Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure to create superficial skin resurfacing. The microdermabrasion apparatus uses a vacuum and sometimes positive pressure via a hand piece to pass micro-fine Aluminum oxide layers across the skin of the face. As the crystals make contact, layers of the superficial skin are exfoliated, and then vacuumed away with the dead skin cells in a process similar to sanding. It can also be performed without crystals.

Microdermabrasion rejuvenates the skin in a number of ways. The combination of skin exfoliation and slight vacuum pressure stimulates fibroblasts (collagen cells) to produce new healthy, living cells in the superficial layer of the skin. As a result, your skin becomes smoother in texture and tighter with a fresh, clean look.

It is sometimes called the “Lunch-Time peel” because of its quick, easy application and no recovery time. You are able to return to work, use make-up and cleanse almost immediately after treatment.

Microdermabrasion is performed in a progressive, rather than aggressive, manner. Optimal results are obtained through a series of treatments, typically up to eight treatments, spaced 10-14 days apart.

There is virtually no healing time required with microdermabrasion. The average time for complete cell regeneration is 4-5 weeks. At the end of that time, significant results are evident in the majority of patients.

Microdermabrasion system

You can purchase a microdermabrasion system that includes a cream and a small machine or just a cream with abrasives that you will apply with your hands.

The abrasive ingredient in a cream is important. Corundum (Aluminum oxide) crystals are the best because they are second only to diamonds in terms of hardness (which ensures an effective peeling effect). Some kits use crushed pearls (which makes them expensive), bicarbonate sodium crystals (which can be too soft, but more suitable for sensitive skin), and even pumice crystals one of the most abrasive types of crystals.

Frequently asked questions?

How to use it?

There are several ways to use a microdermabrasion cream: you massage it into the skin using your bare hands, sponge or a special vibrating electric powered micro dermabrasion tool.

Different kits in the market differ from each other in the number of products or the convenience of the electric tools, or lack thereof, but what makes a real difference is the quality of the cream.

Each cream has instructions by skin type. Usually you use it after cleaning your skin once or twice a week. It takes only a few minutes and after the treatment you may need to apply a gentle moisturizer, preferably without fragrance. You can also apply natural face oil.

Microdermabrasion benefits

For those consumers who are looking for not only great results but also an immediate return to normal lifestyle, having regular microdermabrasion treatments provide such benefits as:

• overall rejuvenation of skin health
• lower cost (compared to laser, IPL and plastic surgery)
• few side effects; none of them long-lasting
• no anesthetic requirement
• reduction of minor to moderate early aging fine lines
• stimulation of fibroblasts for collagen production
• scar revision
• hyper pigmentation reduction (sometimes in combination with chemical lighteners)
• enhanced penetration of carefully chosen topical medications after treatment
• no potential for adverse chemical irritation
• may be performed during pregnancy
• may be performed after surgery with appropriate adjustment of vacuum and/or crystal flow
• no recovery or downtime; any residual redness from a prior moderate peel may be camouflaged immediately
• hyper pigmentation risk is minimal as no heat is generated during microdermabrasion

Frequently asked questions?

What conditions does microdermabrasion treat?

Conditions that can be treated with microdermabrasion include:

• Sun-induced pigmentation, melasma, age spots
• whiteheads and blackheads
• fine lines and minor wrinkles
• acne and blemishes
• enlarged/clogged pores
• flaking and dry skin
• excessive oiliness
• scar and callus reduction
• blending of lasered and non-lasered areas after laser skin resurfacing
• pre-treatment for cosmetic surgery
• stretch marks

Candidacy

Any individual from adolescence onward, who has one of the above problems, can be treated. This treatment is safe for individuals of any skin color and can be used even if a woman is pregnant. Microdermabrasion is beneficial to a wide variety of problems as noted above. Mostly, for treatment of acne and it works especially well if it is primarily comedonal acne (with blackheads). This treatment can be used on the face, back, chest, or other body areas. Like other rejuvenation procedures, it is not covered by insurance.

Frequently asked questions?

How often do I need microdermabrasion treatment?

Microdermabrasion is usually performed every 2-4 weeks (most patients come in monthly) and patients can immediately return to work without any down time. Treatments generally get stronger by increasing the strength of the suction, until a plateau is reached. Most patients complete a series of 5 or 6 monthly sessions to rejuvenate the skin and/or improve acne.

Is microdermabrasion safe?

Yes. The microdermabrasion procedure is completely non-invasive. It removes only the outer layers of skin, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and with a fresh pink glow. It is safe for all skin colors and for woman who are pregnant. Derma sweep is a stronger form of microdermabrasion, where chemical infusions are used in addition to suction and abrasion. The infusions treat acne, pigmentation, dry skin, and dullness; and are all oil free.

What can I expect after the microdermabrasion?

After microdermabrasion you can expect smoother skin with an improved texture and more even colour. Microdermabrasion gives skin a luminous glow, lessens the appearance of wrinkles, stimulates collagen production and promotes the growth of healthy new cells. Browse the before and after pictures of microdermabrasion to see some great results.

Procedure

Standard microdermabrasion is performed first to exfoliate dead skin cells and superficial skin. This prepares the skin to receive the drug solution. microdermabrasion overcomes the superficial skin barrier function (stratum corneum) to allow the safe and effective cutaneous (skin) penetration of the medications. The Tran dermal drug delivery unit is attached to the microdermabrasion machine. It has a vibrating probe that delivers the liquid drug solution at a constant and controlled rate and hides the perception and discomfort of the electrical pulses.the use of the following drugs to enhance skin rejuvenation and to improve the results of microdermabrasion:

1. Hyaluronic acid: Plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function; removes waste from cells with no direct blood supply; able to hold more water than any other natural substance which result in smoothness, softening and decrease in wrinkles.
2. Glutathione: “Master antioxidant”; acts to reconstitute vitamin C and E after they have been oxidized; protects cells from free radical damage; works in conjunction with super oxide dismutase (enzymes that play a major role in the protection of cells from oxidative stress) to help with detoxification.
3. MTE-4: Contains multi-trace elements
   1. Copper: Important for conversion of L-Tyrosine to melanin adding in UV protection; needed for conversion of carotene to retinol; needed for CT maturation; provides cross-linking of aldehydes in collagen and elastin tissues; stimulates SOD enzyme.
   2. Manganese: Activates enzymes in formation of collagen; tones and firms skin.
   3. Zinc sulfate: Required for synthesis of collagen; protects against UV rays; stimulates transport of vitamin a from liver to skin; stimulates SOD enzyme.
   4. Chromium: Can help with acne by improving localized glucose sensitivity.

The combined procedure does not require anesthesia and the patient is able to return to work immediately after treatment ("lunch-time peel").

Advantages of the new combined approach

• ancludes the benefits of microdermabrasion
• no needles
• no pain
• no bruising or trauma from injections
• no post treatment discomfort
• no topical anesthetics needed
• no irritations, burning or inflammation

Other indications of this combined approach include the treatment of cellulite and the removal of undesirable body fat deposits (lipodissolve) as an alternative to liposuction.

Combined microdermabrasion with mesotherapy without needles:

A breakthrough technology for skin rejuvenation

Several drugs, such as hyaluronic acid, glutathione and minerals, help to achieve skin rejuvenation when applied directly on the skin. However, their effectiveness is minimal when applied topically (directly onto the skin) because of the normal barriers of the superficial layers of the skin. A new breakthrough technology; now available at the Pelosi medical center - uses a combination of microdermabrasion with a system called Transderm Ionto system. This technology has made it possible to deliver medications through the skin while avoiding the use of needles.