1.
Am I candidate for Microdermabrasion?
2. What is Microdermabrasion?
3. When is Microdermabrasion usually performed?
4. What does a typical
Microdermabrasion consultation entail?
5. How is Microdermabrasion
performed?
6. What are the differences in
the machines that perform Microdermabrasion and the MEGA PEEL system?
7. What should I expect after
Microdermabrasion?
8. Does Microdermabrasion hurt?
9. Will Microdermabrasion get rid
of my fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars?
10. Is there a lot of swelling
involved with a Microdermabrasion?
11. When can I return to work?
12. When will I be able to see
the results?
13. What are the risks of
Microdermabrasion?
14. Is there maintenance with
Microdermabrasion?
Return to
the Microdermabrasion Page
If you have or have had
acne, discolorations, superficial lines and wrinkles, uneven texture
or sun damaged skin -- you may be a candidate for Microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion cannot be expected to removed deep scars or
wrinkles, birth marks or tattoos. If you have no history of
hypo/hyper-pigmentation or keloid scarring in your family you should
consider microdermabrasion as an alternative to a deeper invasive
peel.
Back to Top
Microdermabrasion is a
mini procedure that involves the skin being "sandblasted" by
aluminum oxide crystals to remove the horny (top) layer of the
skin; dead skin cells. And to promote the production of new
cells in the basal (deepest) layer of the dermis. This procedure
may not work for everyone but it does work for most people. 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.
Microdermabrasion can
be performed anytime. Sessions at 10 days apart from each other
produce the best results. Although this procedure cannot be expected to
remove serious sun damage. It is best for women to schedule this
procedure in the first two weeks after their menstrual cycle as, the
skin is more sensitive nearing and during this time.
There really is no
consultation, per se. This is such a non-invasive mini procedure.
The details and rewards can be explained in 5 minutes. Although
maintenance sessions every few months should be sought.
A cleansing toner is
applied to the skin to remove excess oils for better application and
penetration. A self contained wand is manually passed over the
skin in areas of damage or all over the face, which is usually the
case. The machine delivers fine, sanitary aluminum oxide
crystals to the face that "sand blasts" away dead skin and
impurities. The procedure lasts about 20 to 30 minutes,
depending upon the 'depth' or 'strength' of the peel.
Afterwards a cotton ball saturated with a soothing toner is passed
over the face then a re-hydrating cream and sun block are applied.
There are all types of
machines on the market today, although many of them are not high
quality. A very dependable and high quality machine is available
from a company called MEGA PEEL. Mega
Peel
microdermabrasion utilizes crystals to finely resurface
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.
Many spas or salons
have the cheaper variety, although dermatologists and plastic surgeons
may have bought a cheaper model as well -- charging full price on a
cheaper, less effective peel. We use Mega Peel at Hair Today Gone
Tomorrow.
You can expect to feel
as if you have a mild sun burn or windburn. You skin will feel
very dry and may peel. This is natural and is the purpose of the
procedure. You should regularly apply a high quality moisturizer
as well as a high protection sun block. Do not expose your face
to sunlight for long periods of time, not even tanning beds. You
should not use any exfoliating scrubs or lotions beforehand or
afterwards for at least 3 days. Your skin will be
smoother and the damage will be lessened. Although for serious
damage a series (of 4 to 6 sessions) can be scheduled at 5 day
intervals. It truly depends upon your technician.
Microdermabrasion does
not hurt although it may sting a little around the eye area. The
patient normally works up as they go to increase the penetration
level. Your skin may feel a little hot and appear a little pink
for the first day.
In most cases, yes.
Although severe scarring will not be lessened in appearance with
solely Microdermabrasion. Sometimes a regimen of Retin-A and or
Glycolic treatments in conjunction with Microdermabrasion will
increase your chances the best results possible.
It is extremely rare
that you may swell at all after Microdermabrasion. This mini-procedure is so very un-invasive yet it really works with time.
I noticed a difference after one treatment.
You can return to work
immediately with the application of a little loose powder. You
may choose to schedule this on your day off or at least after work.
Many patients schedule it on their lunch break but return with pink
skin. There is no downtime per se, involved with Microdermabrasion.
Results are often times immediate. We're not talking life-altering results here,
but a nice, clean, smooth feeling is apparent directly after. At
least with a high quality machine. You will notice that your
skin to be more even toned and textured. After the horny
layer (dull dead skin cells) is removed you will notice an
improvement overall. Especially after a series.
There are
not many risks associated with microdermabrasion if you are a healthy
adult, but enough to mention for those of you with skin or medical
conditions. If the medical grade machines are used at high power
it carries potential risks of hyperpigmentation, perforation,
bleeding, and infection. Infection can also be a risk if the machines
are not sterile. Many components of these machines are meant to
be sterilized, autoclaved or changed out with a new disposable piece.
Any and all pieces that come into contact with your skin should be
able to be sterilized or changed out.
*Also, you
should NOT have a microdermabrasion treatment on the affected area if
you have the following:
- Undiagnosed lesions
- Recent herpes
outbreaks
- Warts
- Active, weeping acne
(stages 3-4)
- Active Rosacea
- Unstable diabetes
- Auto-immune system
disorders
- Some patients
hyperpigment post-op. Lower pressures are used on follow-up
treatments
- Using Retin A
religiously or just had a chemical peel
- recently had laser
surgery
*source
for the immediate above, Medscape Medical Journal (1999)
Not really maintenance
but it is best that you schedule a session every few months for
general upkeep. I hardly consider that maintenance, by
definition. You will not magically return to your former damaged
skin tone condition although occasional sessions can only make it
better.
We are happy to answer any other
questions you may have. Feel free to e-mail
your questions today!
