Microdermabrasion
This no down-time mechanical exfoliation procedure when done as a series of treatments, noticeably reduces the appearance of fine lines, diminishes large pores, sun damage and pigmentation, and has been shown stimulate collagen production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your skin is first cleansed with a special cleansing gel. The practitioner then starts the microdermabrasion procedure using a machine. The aluminum oxide micro crystal flow is sandblasted through a small hand piece pressed against the skin. The tube also vacuums back dead skin cells and used micro crystals.
The crystal flow starts as soon as the microdermabrasion wand touches your skin. The practitioner slowly moves the wand across your entire face and not just on treated areas, so that you don’t experience inconsistency in skin texture or color. After microdermabrasion, your skin is soothed with a special nourishing sunblock cream, allowing you to go back to your daily routine immediately after treatment.
A typical microdermabrasion face treatment takes between 20 and 30 minutes. However, if you want your neck or other parts of the body treated, it may last up to an hour.
Microdermabrasion can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, helps fight acne and remove acne scarring, evens skin tone, eliminates white and black heads, minimizes large pores and revitalizes dull skin. Microdermabrasion helps skin regeneration by increasing its elasticity and collagen production. The skin looks fresh and feels smooth as soon as treatment is over. With microdermabrasion, there is no recovery time and no discomfort.
Microdermabrasion can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, helps fight acne and remove acne scarring, evens skin tone, eliminates white and black heads, minimizes large pores and revitalizes dull skin. Microdermabrasion helps skin regeneration by increasing its elasticity and collagen production. The skin looks fresh and feels smooth as soon as treatment is over. With micro abrasion, there is no recovery time and no discomfort.
Your practitioner can give you a rough idea of the number of microdermabrasion needed for best results. Major changes are obvious after the fifth session, even though most patients say they observed improvements after the first. Most practitioners suggest 6 to 10 microdermabrasion treatments, scheduled around two weeks apart, so the skin has time to recover between microdermabrasion sessions. After the recommended number of sessions, you may have to schedule another microdermabrasion once every two or three months, to maintain the effects.
Microdermabrasion treatment is painless. Some patients have reported some itchiness or stinging when micro crystals come into contact with their skin. You may feel some discomfort around the eyes, but as the microdermabrasion treatment continues, your skin gets used to the crystal flow. It feels like a mild facial massage from a special wand. Your face may appear a little pinkish in the first 24 hours, but you should not experience any itchiness or pain.
One of the advantages of microdermabrasion is minimum pre-treatment needs. No pre-medication is needed but your practitioner may ask you to stop taking aspirin-based medicines, Retin-A, Renova, Differin or glycolic acid products. Stopping smoking a week before microdermabrasion is also recommended to improve blood flow and so is avoiding sunbathing and waxing. Cold sore reactivation may uncommonly occur after microderm around lips. If you have had a lot of previous cold sores, consider either avoiding treatment around the lip borders or asking your doctor about taking an antiviral pill prophylactically. A typical cold sore prevention regimen may be to start an antiviral pill like acyclovir ( Zovirax) 800mg or valacyclovir (Valtrex) 1 gram once a day starting the day before and continuing for 1-2 days after your treatment. Antiviral creams are not recommended for effective cold sore prevention.
After leaving the office, it is necessary to use a sunblock with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, to avoid sun damage after the microdermabrasion. Some redness may occur on treated areas, but they generally disappear after a few hours. During the first 24 hours, your skin may feel dry, similarly to the effects of a mild wind or sunburn. Use lots of moisturizer during the first few days. Avoid sun exposure for at least a week after the treatment, don’t use any peeling products for the next 3-4 days and avoid full-face make up (liquid, loose or pressed mineral based makeup is the best).
Microdermabrasion is not recommended to keratosis sufferers, people with undiagnosed lesions, active rosacea or acne, weeping acne (stages 3 to 4), diabetes, auto-immune disorders, fragile capillaries, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or lupus. Recent laser surgery or Accutane acne treatment may also be sound reasons for your practitioner not to recommend microdermabrasion. Discuss your medical history to your practitioner if unsure.