What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that involves the skin being abraded  to remove the stratum corneum top) layer of the skin; dead skin cells.  Microdermabrasion stimulates collagen and promotes the production of new cells in the deepest layer of the dermis.  It cleans pores and hinders break outs if used on a regular basis.  It also evens out skin texture and appearance and requires no down time.

Am I a Candidate For Microdermabrasion?

Individuals that are acne prone, have blotchy skin, small scars, keratoses, large pores, milia, or sebaceous hyperplasia are good candidates.  Also if you have sun damage or uneven texture this treatment can improve the condition of your skin.

Microdermabrasion is not recommended for those who have recently had laser surgery,  using Retin A or just had a chemical peel, have active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, recent herpes outbreaks, warts, stage 3 or 4 - active weeping acne, active rosacea, auto-immune system disorders or unstable diabetes.

A microdermabrasion treatment has been likened to a slight windburn. It does not hurt although it may feel a little more sensitive around the eye area.  The technician can turn down the controls if the treatment too strong for you. Your skin may feel a little hot and appear a little pink for the first part of the day and should be perfectly fine that night.  The treatments typically last 20 to 30 minutes for the face. If your treatment includes the neck and upper chest area, it may last up to an hour. 

What Happens After the Treatment ?

• A rehydrating toner, moisturizer and sunscreen is applied to your skin after the treatment 
• Expect some redness after the treatment, however this is unlikely to persist more than a few hours.  The sensation of having a mild windburn or sunburn will also pass after a few hours.  Continue to apply a high quality moisturizer to re-hydrate your skin.
• 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 right after a treatment.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for 7 days after a treatment. Use a high quality sun protector as well as minimize sun exposure. 
• Avoid Glycolic Acid products, Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, and skin exfoliation scrubs for 72 hours both before and after a treatment.

Most patients feel and see a difference just after one or two treatments but schedule additional treatments to increase this improvement. You will notice softer, smoother skin and your skin will feel vibrant and healthy.  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, reduce the appearance of blemishes caused by sun damage and remove thickened skin areas due to the impact of environmental factors. Additionally, microdermabrasion can eliminate white and black heads and reduce the appearance of open pores by unclogging oily build-up.

A normal course of microdermabrasion treatments varies between 3 to 10 at approximately 2 week intervals depending on the original condition of the skin and the desired results.  It is recommended that you schedule an additional treatment every 1 to 3 months to maintain your skin in excellent condition. 

What are the Limitations of Microdermabrasion?

• Microdermabrasion is not a good solution for tattoo removal
• Microdermabrasion is not the best treatment for raised or deeply pitted skin areas (possibly from old severe acne scars)
• Darker pigmented areas and heavily damaged skin will require multiple treatments