We do a lot to try to correct uneven tone and texture, but there’s only so much that scrubs and moisturizers can do. When traditional at-home skin care products fail to renew your skin, it’s time to turn to other methods so you can look your best again. At Le Beau Visage Medical Spa in Frisco, TX we are happy to include the time-honored microdermabrasion facial among our many services. Does microdermabrasion work? We’re happy to fill you in on everything you need to know about this treatment!
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that can treat a multitude of skin concerns. As far as cosmetic treatments are concerned, this treatment is considered gentle and natural, as it involves no synthetic chemicals or invasive surgical methods to correct skin issues. This type of treatment is a standard in many med spas because it is safe, effective, and easy.
Many patients want to know how microdermabrasion works. Researching online sources can give the impression that a sander is used to slough off dead skin, which isn’t exactly a comfortable mental image to have. While microdermabrasion does remove tired skin cells, you can rest assured that the handheld device used is small and kind to the skin. You can think of this treatment as an enhanced form of exfoliation, as microdermabrasion works by stripping the outer layer of skin to unveil the newer, brighter-looking skin beneath.
There are a few different techniques for this treatment. Overall, all microdermabrasion at a med spa clinic will be performed by a certified technician who is trained in at least one of the common techniques. The top three most common types of microdermabrasion include:
Diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped handheld device with a tip about the size of a quarter or a dime. The diamond tip of the device gently removes the top layer of dead skin cells. A skilled technician will be able to adjust the depth of the abrasion with more or less pressure from the device. The diamond-tipped technique also involves a light suction that removes the dead skin cells as they are being exfoliated.
Crystal microdermabrasion is done with a device that sprays out fine crystals over the surface of the skin to erode the outer layers of skin away. Usually, the crystals involve in this method are either aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate, both of which are common compounds. In fact, sodium bicarbonate is actually baking soda. This technique also involves a suction element, which removes both the crystals and the dead skin cells during the treatment.
Hydradermabrasion is a newer technique that uses air, water, and serums to exfoliate the outer layer of skin cells. This technique also goes by the popular brand name of HydraFacial, which has a growing reputation for being gentle and nourishing to skin. Overall, this technique is most effective in mild exfoliating and stimulating collagen production.
Many patients are comforted to know what they should expect along the way. Regardless of which microdermabrasion technique you will have, there are a few steps you can expect when you have this treatment at our clinic. The basic treatment steps include:
Before your treatment appointment, you will need to attend a consultation. The consultation appointment will be an opportunity to discuss your appearance goals and your skin concerns. We will examine the condition of your skin, particularly the severity of any scarring or skin laxity.
We will gather your general medical history, such as your current medical issues and current medications. We will also talk about your lifestyle habits and your regular skin care routine. It is important to let us know about any cosmetic treatments you have had in the past.
At your consultation, we will go over all of your microdermabrasion treatment options and help you decide which treatment method is best suited to your needs. Our goal is to provide each patient with caring and compassionate care, which includes giving you the best advice about the treatment options that are right for you.
Although this is a simple treatment, there are a few things you will need to do to prepare for your appointment. The pre-treatment instructions are important to follow so that your treatment will be safe and effective. The pre-treatment instructions may include:
Before your appointment, you will also be instructed to remove make-up and arrive to your appointment with a clean face. You will not need to arrange for any transportation.
Any microdermabrasion treatment lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. One of our skilled staff will use the handheld device on your face, gently abrading the skin to remove dull skin cells. During your treatment, you will feel a soft scratching sensation on your skin as well as a mild vibration from the handheld device. This treatment does not require any numbing creams or sedation.
There are only a few post-treatment instructions you will need to follow after your treatment, such as:
We may recommend certain skin care products that you should use to prolong the effects of your treatment. We may also prescribe special topical creams to promote healing if you have a deeper abrasion treatment.
There is virtually no recovery period after your treatment. Patients can return to all of their normal daily activities provided they follow the post-treatment instructions as directed. There is no downtime or any significant side effects associated with this treatment. We will likely schedule a follow-up appointment about 2 weeks after your appointment to assess how well your skin is responding to the treatment.
For such a simple cosmetic treatment, microdermabrasion has many benefits that are attractive to patients.
This treatment can address many anti-aging concerns, such as reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and melasma. These common anti-aging concerns can be temporarily reversed after microdermabrasion, particularly with techniques that promote the production of collagen.
Visible aging is the bane of many women, so it makes sense that many women want to understand what causes visible aging. At some point, our body naturally slows its production of collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for skin structural support. The reduced production of these proteins leads to a loss of skin volume, an increase in skin laxity, and ultimately the formation of wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion treatments are excellent for fighting against acne. Anyone who has had recurring acne knows that acne is typically caused by blocked pores. As microdermabrasion clears away dead skin cells, it allows for pores to be unblocked and also reduces the development of blemishes, blackheads, and enlarged pores. This treatment can also reduce the appearance of acne scarring.
It may seem odd, but the cause of acne scars is actually our body’s natural healing abilities. When acne causes inflammation of the skin, our body tries to rapidly heal the inflammation while the pore is still inflamed. This healing is counterproductive, as it means that collagen quickly builds structures around the inflammation, which is what causes the dips in the skin that are associated with acne scarring.
Above everything else, this is an exfoliating treatment. Like other methods of exfoliation, there are numerous advantages to clearing dead skin cells from the skin. As microdermabrasion is more thorough than exfoliating scrubs and masks, the main exfoliating benefits of this treatment include correcting uneven skin tone and uneven skin texture. Microdermabrasion can reduce hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and dull complexion.
Any woman who has a skin care routine knows the importance of regular exfoliating. Skin health is determined by fresh skin cells allowed on the surface of skin, which provides an environment that encourages a well-conditioned lipid layer. Exfoliating is the key to addressing the root causes of many skin concerns, particularly dry skin. Exfoliating also allows a more even distribution of skin care products and make-up.
Absolutely. Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that works effectively each time. You will immediately notice results such as smoother skin and a brighter complexion after each treatment session.
Microdermabrasion is just as safe for your skin as other exfoliating methods. The difference between an exfoliating scrub and this type of treatment is that microdermabrasion is deeper and more thorough. In fact, some experts believe that this treatment is actually safer than at-home exfoliating since this method evenly sloughs skin cells, while at-home exfoliating can rip the skin surface.
This is one of very few cosmetic treatments that works for every skin type and skin tone. Some cosmetic treatments that resurfaces the skin, such as laser treatments, cannot be used on darker complexions because of the higher risk of hyperpigmentation. This treatment is an ideal resurfacing option for patients of all skin complexions and skin conditions.
This treatment generally starts off with two consecutive treatments in one month and then monthly treatments to maintain the desired results.
This skin treatment can be used on patients of any age. In general, this treatment can be used most effectively to diminish early signs of aging in patients aged 30 to 50. For all other skin concerns, this treatment does not have any age requirement.
Yes. This treatment is regularly combined with other cosmetic treatments. Depending on your needs and aesthetic goals, you can combine this treatment with other facials, some chemical peels, injectables, and skin tightening or skin resurfacing treatments.
Anyone who wants to correct surface skin imperfections is a good candidate for this treatment. Skin surface concerns that are reduced by this treatment include:
You don’t have to rely on at-home and over-the-counter remedies to correct a dull, tired complexion. If you are ready to enhance your beauty and think that this treatment might be right for you, contact Le Beau Visage Medical Spa in Frisco, TX to schedule your initial consultation today! We are eager to help you renew your skin and embrace the beauty of a bright complexion!
