Microdermabrasion FAQ's Columbus OH

• 1. What is Microdermabrasion?

  Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical and noninvasive procedure that naturally and evenly exfoliates the skin. Our unique system uses a diamond-crystal tip wand to remove layers of dry, dead skin cells revealing younger, smoother, healthier-looking skin. A vacuum suctions the dead skin cells in a sterile and controlled manner. The vacuum pressure can be increased to evenly penetrate deeper layers of the skin for more aggressive treatments to encourage the production of collagen and elastin.

• 2. What is the difference between Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion?

  Microdermabrasion is a short in-office treatment that removes layers of dry, dead skin cells to reveal younger, smoother, and healthier-looking skin. This treatment requires little to no downtime. It does not address deep scars or wrinkles, facial creases or sagging skin. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure done under local or general anesthesia. This invasive procedure requires at least one week of recovery time for scabs to come off; there is no scabbing with microdermabrasion.

• 3. What happens in a Microdermabrasion treatment?

  Your skin will first be cleaned with an appropriate cleanser according to your skin type. We will then follow with a diamond-tip handpiece gently abrading and exfoliating dead skin cells. A treatment serum, hydrator and SPF will complete your treatment. The entire procedure should take about 30 minutes unless done as an add-on to another treatment. Microdermabrasion can be done to improve the effects of a Hydrafacial MD, Probiotic Youthboost or Glow Forward.

• 4. What will microdermabrasion do for my skin?

  In addition to a deep and safe exfoliation, microdermabrasion helps to boost the production of collagen and elastin. Therefore, microdermabrasion can smooth and even out skin tone, minimize pore size, clear up blackheads, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Correct at-home skin care products can help the results last longer.

• 5. Is there any downtime after a treatment?

  There is very minimal to no downtime after microdermabrasion treatments. Mild redness and dryness can occur and last up to 48 hours. This skin will need to be protected with a hydrator and SPF for several days post treatment. With so little downtime, you may return to work immediately afterwards. Make-up can be applied afterwards but it is not advised as that may re-clog the pores.

• 6. How many treatments do I need?

  Some instant, temporary results are seen immediately after one treatment such as a smoother complexion and cleaner pores. For best results, a series of 4-6 treatments are recommended. These treatments can be done 7-10 days apart and then monthly maintenance treatments. Treatments may need to be spaced out if being done as an add-on to a Hydrafacial MD or Probiotic Youthboost.

• 7. Is Microdermabrasion effective for men?

  Microdermabrasion is very effective for men as well. The procedure and results are the same and again minimal if any side effects or risks. Microdermabrasion is also great for folliculitis (in-grown hairs caused by shaving).

• 8. Is Microdermabrasion good for acne scarring?

  Microdermabrasion can help for superficial acne scarring by removing the top layer of the skin. It can take several treatments to make a significant difference in acne scarring. Deeper acne scaring requires a more invasive procedure such as a deep chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing, or dermabrasion.

• 9. What is the difference between crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion?

  The term “sandblasting” comes from the crystal microdermabrasion technology from the use of a special, hand-held device that propels a high-speed flow of crystals that look similar to sand onto the skin. The machine’s vacuum system sucks away the used crystals along with dirt and dead skin cells. These aluminum oxide crystals are the second hardest material following diamonds. Medical testing has detected a link between the aluminum use and cancer so sodium bicarbonate crystals are an organic alternative but are a lot softer and less effective.

  The diamond-tip system replaces these crystals with a laser-cut diamond-tip wand. Areas close to the eyes, nose and mouth can be abraded more accurately since there is no risk of stray crystals causing damage by getting into the eyes, nose or being ingested. Outside of that, the diamond-tip system works the same as the crystal device. The tip of the wand is made of natural laser-cut diamonds that polish the skin and dead skin cells are vacuumed back into a waste filter. The diamond-tip system is preferred by many physicians because it is easier to control, does not irritate the skin and it also gives a more precise treatment.

• 10. Who are the best candidates?

  Microdermabrasion is a good treatment for patients who are healthy adults who have relatively minor skin conditions or imperfections with realistic expectations about what the system can and cannot do. Microdermabrasion is a mild, non-invasive procedure that does not correct deep facial creases or folds or sagging skin. These issues must be addressed with surgery or laser treatments. Microdermabrasion will help with mild acne and acne scarring and minor fine lines and wrinkles.

• 11. Who is not a good candidate?

  Microdermabrasion is not recommended for patients with deep scarring, active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, an active or recent herpes outbreak, warts, stages 3 and 4 acne, unstable diabetes or those who have an auto-immune system disorder. Patients who have had chemical peels, waxing, tanning or any injections should wait 2 weeks before undergoing any microdermabrasion treatments. Patients should wait at least 4 weeks after any laser treatments or surgeries. Microdermabrasion will not address deep facial creases or folds or sagging skin. Patients with these concerns should consider stronger treatments such as laser resurfacing or surgery.

• 12. How long will a treatment last?

  By itself, a microdermabrasion treatment can typically last up to 30 minutes. Lasting results require several sessions performed over the course of several weeks followed up with monthly maintenance treatments. If done prior to a Hydrafacial MD, Probiotic Youthboost, or Glow Forward, total treatment time can last up to 1 hour. Again, several treatments are needed to maintain lasting results.

• 13. Is Microdermabrasion Painful?

  Microdermabrasion is performed with little discomfort but it is not painful. Microdermabrasion can cause a tingling and mild scratching sensation that most patients describe in positive terms and this feeling diminishes shortly after the treatment.

• 14. Is microdermabrasion safe?

  The safety of microdermabrasion is one of the important benefits since it is a non-invasive procedure with minimal risks. Microdermabrasion can enhance the complexion without affecting any deep layers of the skin only when performed by an experienced professional.

• 15. Should microdermabrasion only be performed by a physician?

  Microdermabrasion can be safely performed by a trained aesthetician or nurse. Serious skin concerns should be addressed with a physician prior to any treatments.

• 16. What are the side effects?

  Increased skin sensitivity, risk of sunburn and dryness are normal side effects associated with a microdermabrasion treatment. These side effects are usually mild and very brief. Sunscreen and hydrators are recommended for a few days after treatments to address these. Infections can occur if treatments are not properly performed or if precautions are not discussed.

• 17. Are at-home systems effective?

  With the recent popularity of exfoliation, several at-home systems have become available. Due to the mildness of the treatments, these systems are safe for use and can provide minor improvements in the skin’s appearance. However, these results may not be as good as when the treatment is performed by a trained and qualified aesthetician or physician with a professional system. Consumers should be aware that too much exfoliation and too often can severely damage the skin.

• 18. Can I return to work after a session?

  Microdermabrasion has often been referred to as the “Lunch-time facial” because the procedure is quick with minimal side effects. Post treatment, your skin should look and feel refreshed with some slight redness. Make-up can be applied immediately after treatments but is not recommended.

• 19. How often should I do a microdermabrasion?

  Results of Microdermabrasion are not permanent. Therefore, for best results a series of several treatments should be done 7-10 days apart followed by monthly to seasonal maintenance treatments. Correct at-home skin care products can help results last longer.

• 20. How long has Microdermabrasion been around?

  Microdermabrasion started in Europe close to 20 years ago. This system was brought to the United States in 1993.