MicroDermabrasion

Q: What Is Microdermabrasion? A: Microdermabrasion is an effective, non-surgical way to get rid of acne scars, fine wrinkles and sunspots by exfoliating the top layers of the skin. No chemicals or laser beams are used, only aluminum oxide micro crystals that gently sandblast your skin, leaving it smooth and fresh. Micro dermabrasion also stimulates collagen production, helping your skin rejuvenate faster than normal. Also called the lunchtime peel, microderm abrasion takes up to one hour and has no downtime.

Q: What Does Micro Dermabrasion Involve? A: Your skin is first cleansed with a special cleansing gel. The doctor then starts the micro abrasion procedure using a hand-held device. The aluminum oxide micro crystal flow is sandblasted through a small tube pressed against the skin. The tube also vacuums back dead skin cells and used micro crystals. The crystal flow starts as soon as the microderm abrasion wand touches your skin. The doctor slowly moves the wand across your entire face and not just on treated areas, so that you don't experience inconsistence in skin texture or color. After microdermabrasion, your skin is soothed with a special nourishing sun blocking cream, allowing you to go back to your daily routine immediately after treatment.

Q: What Is The Difference Between Microdermabrasion And Dermabrasion? A: Dermabrasion is a mechanical procedure that uses a power driver hand-held device to remove the top layers of the skin. It may need general or a local anesthetic, depending on the treated area. Derma abrasion lasts between a few minutes and two hours, depending on the depth and area of the skin resurfacing. After dermabrasion treatment, the skin is red, swollen and extremely sensitive for about 10 days. Dermabrasion can offer visible improvement by treating deep wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation. Microabrasion is much less invasive. It can be performed in an beauty center, doctor's office or at home, using a personal home micro dermabrasion kit. A doctor uses a sandblaster-like hand-held device to spray and circulate high pressure flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. Used crystals and dead skin cells are then vacuumed back into the microdermabrasion machine, leaving the skin clean and smooth.

Q: Is Aluminum Oxide Safe? A: Aluminum oxide crystals are perfectly safe and non-toxic if ingested. They don't cause adverse skin reactions and they are not carcinogen. During microderm abrasion, your eyes are protected by special glasses, to prevent micro crystals from getting in your eyes. The special wands in microdermabrasion machines used in cosmetic saloons are designed to vacuum back all micro crystals released during micro dermabrasion. That way, chances of inhaling the aluminum oxide are fairly slim.

Q: Where Is Microabrasion Performed? A: Microdermabrasions are available in cosmetic centers, spas, dermatology clinics or at home by using a home microdermabrasion kit. Either way, you should consult your doctor to help you decide if micro derm abrasion is suitable for you and which kit or system would be best for you.

Q: Who Can Perform Microderm Abrasion? A: Microabrasion used to be performed only by trained plastic surgeons. Many dermatologists and beauty specialists, however, are now specially trained to perform microderm abrasion. A home microdermabrasion kit allows even yourself to perform micro dermabrasion treatment on yourself. Simply follow the instructions that come with the abrasion kit.

Q: How Much Time Does Micro Dermabrasion Require? A: A typical micro derm abrasion face treatment takes between 20 and 30 minutes. However, if you want your neck or other parts of the body treated, it may last up to an hour. Home microdermabrasion takes a only few minutes, including the pre-treatment cleansing and micro abrasion applicator maintenance.

Q: What Should I Ask At The First Microdermabrasion Consultation? A: A first microderm abrasion consultation doesn't take more than a few minutes. Discuss your medical history with the doctor and help him decide whether microdemabrasion is right for you. He will establish your skin type, explain what's involved and help you set reasonable goals and expectations. Ask about any contraindications and involved risks. Also ask to see other patients' 'before and after' photos and his qualifications to perform microdermabrasion. You should also let him know that you feel strongly about him using sterile equipment. Ask the doctor to tell you any pre-treatment needments and finally, set the date for the first session.

Q: Is Micro Abrasion Suitable For Me? A: If the goal is to get rid of superficial acne scars, blotchy skin, large pores, age or sun spots, fine wrinkles or uneven skin tone and texture, you are a perfect candidate for micro dermabrasion. All skin types and colors can be treated with microdermabrasion. But before you go ahead, talk to a specialist about your medical history because there are conditions which may make microderm abrasion unsuitable for you.

