title: Microdermabrasion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Microdermabrasion has become one of the most popular forms of superficial resurfacing. The benefits and efficacy of microdermabrasion remain an intensely debated topic among dermatologic surgeons.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article reviews the efficacy, safety, epidermal barrier function, histopathologic effects, complications, advantages, and disadvantages of microdermabrasion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In general, microdermabrasion studies have been conducted in small groups of patients. Protocols, units, and settings have differed. There remains a major disparity between the popularity of microdermabrasion in the public sector and cohesive and comprehensive scientific data documenting the efficacy of the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Vitiligo and Pigmentation Institute of Southern California, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, CA, USA. andpegrimesmd@earthlink.net
authors.forename: Pearl E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Grimes
mesh_terms: D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D000075202:Contraindications; D003869:Dermabrasion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride; D000537:Aluminum Oxide