The Microdermabrasion Technique
How Microdermabrasion Is Performed
What happens during microdermabrasion? - Performing the microdermabrasion procedure?
During microdermabrasion, the plastic surgeon or aesthetician uses a special microdermabrasion machine to resurface areas of your skin. The microdermabrasion machine disperses abrasive crystals through a hand piece. The crystals are usually aluminum oxide, but other types of microdermabrasion crystals, notably baking soda, may also be used. The abrasive crystals are pulled from a reservoir inside the machine and pass through a hose into the hand piece. The hand piece is passed back and forth over the skin, abrading the top layer. In addition to the crystal emitter, the hand piece also contains a vacuum that is used to remove the used abrasive crystals and the dead skin.
Microdermabrasion is done in such a way as to prevent heat build-up on the skin, which results in a gently abrasive, polishing of the skin. A microdermabrasion treatment typically take between 30 and 60 minutes. More than one treatment is usually required to help achieve the patient's desired results. The microdermabrasion treatments are performed at two to three week intervals and anywhere from one half to one dozen treatments are usually needed. Depending on the results you desire, your plastic surgeon may recommend pairing your microdermabrasion with a chemical peel.
After the initial treatment program is completed, you may need to have periodic maintenance microdermabrasion treatments. Generally speaking, the microdermabrasion maintenance is not as involved as the initial course of treatments.
Microdermabrasion - Other things to think about
- Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure.
- Patients do not typically require time off work after the procedure. You can resume your normal schedule right after the procedure.
- No anesthesia is required. You can drive yourself home after the procedure.
- Microdermabrasion can be performed on all skin types and all skin colors.
- People whose skin is sensitive to chemicals can benefit from microdermabrasion. You will need to inform your doctor of your sensitivity to make sure that any moisturizers or sunscreens don't cause a reaction.
- People who have good skin elasticity respond better.
- You will need multiple microdermabrasion treatments and will likely need periodic maintenance treatments over time.
- Microdermabrasion- Intro
- What Can Microdermabrasion Do For Me?
- The Microdermabrasion Procedure (you are here)
- Cost of Microdermabrasion - Prices
- Choosing a Surgeon for Microdermabrasion
- After Microdermabrasion - Recovery