Is Microdermabrasion Worth the Cost?

Every patient has different needs, so only you can determine whether or not microdermabrasion is a skin care procedure that’s worth your money. However, there’s a good chance you’ll be happy with the results. It works to improve skin concerns like fine lines, superficial acne scars, and aging spots; so if you have any of that, we urge you to give it a go. Considering the benefits of microdermabrasion, it’s at least worth consulting with a dermatologist.

What Affects the Cost of Microdermabrasion?

The factors that affect microdermabrasion cost per session include: 

1. Your Provider’s Credentials & Level of Expertise

Because microdermabrasion treatments don’t entail any invasive methods, they can be performed by aestheticians, as well as nurses, dermatologists, or other physicians. When performed by an aesthetician, the treatment typically costs less compared to when the treatment is done by a board-certified dermatologist. 

2. Your Provider’s Practice Location

Providers in areas with higher living costs, such as major meteor areas (New York and LA), will often charge higher prices for their microdermabrasion services, resulting in steeper costs.

Another factor to take into account, is the demand for microdermabrasion treatment in your area, as well as the number of providers available to perform the treatment. If there’s only one provider of microdermabrasion in your whereabouts, you might need to splurge a little more. 

However, providers in a highly competitive area tend to offer discounted rates to their patients. 

3. Deals & Discounts

Just like most skin resurfacing treatments, we advise you to book your microdermabrasion facials during the winter season, when you’re less likely to be exposed to sun. This is also the season when people are attempting to heal from sun damage. Many providers offer deals on microdermabrasion and other skin treatments during this time around. 

You can find discounted microdermabrasion treatments on websites. However, while there are many qualified providers on these sites, you’ll most likely find less-reputable practitioners there, too. Do plenty of research before springing for a deal. While your microdermabrasion cost will end up being cheaper than usual, you could be risking your skin being damaged by an unskilled provider. 

4. Types of Microdermabrasion Procedure Being Performed

There exists two types of microdermabrasion: crystal and diamond microdermabrasion. 

Crystal microdermabrasion is the original version of this skin resurfacing treatment, and it blasts the top layer of the skin’s surface using ultra-hard, fine crystals, say salt, baking soda, or magnesium oxide.

Diamond microdermabrasion on the other hand, is a newer version of this type of treatment. It uses a handpiece with a fine diamond tip to slough away dead skin cells. 

Many people thought the latter is more costly due to the use of diamonds and the fact that it’s a newer technology. The truth is that replacing crystals often involves higher expenses for the provider, hence a higher price tag for the patients.

5. The Number of Microdermabrasion Sessions Done

Non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments are less powerful than treatments such as deep chemical peels or ablative lasers—which typically a one-and-done.

The number of sessions you require will vary depending on the severity of your concerns, but is also something to be discussed with your provider during consultation.

6. The Size of the Treatment Area

While many individuals opt to treat only their faces with microdermabrasion, you could actually treat more areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, and stomach. The bigger the surface area, the higher the microdermabrasion cost. 

Is Microdermabrasion Covered by Insurance?

We hate to tell you this but unfortunately, microdermabrasion isn’t covered by insurance. Similar to any other cosmetic procedures, it isn’t considered medically necessary. Skin conditions like rough facial skin or uneven skin tone aren’t truly medical issues hence not eligible for coverage.

Microdermabrasion Cost: Is It Worth the Investment?

It really comes down to your own financial capability. Microdermabrasion may be based on the expertise and qualification of the provider, type of treatment performed, number of sessions needed, as well as the size of your treatment area. Just make sure to talk to your provider regarding the cost involved as they tend to offer financing plans. Alternatively, you may opt for the best at-home microdermabrasion machines to achieve that youthful, revitalized complexion, but at a more affordable price.