Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion or "Lunchtime Peel" is a gentle procedure that removes dead skin on the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. The microdermabrasion machine uses an exfoliant machine that has chrystals or diamond flakes to lightly remove the skin with a suction. The speed and suction pressure can be adjusted to ensure a painless, easy, non-invasive procedure to the person receiving the treatment. A treatment can last from 15 - 30 minutes typically and is preformed by nurses, estheticians, and medical assistants. Microdermabrasion is usually done to the face and neck, but also can be used on the back of hands. The average cost of microdermabrasion is $125 for a treatment. Microdermabrasion can be used with or replaced with other resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion rejuvinates the skin by taking the outermost dead skin cells from the epidermis. The treatment makes your skin feel vibrant and soft and smooth afterwards. Microdermabrasion can remove hyperpigmentation, blotchy skin, diminish fine lines, stretchmarks, wrinkles, acne, shallow acne scars or large pores. With the dead skin removed can allow skin products and medicine to penetrate the skin by 10-50%. Makeup and self-tanning products go on more smoothly after a microdermabrasion treatment. Like brushing your teeth, microdermabrasion removes the "plaque" of the skin of debri and old skin to leave smooth even toned skin. Microdermabrasion promotes new skin growth and therefore can be repeated once a week if desired.

Effects of Microdermabrasion

After a microdermabrasion treatment a person can return to their daily life afterwards. For one or two days after the treatment the skin may be sensitive and it is best to wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun. Since skin regenerates itself every 30 days, a microdermabrasion treatment is temporary and needs to be done every two to four weeks to achieve continued results, followed by once every one to three months to maintain the results.

What to Expect

Most reputable full service salons will offer microdermabrasion. The treatment starts with talking about what the desired result is and how the treatment will work. The clinician will also talk about care for your skin afterwards and asking about some medical question to make sure you are a good candidate for microdermabrasion. They will probably ask about diabetes, if you are known to have herpes, fever blisters or cold sores in the area, to limit smoking and aspirin and to avoid taking Accutane.

Since microdermabrasion is using crystal particles, the clinitian may put a cover on their mouth and nose and goggles on. They will also put goggles on the person receiving the treatment. The skin is cleaned and then using a hand held device, the clinician sprays tiny crystals onto the skin and sucks them up with the loose skin through the device suction. This procedure can be done at varying intensity that you can work up to for a deeper effect or less for low pain tolerance.

Who Should Avoid Microdermabrasion

Some people should avoid microdermabrasion if they are taking sunburn, windburn, Retin A, Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid peels as these cases might make the skin too sensitive. Microdermabrasion should be avoided for people with active keloids, smokers, lesions, recent herpes outbreaks, warts, active weeping acne, rosacea, unstable diabetes or auto-immune system disorders.