superficial hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and general skin maintenance. It is a maintenance and enhancement treatment — for significant pigmentation, deep scars, or meaningful wrinkle correction, laser resurfacing or chemical peels will produce more substantial results. Our providers will recommend the right treatment depth for your specific concerns. Microdermabrasion is also an excellent preparatory step before applying medical-grade skincare products, as the removal of the dead cell layer allows active ingredients to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.

Smoother Skin With Zero Downtime

Schedule your microdermabrasion appointment at My Plastic Surgery Group in Carmel, Indiana. Physician-supervised · All skin types · Same-week appointments available.

Call Schedule Consultation