Microdermabrasion

Detailed info

Microdermabrasion

Also known as microderm

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive, skin resurfacing procedure that gently exfoliates or polishes away the top layer of dead skin cells, while stimulating collagen growth, to reveal healthy new skin that looks and feels smoother. Fine lines, blemishes, dull skin and sun spots can be improved, especially with regular treatments. Products such as moisturizers, creams and lotions are more easily absorbed and therefore more effective after microdermabrasion treatment. This is a painless, low-risk skin treatment that can be added to your beauty routine.

When to Consider microdermabrasion

• If you want to brighten your skin and have a healthy glow
• If you have sun damage, acne scars, or fine lines
• If your pores are clogged and you often have blackheads and/or whiteheads
• If you want to maintain healthy, clear skin

Pros

• Immediate result with no downtime, pain, or side effects
• Improved look of scars, wrinkles, and skin spots
• Effective for all skin types and colors

Cons

• Cannot help serious skin conditions such as deep acne, active rosacea, eczema or dermatitis
• Requires multiple sessions and maintenance treatments for maximum effectiveness
• Skin may feel sensitive and be sensitive to the sun immediately after treatment

These are the top three pros and cons to weigh when considering microdermabrasion. If you want to focus on what is unique to you, please consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon.

Am I a good candidate for a microdermabrasion?

There are virtually no skin type limitations for microdermabrasion. The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider this procedure:

• You want to brighten your skin and have a healthy glow
• You have sun damage, acne scars, or fine lines
• Your pores are clogged and you often have blackheads and/or whiteheads
• You want to maintain healthy, clear skin

How is a microdermabrasion procedure performed?

Most often, your microdermabrasion treatment will be performed by a licensed skincare professional in your plastic surgeon's office or medical spa.

There are two general methods for microdermabrasion:

Crystal Microdermabrasion

For this type of microdermabrasion, a handpiece emits crystals onto the surface of the skin, resulting in a gentle abrasion or "polishing" process. Then the dead skin cells along with the crystals are suctioned off either instantaneously (in the same handpiece) or in a secondary process.

Diamond-Tip Microdermabrasion

This type of microdermabrasion works with a diamond-tip handpiece that gently abrades and exfoliates dead skin cells. Like the crystal microdermabrasion, the dead skin is either suctioned off right away in the same handpiece or in a secondary process. The diamond-tip microdermabrasion is safer to perform closer to the eyes and has more flexibility in sensitive areas or on more sensitive skin.

Microdermabrasion may be combined with a light chemical peel to increase the effect. Immediately after your treatments, a moisturizer with SPF will be applied to hydrate and protect your skin.

Note that if you have a serious skin condition such as deep, widespread acne, active rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis, then your plastic surgeon might have other recommendations for you. Skin lesions, open sores, herpes breakouts, and other medical conditions may require other treatments before having microdermabrasion.

How do I prepare for a microdermabrasion procedure?

Your licensed skincare professional or plastic surgeon will provide thorough pretreatment instructions, answer any questions you may have, take a detailed medical history, and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for treatment. They may ask you about the following:

• Open sores, wounds, or cuts on your face that can lead to infection
• Medication that makes your skin sensitive such as Retin-A (tretinoin)
• Any skin conditions that may be exacerbated by microdermabrasion

In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

• Stop smoking at least six weeks before undergoing surgery to promote better healing
• Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding
• Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery

On the day of your procedure, it is helpful to have a clean face without too much makeup or products.

What can I expect on the day of treatment?

Your microdermabrasion treatment may be performed in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility, or office-based surgical suite. Each treatment takes thirty minutes to one hour to complete but may take longer.

You will probably be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and your plastic surgeon have made other plans for your immediate post-treatment recovery.

Your surgeon will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After treatment, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your postsurgical care, including information about:

• Normal symptoms you will experience
• Potential signs of complication

See options for short-term recovery locations

Some of the major benefits of microdermabrasion are that there are minimal side effects and downtime. The suction and exfoliation might cause some mild swelling and redness on your skin, depending on your sensitivity. After applying a moisturizer with SPF, your skin should soon normalize. Makeup can be applied and you may return to your normal daily activity.

As with most noninvasive procedures, it is recommended that you wait twenty-four hours before doing extremely strenuous exercise. It is always recommended that you wear sunscreen outside to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

If you have extreme or long-lasting pain or notice redness and swelling contact your surgeon to find out if this is normal or a sign of a problem.

Limitations And Risks

All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
• Infection and bleeding
• Changes in sensation
• Scarring
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to underlying structures
• Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures

Fortunately, there are very few risks associated with microdermabrasion. If you have any of the preexisting skin or medical conditions that may put you at risk for infection or negative results, then you should notify the plastic surgeon or skin professional performing this procedure.

In the hands of an untrained, inexperienced individual who may be working out of a non-accredited facility, any procedure can be dangerous. Make sure there is an appropriate physician with oversight of the location where you are receiving microdermabrasion.

