What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical, non-invasive procedure that uses a spray of microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells and reveal younger, healthier-looking skin. Microdermabrasion also encourages the production of a new underlying layer of skin cells with higher levels of collagen and elastin, which further improves your skin’s appearance. Microdermabrasion is much gentler than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a more intensive procedure used to treat deeper facial lines, extreme sun damage, and scars.
Who is a candidate for microdermabrasion?
In general, good microdermabrasion candidates are adults who are in good physical health, with realistic expectations for the outcome of their treatment. People who do not have enough available time to undergo more invasive skin resurfacing treatments such as dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels may also be good candidates for microdermabrasion.
How much does microdermabrasion cost?
The cost of microdermabrasion depends on factors such as the amount of microdermabrasion a patient needs, the number of treatments, the fees of the treating physician, and the geographic region where the treatment is administered. The cost of microdermabrasion is less expensive than that of some other cosmetic options for facial rejuvenation, particularly surgical procedures such as a face lift.
What are the risks and benefits of microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a safe, non-surgical, “lunch hour” procedure that provides many benefits. Microdermabrasion reduces or eliminates fine facial lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging; it improves the appearance of acne scars and other light scarring; and it gives skin of all colors and types a fresh, healthy-looking glow. It does all this with virtually no side effects. And because microdermabrasion uses non-allergenic crystals to treat the skin, it is an excellent treatment for skin that is sensitive to chemicals. Microdermabrasion does not present any serious risks when it is performed by a qualified provider. Some people may experience slight skin irritation after microdermabrasion. Since everyone’s skin and health history differ to some degree, the risks and benefits of microdermabrasion must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Is aluminum oxide safe?
Yes. It is the material recognized as the appropriate abradant for the micro-dermabrasion procedure. Also, the Material Safety Data Sheet indicates that AI2O3, (in various forms known as Corundum, White Fused Alumina or Bauxite), is non-toxic for ingestion, is not associated with adverse skin contact reactions and is not a known carcinogen.
What happens during the microdermabrasion procedure?
In a microdermabrasion procedure, the dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon uses a handheld device that sprays fine crystals onto the surface of your skin, providing gentle abrasion, or “polishing,” to remove the outer layer of old skin cells. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes to an hour and five to twelve microdermabrasion treatments at two- to three-week intervals are recommended for optimal results.
What are microdermabrasion recovery and results like?
Microdermabrasion is often called a “lunch hour” treatment because it’s a quick procedure that can be performed at a doctor’s office during your lunch hour with little or no discomfort. The treated skin may be pink after the treatment, but this will usually fade within a few hours. You can apply makeup soon after undergoing microdermabrasion to conceal any visible signs of the treatment. Microdermabrasion recovery and results are among the most favorable of all the noninvasive facial treatments available today.
Does microdermabrasion work on acne scars?
Before explaining how microdermabrasion helps with acne scars, it’s important to understand how acne works. Basically, acne is a medical skin condition in which oil and dead skin cells clog the pores, causing pimples, blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, or more severe problems, like nodular or cystic acne.Some of the sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil (also called sebum) in excess. Oil combines with cells found on the walls of these glands and clogs your pores. The result are pimples which can appear on your face, neck, arms, shoulders chest or your back.
Yes, microdermabrasion works on superficial acne scars and helps fade deeper acne scars as well. For acne treatment, microdermabrasion peels off a very, very fine layer of skin (but thicker than the one removed by regular facial peel) where superficial acne scar cells are stuck.
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What do I need to do to prior to arriving for appointment?
Please refrain from applying any makeup, lotions or perfumes the day of your appointment.