Microdermabrasion is used in the treatment of fine wrinkles, mild acne scars, flaking skin, brown spots, age spots and stretch marks. It is a painless and safe, non-surgical treatment which smooths and exfoliates the skin, and requires no topical anesthesia.

How does microdermabrasion work?

Like a chemical peel, microdermabrasion removes the dead surface layers of skin. However, micro-dermabrasion is completely non-invasive and has the additional advantage of complete control. It also stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage within the skin, allowing the epidermis access to increased oxygen levels.

Microdermabrasion leaves the skin smooth and clean with a rosy glow. Blackheads are loosened, whiteheads become unsurfaced; hyperpigmentation lightens; acne scars, enlarged pores and epidermal wrinkles become less prominent. Oxygen-rich blood is drawn to the skin surface to feed and repair cells.

The principle of microdermabrasion is to remove dead surface skin cells, thereby bringing out fresh, healthy cells in conjunction with collagen and elastin formation.

What should I do before microdermabrasion?

Avoid exposure to the sun for one to two weeks. Do not use exfoliants, Retin-A, glycolic acid, facial scrubs, or topical acne medications for at least five days prior to treatment. Avoid chemical peels, laser treatments, surgery or any other skin treatments, unless you obtain your doctor's consent. Also inform your dermatologist if you are taking Accutane, or of any other new or changed medications.

What happens during microdermabrasion?

In a treatment, a jet of minute, non-toxic aluminum oxide crystals is blown across the skin's surface in a precise and uniform manner. These crystals and the resulting loosened dead skin cells are then vacuumed into a closed filter and discarded. A control gauge is used to increase vacuum strength for a more aggressive peel, or to decrease strength for a gentler treatment.

Treatments typically last 20 to 30 minutes, and are applied through a course of four bi-weekly or monthly sessions. The number of treatments recommended for optimal results ranges from four to twelve.

How will my skin look after treatment?

You will notice immediate results, and the benefits of the treatment can last up to two weeks.

Initially, microdermabrasion will cause your face to appear temporarily rosy. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, this pink 'glow' will last from a few hours to two or three days after the procedure. Most people are able to resume normal social activities within a few hours of having had a treatment.

How should I maintain my skin after microdermabrasion?

Avoid exposure to the sun for one to two weeks after treatment. Use a daily moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least SPF15. Use only gentle cleansers and moisturizers for one week, or until your face no longer feels sensitive. No exfoliants, Retin-A, glycolic acid, scrubs, or topical acne medications should be used for at least five days after treatment. Wait at least one week after your microdermabrasion to have a facial or other professional skin treatment.

A 'calming' cream may be given to you for use twice daily on any particularly irritated areas. After washing, apply this cream sparingly and leave on overnight.

Am I a candidate for microdermabrasion?

Regardless of the condition of the skin, most patients will notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of their skin. Microdermabrasion is completely safe to use with a wide range of skin types and colors. Microdermabrasion can be used to treat almost any part of the body, and results are achieved with virtually no down time.

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