Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment for all skin types. It requires a highly specialized machine containing a vacuum pump and mineral-based crystals. A plastic tube connected to the machine is used to gently vacuum crystals over the skin’s surface. The process has a two-fold benefit for the skin: exfoliation and micro-massage. Exfoliation helps to produce smooth, even-toned skin. As we age the time for a new skin cell to form and migrate to the top most layer of the skin increases, thereby contributing to a thickening of the skin’s surface. When the skin thickens, it appears rough and uneven. Microdermabrasion will remove these thickened layers of dead skin cells, resulting in softer, smoother skin. This process also helps to smooth shallow acne scars, reduce pore size and clear hyperpigmentation (sun/age spots, freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc )

The micro-massage action of microdermabrasion improves circulation to the dermis, which then stimulates the production of superficial papillary dermis collagen-the building block that results in firmer tighter skin. The overall effect is skin that is firm, smooth, even-toned, and more radiant.

Microdermabrasion is easy to undergo. It does not require anesthesia either local or general. While you will certainly feel the procedure, the good news is that it is basically painless. While I have heard patients describe it as being rubbed with an emery board of piece of sandpaper, I personally think it feels like being licked by a cat.

You can expect your treated skin to look slightly pink. However, there should be no obvious skin wounds, weeping, oozing or blistering. For deeper microdermabrasion procedures, your skin may be slightly red and swollen for the remainder of the day.

What Is Microdermabrasion Used To Treat?

Melasma
Sun and age spots
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Thick, rough skin
Fine line and wrinkles
Sun-damaged skin
Keratoses Pilaris of the arms and legs can be temporarily smoothed out,
Provides superior exfoliation due to glycolic acid. Improves hydration due to lactic acid
       allowing topical agents to penetrate more easily and work more effectively.
Enlarged pores
Comeodonal acne
Shallow acne scars

What Should Microdermabrasion Not Be Used For?

Keloid scarring
Deeper, “ice-pick” type acne scarring
Skin cancers
Benign skin growths such as skin tags
Rosacea
Deeper lines and wrinkles

How Long Does A Treatment Take?
A microdermabrasion takes approximately an hour. The actual microdermabrasion takes 10-15 minutes, and the remainder of the time is spent in the application of other therapeutic skin care products. We find that this is an ideal time to apply these beneficial skin care products due to an increase in their absorption into the deeper skin structures. The skin care products chosen will be based on your individual skin concern as well as your skin type and any skin sensitivities that you may have.

What Can I Expect After My Microdermabrasion?
Redness is the most typical side effect. For most patients the redness resolves by the end of the day, if not sooner. Microdermabrasion is known as the “lunch time peel” due to minimal side effects immediately following the procedure. Some patients may experience mild peeling and a slight stinging sensation following their treatment, but again this is a very short lived side effect. Even though the improvements seen with microdermabrasion are gradual, patients universally notice their skin is smoother, softer, and more radiant immediately after their treatment.

What Should I Avoid After My Microdermabrasion?
We will give you an aftercare sheet following your microdermabrasion outlining what to expect, as well as how to care for your skin after your procedure. We do recommend that patients avoid using both alpha hydroxyl acids (glycolic, salicylic, etc.) and vitamin A derivatives (Retinol, Renova, Retin-A) the day of the procedure, and wait to resume these products until the following evening. If there is any concern over whether or not to use a certain skin care product before or after your microdermabrasion, we are always happy to answer your questions.

We also recommend that patients avoid the following for the remainder of the day after their microdermabrasion:

Sun exposure
Tanning beds
Swimming
Hot tubs and saunas
Vigorous exercise

How Many Treatment Will I Need?
We recommend starting with a series of 5 microdermabrasion sessions. However, for acne scarring we find that 10 treatments are often needed for optimal results. Treatments can be done every 1-2 weeks. At the end of a patient’s microdermabrasion series we will recommend a maintenance program every 8-12 weeks. Much like have your hair trimmed every 8-12 weeks, our skin continues to form layers of dead skin cells; collagen continues to breakdown due to the natural aging process; and pores continue to become congested with oil and debris. Continuing with a regular maintenance microdermabrasion will help you enjoy healthy, radiant skin for years to come!