The Fenske Study Manual Microdermabrasion is safer with better results , Structural and Functional Changes in Normal Aging Skin by Neil A. Fenske, MD Synopsis: Published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, this study details how, as the skin ages, the epidermis thins and the dermis atrophies with a deceased number of fibroblasts, mast cells and essential proteins. The collagen and elastin are renatured and there is a decreased blood supply to the skin. A Comparative Histologic Study of the Effects of Three Peeling Agents and Dermabrasion on Normal and Sun Damaged Skin Synopsis: This study by Samuel Stegman of San Francisco details the clinical improvement of sundamaged skin after dermabrasion and peels. The author described how dermabrasion caused an enlarged layer of papillary dermis and cited previous reports that showed how, after the skin treatment, basophillically degenerated collagen was replaced by normal staining collagen. This study appeared in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Age, sunlight and facial skin: A Histologic and Quantitative Study by Raphael Warren, et al, Ph.D. Synopsis: This study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, details the changes that occur to the skin as people age and are exposed to sun. As skin ages or is sun damaged, the elastin fibers become thicker, more curled and branched. As further aging takes place, the elastin fibers become tangled and dense. Age and sun damage cause a denaturing of the collagen and a progressive elimination of collagen proteins. These changes cause aging, wrinkles, facial furrows and decreased skin tone and elasticity. Dermabrasion, Chemabrasion and Laserabrasion: Historical Perspectives, Modern Dermabrasion Techniques and Future Trends by James Fulton, MD, Ph.D. Synopsis: Published in Dermatologic Survey, this study details the history and development of dermabrasion techniques. Overall conclusions show that patient satisfaction is excellent. This paper was submitted for publication before the popularity of microdermabrasion and described more of the older techniques. Since the paper was published, the author has embraced the microdermabrasion revolution because of its many advantages. Aluminum Oxide Crystal Microdermabrasion: A New Technique for Treating Facial Scarring by Ren-Yeu Tsai, MD, et al Synopsis: The first scientific study on microdermabrasion done by the Department of Dermatology in Taipei, Taiwan, this study showed good to excellent treatment for all patients. No adverse results were seem. The authors concluded that microdermabrasion is a safe and effective procedure. Histological Evaluation and Evaluation of results of Microdermabrasion Synopsis: This study, which is accepted at the spring 2000 meeting of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, details the positive clinical and histological results of Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion: A Comparison of Techniques Synopsis: This study, which is accepted for the Facial Plastic Surgery Section of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, compares different microdermabrasion systems and techniques. Home based manual microdermabrasion appeared equal to suction microdermabrasion in the areas of pigmentation and acne breakouts. The manual system appeared to be tolerated better than the suction units with less discomfort and increased patient compliance. The manual microdermabrasion also was subjectively preferred to suction microdermabrasion in the areas of acne scars, sun damage, aging and overall complexion. Histopathological evaluation showed the results of resurfacing for both techniques. Manual Verses Suction-Assisted Microdermabrasion for Treatment of Irregular Surfaces Synopsis: The study compares the use of manual microdermabrasion techniques to the suction assisted technique on the back of the hand, deemed to be an irregular area that is difficult to treat with suction microdermabrasion. The manual technique was determined to be easier to use for this area, with increased patient comfort and compliance. The manual technique was also subjectively determined to provide superior results by both visual inspection and finger palpation. Histologic Evaluation of the Depth of Penetration of Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Synopsis: A comparison and evaluation the depth of penetration of different techniques for dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Thirty-five percent TCA was seen to partially remove the epidermis but not the dermis. CO2 laser resurfacing depth of penetration could be controlled by the operator, with extension into the epidermis and dermis, depending upon the power of the laser and the number of passes. Similarly, both manual and suction assisted microdermabrasion techniques could obtain varying depth of penetration according to the operator. Neither system was seen to penetrate the skin with any risk of damage.