Medical Abrasion combines a medical-grade chemical peel with manual exfoliation in a single customized treatment. The two techniques work together to address skin concerns more comprehensively than either approach achieves on its own. The chemical component dissolves the bonds between damaged cells from within, while the manual component physically removes them from the surface. This treatment is especially effective for patients with rough skin texture, acne-prone skin, or persistent congestion that has not responded adequately to single-modality exfoliation.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

Our estheticians perform all Medical Abrasion treatments at Element Dermatology under the direct oversight of Dr. Barry LaBine, a board-certified dermatologist. Here's what you can expect:

  • Your Consultation: Your esthetician will assess your skin type, tone, and specific concerns before selecting the right chemical formula and manual technique for your treatment. The combination is completely customized to you. No one-size-fits-all treatments here. New patients may have their case reviewed by Dr. LaBine before treatment begins.
  • The Treatment: Your skin is cleansed, and the treatment proceeds in two stages. The manual exfoliation step comes first, removing surface cells and preparing the skin for deeper penetration. The chemical peel is then applied, allowed to work for the appropriate time, then neutralized and removed. The combined treatment takes about an hour. You may feel a gentle abrasion sensation during the manual phase and mild tingling during the peel.
  • Results and Follow-Up: Results are generally more pronounced than from a single-modality treatment. Your skin may be mildly pink immediately after, and some light peeling may occur over the following two to five days as the skin renews. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. A series of four treatments spaced two to four weeks apart is recommended for best results, followed by monthly maintenance.

When two effective treatments work together in a sequence tailored to your specific skin, the result is something neither would produce alone. That's the thinking behind Medical Abrasion, and it's why patients who have tried both separately often find it the more effective option.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Abrasion

What makes Medical Abrasion more effective than a chemical peel or microdermabrasion alone?

Each modality has strengths that the other lacks. Chemical exfoliation dissolves the bonds between cells and can penetrate deeper into the skin to address pigmentation and stimulate collagen production, but it relies on the skin's natural shedding process to remove the loosened cells. Manual exfoliation physically lifts and removes those cells, deepens exfoliation, and clears debris from pores in ways chemical peels cannot. When both are done in sequence with the right formula for your skin, the result is more comprehensive than either alone, and the manual step enhances the effectiveness of the chemical phase by removing what it has already loosened.

How is this different from what I could get at a salon or spa?

The main difference is the strength of the chemical component. In Minnesota, clinics without physician supervision are limited to lower-concentration chemical formulas. Higher-strength peels, which produce more significant results, require a physician on site to be used safely. At Element Dermatology, Dr. LaBine is present every treatment day, which means our estheticians have access to medical-grade concentrations that most med spas can’t legally or safely offer. The manual exfoliation component is available at many clinics, but the chemical component at Element is stronger.

Is Medical Abrasion safe for sensitive skin?

It depends on the individual. For some patients with sensitive skin, combining two exfoliation modalities may be more than their skin can comfortably tolerate. Our estheticians assess every patient's skin before treatment and will recommend a gentler single-modality approach if Medical Abrasion isn’t right for your skin type. If you have a history of sensitivity to chemical peels or exfoliation treatments, please mention this during your consultation so we can build a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.

Is Medical Abrasion good for acne?

Yes, Medical Abrasion is one of our most effective treatments for acne-prone skin. The chemical component can be formulated with acids that target acne-causing bacteria and congestion, while the manual component clears pores and removes surface buildup that contributes to breakouts. It’s not recommended for patients with active, inflamed breakouts at the time of treatment, but for patients with chronic congestion, clogged pores, and post-acne marks, it’s an excellent option. We’ll assess your skin on the day of your appointment and adjust the treatment accordingly.

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