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Guide To Non-Surgical Procedures - Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion
We all start off with smooth, beautiful looking skin but as time goes on our skin begins to show the effects of everyday living. Pollution, the weather (sun exposure, wind), puberty and our lifestyles (stress etc) can leave their mark on our skins and this becomes more noticeable as we age.
Wrinkles, lines, spots, acne, sun damage and stretch marks are all sings of the ravages of time.
However, microdermabrasion can restore the youth and vigour of your skin. It involves using a hand held device to exfoliate the top layer of your skin. This will have the effect of stimulating the production of collagen - a protein in the skin which gives it tone and elasticity.
Dead skin cells are brushed away and your new, fresher looking skin is polished to given it a smooth, healthy looking glow. Your skin will look clearer and young looking which will enhance your appearance.
This is a modern dermatological treatment which is both safe and effective. With this treatment the skin is encouraged to rejuvenate itself naturally without the need for surgical intervention.
This treatment can work on different levels, from surface level exfoliation of the skin through to a deep level application for skin pigmentation and acne scarring.
This treatment can be combined with other non-surgical procedures such as chemical peels, dermal fillers and semi-permanent
make-up.
The face is the preferred area for this procedure although the neck and arms can be treated as well.
Suitability for microdermabrasion
This treatment is suitable for anyone: if you have tired looking skin or are aware that you have blemishes, fine lines or age spots then it is a good option.
As long as you are in good health, preferably a non-smoker (smoking ages the skin) and are realistic about what this treatment can do then microdermabrasion can help.
It will not tighten loose folds of skin or give you back your youth but it will leave you with healthy, glowing skin which suggests a youthful appearance. It is not recommended for deep scars, wrinkles and broken veins.
The microdermabrasion procedure
To start with, the practitioner will discuss your skin type with you and choose the hand held device (wand) that is most suitable for this treatment. If you are prone to cold sores then he or she may prescribe an anti-viral drug to counteract this.
He or she will then remove any facial make-up and gently cleanse your skin. You will then be given a pair of safety goggles to wear to protect your eyes against the spray.
Then, he or she will wave the hand held device over your face in a series of small stroking movements which emits a spray of minute aluminium oxide crystals over your skin.
These crystals have the affect of sandblasting the skin (gently) which removes the top layer of skin. This will encourage the production of collagen – the protein in the skin responsible for giving it strength and elasticity. This production will result in the formation of healthy new cells.
The crystals and dead cells are vacuumed away.
The hand held device will also polish the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant.
You will given a cooling mask to wear afterwards which helps to soothe the skin along with sun block and moisturising cream.
Each individual treatment can last from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the extent of the areas to be treated. Note: stretch marks can take up to 2 hours to remove.
For the best results, the practitioner will recommend a course of 6 treatments although he/she will advise you to space these out, with 1 week breaks in between each session.
How long does the recovery take? As this is a speedy
non-surgical procedure there is no need to rest or take time off for recovery. This means you can return to your everyday activities straightaway. Some people choose to have this done in their lunch hour and then return to work afterwards.
The benefits of microdermabrasion
You will have healthy, glowing skin which appears clear, fresh and youthful looking. Any wrinkles, lines, spots or other signs of skin damage will have disappeared leaving you with skin which is literally smooth as a baby’s!
The risks of dermabrasion
This is a very safe form of treatment and as far as we know there are very little side effects or complications associated with it.
You skin may be slightly pink after the treatment but this will ease after a half an hour or so. There may be some tightness as well but again, this will ease. If this persists then a cold compress applied to the affected area can help.
If you have had a deeper level treatment then there is the risk of some slight bleeding and your skin will take 3 to 4 days to heal.
If you notice anything untoward such as signs of infection then contact your practitioner.