What happens during microdermabrasion?
The aesthetician uses a handheld device that gently removes the top layer of skin. You may feel a sanding sensation, but this is not painful. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to treat the entire face and neck. After the treatment, a moisturizer and sunscreen are applied.
What does prepping for microdermabrasion entail?
Discontinue use of all topical:
- Vitamin A derived products such as, retinol, retin a, tretinoin, adapalene (differin gel), tazarotene, and bexarotene
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- Salicylic Acid
- Benzoyl Peroxide
48 hours prior to your facial. You should also try to avoid direct sunlight or tanning.
What will I need to do after microdermabrasion
You will be given a skin-care plan that will target your skin conditions and help achieve your skincare goals. Also you want to protect your skin form the sun helps because it ensures the best possible results and reduces the risk of side effects.
Is there downtime?
You will not have downtime or a recovery period. Some patients’ skin turns pink or red. The skin can swell a bit. These side effects are similar to having a sunburn or windburn for a day or two. During this time, some patients feel uncomfortable returning to work or being in public.
When will I see results from microdermabrasion?
Most patients need a series of treatments to see long lasting results but smoother and brighter looking skin is noticeable after first treatment. To treat signs of aging, an aesthetician may treat a patient every two weeks, or monthly. Most patients receive between 6 and 12 treatments.
How long will the results last?
The results tend to be temporary. Patients who protect their skin from the sun and follow the recommended skin-care plan will maintain their results for a longer time. Yet, no matter what we do, our skin continues to age. Follow-up treatments are usually necessary to help retain smoother skin and a more radiant complexion.
What are the possible side effects?
After microdermabrasion, your treated skin may be pink or red and slightly swollen. This tends to disappear within a day. In some cases, the skin can bruise, burn, or sting. These will go away without treatment.
If your skin tends to develop dark spots after acne clears or a skin injury heals, you may have a greater risk of developing more dark spots. When microdermabrasion is performed by a licensed aesthetician this risk is minor.
When can I safely get another treatment?
Microdermabrasion treats only the top layer of the skin, so the skin recovers quickly. Most people can safely have another treatment 2 weeks later. Some patients, however, need several weeks to recover.
What is the safety record for microdermabrasion?
When performed by a licensed aesthetician, microdermabrasion has an excellent safety record. Microdermabrasion also is performed in salons and non-medical spas. You can reduce your risk for side effects by having microdermabrasion performed in a dermatologist office.