Q: What Can Micro Dermabrasion Do For Me? A: Microderm abrasion can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, helps fight acne and remove acne scarring, evens skin tone, eliminates white and black heads, minimizes large pores and revitalizes dull skin. Microdermabrasion helps skin regeneration by increasing its elasticity and collagen production. The skin looks fresh and feels smooth as soon as treatment is over. With micro abrasion, there is no recovery time and no discomfort. Return to Top Q: How Much Does Microdermabrasion Cost? A: A microdermbrasion treatment costs, on average, $75 to $200, depending on where it is performed and the area treated. For best results, more than one microderm abrasion session is needd. There are also the so-called hidden costs (use special gel and cream that are needed before and after the treatment).

Q: How Many Treatments Are Required? A: Your doctor can give you a rough idea of the number of microdermabrasions needd for best results. Major changes are obvious after the fifth session, even though most patients say they observed improvements after the first two. Most doctors suggest 6 to 10 microabrasion treatments, scheduled around two weeks apart, so the skin has time to recover between micro dermabrasion sessions. After the recommended number of sessions, you may have to schedule another abrasion once every two or three months, to maintain the effects.

Q: Will I Experience Any Discomfort During Treatment? Does It Hurt? A: Micro abrasion treatment is painless. Some patients have reported some itchiness or stinginess when micro crystals came in contact with their skin. You may feel some discomfort around the eyes, but as microdermabrasion treatment continues, your skin gets used to crystal flow. It feels like the mild facial massage from a special wand. Your face may appear a little pinkish in the first 24 hours, but you should not experience any itchiness or pain.

Q: How Do I Prepare For Microderm Abrasion? A: One of the advantages of microdermabrasion is minimum pre-treatment needments. No pre-medication is needd but your doctor may ask you to stop taking aspirin-based medicines, Retin-A, Renova, Differin or glycolic acid products. Stopping smoking a week before microdermabrasion is also recommended to improve blood flow and so is avoiding sunbathing and waxing.

Q: How Soon Can I Return To Work? A: You can return to work the minute you leave your doctor's office. If your skin looks reddish, like after a mild sunburn, you can cover it up with some light make-up.

Q: When Do Micro Derm Abrasion Results Become Visible? A: That depends on your skin and the micro dermabrasion machine used by your doctor. Some patients reported changes after the first treatment. Your skin will look cleaner and healthier after a few microdermabrasions, but major changes (like reduction of wrinkles and scars) become visible after five treatments.

Q: Is There Maintenance Treatment After Microdermabrasions? A: After a complete series of micro dermabrasion treatments, you may want to keep your skin looking smooth and younger by scheduling a microdermabrasion-maintenance session once every 3 months.

Q: What Should I Expect After Treatment? A: You will receive a sunscreen hydrating moisturizer after microdermabrasion, to avoid sun damage after leaving the doctor's office. Some redness might occur on treated areas, but they generally disappear after a few hours. During the first 24 hours, your skin may feel dry, similarly to effects of a mild wind or sunburn. Use lots of moisturizer during the first few days. Avoid sun exposure for at least a week after the treatment, don't use any peeling products for the next 3-4 days and avoid full-face make up (liquid foundation or pressed powder).

Q: Can I Try Micro Skin Abrasion At Home? A: Yes, you can try a home micro dermabrasion product, but not before you discuss it with your doctor. All major cosmetic companies have at least one at-home microdermabrasion kit, which use different systems, foam, cream, sponges or treatments for your face or for the entire body. Home microabrasion systems, however, don't match the effectiveness of professional microderm abrasion treatment.

Q: Are There Any Microderm Abrasion Contraindications? A: Microderm abrasion is not recommended to keratosis sufferers, people with undiagnosed lesions, active rosacea or acne, weeping acne (stages 3 to 4), diabetes, auto-immune disorders, fragile capillaries, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or lupus. Recent laser surgery or Accutane acne treatment may also be sound reasons for your doctor not to recommend microdermabrasion. Discuss your medical history to your doctor if unsure.

Q: Are There Any Risks Involved? A: Micro dermabrasion is virtually risk-free. It is non-invasive and mild, so you have nothing to worry about. Make sure, however, that the medical staff sterilizes the equipment or changing the disposable pieces before use. That way, the risk of infection is practically zero.

Q: What Can't Micro Abrasion Do? A: Microdermabasion can not cure severe scarring or deeply spotted areas on your face and body. Microderm abrasion works well at the very top layer of the skin. It cannot reconstruct the epidermis like laser surgery or dermabrasion treatment can. Don't expect microdermabrasion to remove tattoos, make darker pigmented areas disappear or treat severe burn scars.