Microdermabrasion Cost: How Many Treatments Needed, Insurance and Alternatives

• Microdermabrasion is a gentle skin treatment that resurfaces the skin to reduce the visibility of acne, scars and other blemishes.
• Microdermabrasion is performed in spas, salons and dermatologists’ offices.
• The cost of microdermabrasion depends on where you go for the procedure, how many sessions you require, the size of the treatment area and any optional extras.
• At-home microdermabrasion is a viable and cost-effective alternative to in-office procedures.

Microdermabrasion is a popular skin rejuvenation technique whereby the skin is physically exfoliated by peeling away its outermost layer, called the stratum corneum. The subsequent healing process stimulates collagen production, a protein responsible for giving skin its elasticity. As a result, skin appears smoother and more uniform.

Microdermabrasion uses a diamond tip or a spray of fine crystals to exfoliate the skin. As the skin is peeled away, a suction device vacuums up dirt, debris and dead skin cells from its surface.

The efficacy and safety profile of microdermabrasion makes it a procedure worth considering for improving the skin’s appearance.The cost of the procedure depends on a variety of factors.

Is Microdermabrasion Right For You?

Resurfacing the skin with microdermabrasion reduces the visibility of unwanted blemishes and skin conditions, such as:

• Acne
• Scars, including acne scars
• Stretch marks
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Hyperpigmentation and melasma
• Enlarged pores

Side effects from microdermabrasion are mild and temporary and typically fade within hours. 

Microdermabrasion procedures are considered safe for patients of all skin tones and types, but should be avoided by those with an active skin infection, acne breakout or history of hypertrophic scarring.

People with rosacea or telangiectasias should consult a dermatologist before scheduling a session. Likewise, because microdermabrasion uses aluminum oxide crystals, inform your provider if you are allergic to aluminum. In such cases, your doctor will use another type of crystal or switch to a diamond-tipped device.

How Many Microdermabrasion Treatments Are Needed for Best Results?

Microdermabrasion has been demonstrated to have clinically significant results in skin rejuvenation, although the most visible and dramatic effects require multiple treatment sessions. In one study, acne patients were generally pleased with microdermabrasion’s efficacy after undergoing a consistent treatment regimen and adhering to proper aftercare practices.

Four to six microdermabrasion sessions are often required for the best and most visible results. However, patients with severe photodamage or in need of more dramatic skin rejuvenation may require upward of 16 separate treatments.

How often should you get microdermabrasion?

Although microdermabrasion is a safe and relatively gentle cosmetic treatment, multiple sessions within too short a timeframe can result in overexfoliation, causing irritation, redness and rash.

To prevent this outcome, wait six days to one week between microdermabrasion sessions. If your skin is healing slowly or still irritated after a session, allow up to two weeks to pass before undergoing another treatment.

How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost?

Both diamond-tipped and crystal microdermabrasion is performed in salons, spas, or in your dermatologist’s office. A single treatment session costs between $75 and $200. In some geographical locations or for certain higher-end procedures, the cost may increase upward of $800.

What’s involved in the cost?

The cost of microdermabrasion is determined by the geographical location, the skill level of your esthetician or dermatologist, the size of the treatment area and any included extras.

The cost will increase due to by any added or optional extras. For example, some salons will offer microdermabrasion as part of a complete facial package. In these cases, you would pay for any additional products used, such as peels and toners, as well as the extra time spent.

Does insurance cover microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, so insurance does not cover the cost. In some cases, undergoing microdermabrasion for the treatment of certain skin conditions, such as acne or melasma, may qualify as a tax deduction.

In certain situations, such as those deemed medically necessary, it may be possible to use some benefit plans, such as a health savings account, to help pay for microdermabrasion.

Consult your tax professional and plan policies to determine if you can take advantage of such savings plans.

Cost of microdermabrasion vs. alternatives

Alternative skin care procedures offer not only in different degrees of efficacy and downtime, but price per treatment. Like microdermabrasion, anti-aging and skin rejuvenation alternatives are not covered by insurance.

Before deciding on a specific procedure, consult a dermatologist to determine which one is best for your specific needs, skin conditions and budget.

Alternative	Cost per treatment
Dermabrasion	Ranges between $100–$4,000; average cost of $1,250
Hydrafacial	$150–$300
Chemical peel	$100–$300 for a light peel; $1,000–$3,000 for a medium peel; up to $6,000 for a deep peel
Dermaplaning	$75–$250
Microneedling	$100–$700
Laser skin resurfacing	$200–$6,000
Topical skin care products (over-the-counter and prescription)	Under $25 and up

Cost of Professional Microdermabrasion vs. At-Home Microdermabrasion Kits

Microdermabrasion can be performed from the comfort of your own home using an at-home microdermabrasion machine. DIY microdermabrasion kits provide results similar to that of a professional treatment, although consistent and repeated use is required for effects to become apparent.

Microdermabrasion kits vary in price depending on their size, power and features. Small hand-held devices are typically priced at $50, while larger, more powerful tabletop machines cost upward of $300.

In addition, you may be required to buy refillable tips and filters at $15 and $7, respectively, when you require more.

Although an at-home device may cost more than a single microdermabrasion session, a DIY kit is a one-time investment. With an at-home device, you can achieve similar results over repeated uses and multiple sessions for a single cost, making it a feasible cost-effective alternative.

Microdermabrasion Packages

Because microdermabrasion often requires multiple treatment sessions for visible results, your provider may offer you a discounted rate or package deal for scheduling multiple treatment sessions.

Microdermabrasion enhances transdermal drug delivery, making it easier for the ingredients used in other products to better  penetrate the skin. As a result, microdermabrasion is commonly combined with other types of treatment, such as:

• Chemical peels
• Cavitation peels
• Intense pulsed light therapy
• Vitamin C lotions and creams

When combining treatments, you may also be offered a discounted or special package deal. During your original consultation, discuss what specials are available to fit your needs and budget.

Takeaway

The cost of microdermabrasion is reasonable, with the average cost of a session of $75–$200. The geographical location, skill level of the provider, size of the treatment area and the addition of optional extras all play a role in the exact cost of the procedure.

About four to six individual treatments are usually required for the best results, but many providers offer discounted package deals for multiple sessions. In addition, microdermabrasion may be combined with other cosmetic procedures for better skin rejuvenation results. In such cases, discounts are usually offered as well.

Alternatives to microdermabrasion are available, both with varying efficacy and price points. The cost of such procedures ranges from comparable to more expensive than microdermabrasion. Consult a dermatologist to determine which procedure is right for you.

Microdermabrasion may also be performed at home through the use of a microdermabrasion kit. Although a kit may cost more than a single microdermabrasion session, it becomes a more cost-effective solution after one or two treatments.