For optimal results and to help minimize certain risks, it is important that you maintain a routine and schedule future maintenance treatments with Dr. Max Grishkevich with VipMediSpa.

from Smart Beauty Guide

FAQ

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non-chemical, non-invasive method of skin resurfacing that utilizes fine crystals to provide effective exfoliation and rejuvenation of the superficial layers of the skin.  When a more aggressive treatment is necessary, vacuum pressure can be increased to evenly penetrate deeper layers of the skin.Increasing the blood supply provides nutrients necessary for skin regeneration, repair, and increased cellular turnover.In return, improving the skins’ elasticity and texture, as well as balancing the pigment.

How does the treatment work?

The skin is washed to remove excess oil and dirt.Then, a medical professional targets a stream of fine aluminum oxide crystals over the area.The crystals abrade away old, dead skin cells, which the vacuum then picks up with gentle suction.This promotes the growth of collagen and new, rejuvenated skin.Moisturizers and sun block are then applied to the treated area.

How many treatments are required?
Initially 5 to 8 treatments spaced 7-10 days apart are recommended for most people.Acne scars and or discolorations may require more treatments.Monthly maintenance treatments every 2 or 3 months may be necessary to maintain results.

Is Microdermabrasion safe?

Microdermabrasion is a safe and common procedure.Unlike laser resurfacing or chemical peels, this procedure is not traumatic and therefore there is no downtime to allow for healing and recovery.But, as always, provide your full medical history and follow your pre and post-treatment instructions.

Can I go back to work after a microdermabrasion treatment?

YES!!!!!A few patients do notice their skin feeling tight immediately after the treatment as if the skin has been exposed to the sun or wind.You might experience a slight dryness of the skin depending upon your skin type.An effective moisturizer is applied after the treatment to prevent this drying of the skin.The skin might appear slightly red for the remainder of the day.Additionally, the patient is asked to refrain from using makeup on the day of the treatment to give the skin chance to breathe and regenerate itself.

Initially, you may feel a very mild scratching sensation as the crystals make contact with the skin.As the treatments continue, this experience compares to a deep massage.Mild redness may occur for ½ an hour to one day depending on the aggressiveness of the program.

Will there be any downtime?

One of the advantages of Microdermabrasion is that it has no downtime.You can return to your normal routine and apply cosmetics directly after treatment.

Why is microdermabrasion called the "lunchtime face lift"?

Because microdermabrasion requires no anesthesia and leaves the skin slightly flushed for just a few hours the nickname "lunchtime face lift" has been coined by patients because of its quick recovery time. Microdermabrasion is an excellent option for people who cannot take time off from work for the deeper chemical peels or laser therapy treatments.

What are the results?

Our Medical-Grade Microdermabrasion equipment provides a gentle alternative in facial rejuvenation.It has proven to be effective in the treatment of the following conditions:
fine lines; enlarged or clogged pores; mild acne and complexion issues; sun damage; superficial age spots; scaly skin lesions also called keratoses; hyper-pigmentation; uneven skin tone; oily skin; dry/patchy skin; acne scarring; black/white heads; stretch marks; and dull, lifeless skin.In addition, most patients experience dramatic improvements in the color, tone, and texture of treated areas.
In general, microdermabrasion results in thicker, healthier, more youthful looking skin.Over the course of a full set of treatments, the body will produce new layers of skin containing higher levels of elastin and collagen.This, in turn, improves the complexion and gives the skin a more radiant, vibrant glow.

How soon will results appear?

Microdermabrasion results are usually immediate and noticeable.Results improve with multiple treatments and vary depending on your individual skin quality.

How long does a Microdermabrasion treatment last?

A Microdermabrasion facial treatment lasts approximately half an hour.Additional time is required for added areas.

Who are candidates for Microdermabrasion?

The ideal candidates for microdermabrasion are healthy adults who have relatively minor skin conditions or imperfections and realistic expectations about what microdermabrasion can and cannot do.Microdermabrasion works well for damaged skin, whether affected by acne, sun damage or aging; and skin of any type or color.

What are the benefits of Microdermabrasion over other procedures?

• Less time
• Less discomfort
• Quick recovery
• No disruptions to normal activities
• Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are most effective on the face; but not as safe and less effective on the neck, chest and hands.Microdermabrasion is safe and effective on the face, hands, chest, neck, knees and even elbows.

Who should avoid Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is not recommended for people who have deep scars, active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, a recent herpes outbreak, warts on the face, skin cancer, active acne (stages 3 and 4), sunburns or active rosacea, eczema, an auto-immune system disorder, or unstable diabetes.Pregnant women should not undergo microdermabrasion.Individuals with deep scars, facial creases, or other moderate-to-severe skin defects should consider a stronger treatment such as a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing

How does the treatment feel?

Microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia, although it may be mildly uncomfortable. Tightness and heat are common effects and quickly fade.The feeling is often compared to a cats’ tongue licking your face.

How long do the results last?

Lasting effects are dependant on proper skin care.Additional treatments will renew your youthful appearance.A series of six treatments over a few months is recommended for best results, followed by regular maintenance treatments.

What are the limitations of Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is designed for minor imperfections and general improvement.Those with very large or dark spots, moderate to deep wrinkles and serious scars should seek an alternative treatment.