Your Skin Can Look Revitalized and Fresh with Microdermabrasion Treatment
Exfoliation is a well-known technique used to remove dead skin cells from the face. There are many techniques that are commonly used for exfoliation. Facials and scrubs are common exfoliation techniques, but these are ineffective for deep exfoliation and skin rejuvenation.
Microdermabrasion is a technique of exfoliation wherein dead cells are mechanically scrubbed off the skin and vacuumed away, revealing radiant youthful skin beneath. Although the word “microdermabrasion” may sound intimidating, microdermabrasion is one of the gentlest and fastest non-invasive anti-aging treatments currently available on the market.
This exfoliation treatment is suitable for all skin types. For those candidates with skin conditions like widespread acne, lupus, active sunburn, herpes, psoriasis, open sores, and fragile capillaries, a thorough medical report may need to be conducted before a microdermabrasion treatment can be recommended.
The Microdermabrasion Procedure
If it’s your first microdermabrasion treatment and you’re not sure what to expect from the procedure, here is a breakdown of the steps involved.
To get an idea of how the procedure works, imagine smoothing down a rough edge with sandpaper. Don’t jump to conclusions and assume that the process is painful, though – it’s actually quite gentle.
In general, there are two variations of the treatment. The first option involves the use of a handheld machine that targets the skin’s surface with a stream of miniscule crystals. The machine contains an attached vacuum that suctions away the loosened skin cells.
The second option – and also the most widely used – involves using a diamond-tipped wand. The wand is gently moved over the surface of the skin, causing dead skin cells to be loosened and removed. Apart from removing dead skin cells, the wand also massages the treated region to improve blood circulation.
Microdermabrasion or a Chemical Peel?
The end results of microdermabrasion and a chemical peel can be quite similar, depending on the type of peel chosen. After either of these procedures, the patient can enjoy radiant younger-looking skin free of blemishes.
However, the mechanism of action is quite different. Chemical peels rely on chemicals to remove the outermost layer of the skin. Rashes and severe redness are potential side effects of a chemical peel.
With microdermabrasion, on the other hand, since no chemicals are used, the skin exfoliation is gentler and the pink tinge left behind heals faster.
Microdermabrasion Aftercare
Removal of the outermost layers of dead skin reveals new skin cells. These new skin cells are quite sensitive and are not yet ready to withstand harsh sunlight. Aestheticians recommend avoiding direct sunlight soon after the treatment to ensure that the cells are not injured. If you do need to step out, sunscreen is mandatory to protect the skin. The key to speed up healing after a session of microdermabrasion is to moisturize daily.
Try Microdermabrasion for Yourself!
If you’re interested in trying microdermabrasion treatment for yourself, set up an appointment for a consultation by contacting our office. Doctors Roger Friedman, Douglas Forman, and Kathy Huang are experienced board-certified plastic surgeons and will be happy to answer your questions regarding the procedures we offer.
