What Is Microdermabrasion?

If your overall skin tone and texture leave something to be desired, you might be a candidate for microdermabrasion. This minimally invasive technique is available at your local medical spa. Knowing more about this treatment can help you prepare for it. Find out how the procedure works and what you should expect.

An overview of microdermabrasion

People get microdermabrasion to treat a variety of skin conditions. This minimally invasive procedure reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, and acne scars. It is also used to treat age and brown spots and to brighten a dull-looking complexion. It can even be used to shrink enlarged pores.

How microdermabrasion works

Skin care professionals perform microdermabrasion at medical spas. Patients do not need anesthesia when undergoing this treatment. Patients are seated in a reclining chair to maximize comfort and ensure the professional has easy access to the treatment area. Then, the professional will use one of the two treatment options.

Some use a handheld device to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Others use a diamond-tip wand. The provider gently moves the wand across the treatment area to remove dead skin cells. Regardless of the method used, it usually takes half an hour to complete a treatment. The treatment is not painful although people do notice mild scratching. It feels similar to rubbing sand across the skin.

The provider finishes the procedure by moisturizing the skin. Sunscreen is also applied to protect the skin immediately following the treatment. This prevents sensitive skin from burning. It could also keep the skin well-nourished.

After the treatment

Patients might experience some mild side effects after undergoing microdermabrasion. These include redness and mild tenderness. Most people report that the side effects are gone after a few hours. People are generally able to go back to their regular activities immediately following the procedure. However, it is essential that they stay hydrated. This will prevent the skin from drying out.

Patients should also protect their skin from the sun after their treatment. The skin is extra sensitive immediately following the microdermabrasion. It is important to use sunscreen on a daily basis. This can prevent damage and complications.

Number of treatments required

Many people undergo a single microdermabrasion treatment. A single treatment leaves the skin feeling softer and healthier. However, those who want to treat a specific skin problem are often encouraged to schedule more than a single treatment. Six to 10 treatments are often needed to fix serious skin issues. The treatments are scheduled one to two weeks apart. People notice results after each treatment, but they need to finish the entire series to achieve optimal results.

Kinds of microdermabrasion

This method is non-intrusive. It needs the skills of a trained professional. The patient must lie down or sit in a reclined position. The session will end with an application of a quality moisturizer and sunblock. Below are the main kinds of dermabrasion:

• Crystal dermabrasion sprays very fine particles of crystal onto the patient’s skin. This rubs off the dead skin cells. It also takes off a thin outer layer of skin. An automatic suction removes the used crystals and dead skin cells.
• Hydra dermabrasion is the latest kind of dermabrasion. It uses oxygen and water to peel off the old, tired skin.
• Diamond-tip microdermabrasion can slough off the dead skin cells as a suction tool removes them. The depth of the process depends on how long the tool stays on the skin and the pressure the operator applies. This is also a method for the facial skin. It is a quality treatment that usually targets the face, especially the area near the eyes.

The benefits

The evident result is smoother skin. It can stimulate collagen production, which can reduce wrinkles and improve the skin’s elasticity. Any mild scarring should be less visible after the treatment. Removing the dead skin cells can make the skin look cleaner. The skin will be able to absorb skincare products better.

Microdermabrasion also improves circulation in the skin. This can result in more glowing skin. It can also minimize and unclog pores. The recovery time will be only a few hours. The patient can go back to daily activities shortly after the procedure.

Getting microdermabrasion

People do not need to go to a plastic surgeon to get a microdermabrasion treatment. Instead, it can be done at a medspa. Medical spas are comfortable and relaxing and have a variety of treatment options for patients. If you want to get microdermabrasion, schedule a consultation at a local medspa. During the consultation, you will find out more about how the treatment can help you achieve the look you want.

Get more information about Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc in Schaumburg at https://www.paulcdillonmd.com.

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