Microdermabrasion is a popular skincare treatment used to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin and improve the appearance of texture, dullness, uneven tone, and other common cosmetic concerns.
For estheticians, skincare professionals, salons, spas, and medical spas, it can be an attractive service to add to a treatment menu. But even a familiar, non-surgical aesthetic procedure can result in unexpected client reactions.
Understanding those risks—and preparing for the liability that can accompany them—is an important part of operating a professional skincare practice.
Here are six potential risks skincare professionals should keep in mind when performing microdermabrasion.
1. Excessive Redness and Skin Irritation
Some temporary redness or sensitivity may occur following exfoliating treatments. However, a client may experience more irritation than expected.
Skin type, treatment intensity, existing sensitivity, recent procedures, skincare products, medications, and other factors can potentially affect how a client’s skin responds.
Thorough consultation and pre-treatment screening can help practitioners identify potential concerns before beginning treatment.
2. Abrasions and Skin Injury
Microdermabrasion is designed to remove superficial dead skin cells, but overly aggressive treatment can potentially damage the skin.
Excessive pressure, repeated passes over an area, inappropriate device settings, or treatment of compromised skin may increase the potential for abrasions or other injuries.
Even relatively minor injuries can become a liability concern if a client believes the procedure was performed improperly.
3. Post-Treatment Breakouts
Some clients may experience breakouts or temporary changes in their skin following a treatment.
While a breakout doesn’t necessarily mean that a practitioner did something wrong, clients may associate any skin problem that develops shortly after a procedure with the service they received.
Setting realistic expectations and providing clear aftercare instructions can help clients better understand what they may experience following treatment.
4. Changes in Pigmentation
Skin trauma and inflammation can sometimes contribute to changes in pigmentation, particularly for clients who may be susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This makes appropriate client assessment and treatment selection especially important.
A cosmetic treatment intended to improve someone’s complexion can become a serious client concern if it instead results in an unwanted change in skin appearance.
5. Infection
Any procedure that disrupts or irritates the skin requires careful attention to sanitation and infection-control practices.
Equipment, treatment surfaces, practitioner hygiene, and post-treatment client behavior can all play a role.
If a client develops an infection following a procedure, the practitioner or business may face allegations that improper sanitation or treatment practices contributed to it.
6. Results That Don’t Meet Client Expectations
Not every liability concern begins with a physical injury.
A client may expect a dramatic improvement in pigmentation, texture, fine lines, acne-related concerns, or the overall appearance of their skin. When those expectations aren’t met, dissatisfaction can sometimes turn into complaints or allegations about how the service was represented or performed.
Clear communication matters.
Practitioners should avoid guaranteeing outcomes and should help clients develop realistic expectations about what microdermabrasion can—and cannot—accomplish.
Good Risk Management Starts Before the Treatment
Reducing risk isn’t simply about performing the procedure correctly.
A strong approach can include:
- Appropriate client consultation and screening
- Reviewing relevant contraindications
- Maintaining treatment and consent documentation
- Following equipment and sanitation protocols
- Providing clear pre- and post-treatment instructions
- Staying within applicable licensing and scope-of-practice requirements
- Maintaining insurance appropriate for the services being performed
These steps can help create a safer experience for both the client and practitioner.
Why Liability Insurance Matters for Microdermabrasion Professionals
Even experienced skincare professionals can face allegations of injury, negligence, or improper treatment.
And a claim doesn’t necessarily mean the practitioner actually made a mistake. Defending against an allegation can create its own financial and professional challenges.
That’s why professionals offering microdermabrasion should understand whether their liability insurance appropriately addresses the services they perform.
Allied Beauty Experts provides insurance solutions designed for beauty, skincare, spa, and wellness professionals.
If microdermabrasion is part of your treatment menu, learn more about Microdermabrasion Liability Insurance from Allied Beauty Experts and coverage options for eligible skincare professionals and businesses.
Coverage availability, eligibility, terms, conditions, and exclusions vary. Professionals should confirm that the specific services they perform are eligible for coverage.