What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a mini procedure that involves the skin being "sandblasted" by aluminum oxide crystals, baking soda, salt or corn cob granules to remove the stratum corneum (top) layer of the skin; dead skin cells.  Microdermabrasion also promotes the production of new cells in the basal (deepest) layer of the dermis.  It can clean your pores incredibly and hinder any future breaks outs if used on a regular basis.  Microdermabrasion also stimulates collagen net working to further even out skin texture and appearance.

Are You a Candidate For Microdermabrasion?

The best candidates for microdermabrasion are individuals with acne prone and blotchy skin, small scars, rhytides, keratoses, large pores, milia, or sebaceous hyperplasia.  If you have sun damage or uneven texture and would like to improve the condition of your skin, you may be a good candidate for Microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is not recommended for those who have active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, recent herpes outbreaks, warts, active, weeping acne (stages 3 to 4), active rosacea, unstable diabetes or auto-immune system disorders.

Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?

Microdermabrasion does not hurt although it may sting a little.  The patient normally works up to a level as they go to increase the penetration to the skin.  Your skin may feel a little hot and appear a little pink for the first day.

You should be perfectly fine that night.  Although really intense micro- dermabrasion treatments may leave you pink for several days.  The technician can turn down the controls if the suction or level of the blast is too strong for you. 

Patients have attributed the sensation of a microdermabrasion treatment to a slight windburn. Although depending upon the level that you wish to reach the discomfort is usually quite minimal, if at all.
What to Expect During a Treatment? The process starts with a good cleanings.  Then the microdermabrassion procedure  is done followed by a peel.  Next our esthetician gives a  facial that includes steaming, toning massage and an anti-aging masque.  The finishing consists of a skin treatment with vitamins to hydrate and moisturize and sun screen protection with zinc oxide.   The treatments typically last up to an hour.  

A normal course of microdermabrasion treatments varies between 4 to 8 at approximately 2 week intervals.  It is recommended that you schedule an additional treatment every 1 to 3 months to maintain your skin in excellent condition.  Most patients actually feel and see a difference just after one or two treatments but schedule additional treatments to increase this improvement.

After The Treatment

• A rehydrating toner, moisturizer and sunscreen is applied to your skin prior to leaving the surgeon or dermatologist's office.
• Some redness is expected after a treatment, however this is not likely to persist more than a few hours.  The sensation of having a mild windburn or sunburn will also pass after a few hours.  Applying a high quality moisturizer to re-hydrate the skin at this point will help.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for 7 days after a treatment. We do stress the importance of using a high quality sun protectant product as well as minimizing sun exposure.  Exposure to UV radiation is one of the key factors in speeding the skin aging process.
• Avoid Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid products and skin exfoliation scrubs for 72 hours both before and after a treatment.
• Avoid full face make-up, i.e. liquid foundations or pressed powder foundations for 24 hours after a treatment.  Eye make-up, lipstick etc. may be applied immediately after a treatment.

What Results Are Gained From Microdermabrasion?

Your skin will feel vibrant and healthy and you will notice an immediate difference in your softer, smoother skin.  There is virtually no recovery time, no discomfort and you can return to work immediately. 

A series of microdermabrasion treatments can help reduce the look of fine lines and superficial wrinkles, remove thickened skin areas due to the impact of environmental factors and reduce the appearance of blemishes caused by sun damage.  Additionally, microdermabrasion can reduce the appearance of open pores by unclogging sebum (oil) build-up and eliminate white and black heads.

What Can't Microdermabrasion Do?

Please be advised, raised or deeply pitted skin areas (possibly from old severe acne scars) and darker pigmented areas will require multiple treatments.  I must advise that while Microdermabrasion does is not the cure all for heavily damaged skin, it is a non invasive technique for those of you who do not need a serious laser or chemical peel treatment.