Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing technique that was developed in Italy in 1985 by Marini and Lo Brutto. It is a non-invasive procedure that is used to improve skin appearance and texture. It has been estimated by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery to be the second most widely used cosmetic procedure after wrinkle relaxation injections. Microdermabrasion mechanically removes layers of skin using abrasives with effects limited to the superficial epidermis rather than the deeper dermis. It is used to treat acne scars, fine lines, unwanted pigmentation and other superficial skin damage associated with ageing and sun exposure.

How does it work?

Microdermabrasion is similar to sand blasting and involves abrasive micro crystals projected at the skin, and then sucked away by a vacuum within a closed system. More recently crystal free systems have been developed. In a similar way to light chemical peels microdermabrasion serves to remove superficial layers of the skin and provide an exfoliating effect. Repeated treatment sessions result in increased production of collagen, thicker epidermis and improvements in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and superficial scars as well as some pigmentation problems. The texture of skin is noticed to be smoother immediately after treatment.

What is it used to treat?

Microdermabrasion can be considered a superficial resurfacing treatment and hence is used to treat clients seeking facial rejuvenation, improvement in fine lines and relatively superficial wrinkles, improvement in acne scars as well as some improvement in pigmentation problems such as melasma. It is also used to improve the general texture and improve skin smoothness.

Rejuvence Philosophy

At Rejuvence we are experienced in the use of microdermabrasion and the extents of its success. It is very good as an entry level treatment especially when our clients are not keen to pursue more aggressive treatment programs that are also much more expensive. Microdermabrasion is a very cost effective and gentle form of skin resurfacing that will ultimately yield good results in combination with good daily skin care programs. It can also prepare the skin for more established treatments at a later date.

is there scientific evidence to support this treatment?

Multiple studies have been performed to examine the efficacy of microdermabrasion. Initial studies using microdermabrasion assessed their effects in patients suffering from acne scars, traumatic scars, surgical scars and burns scars. Patients reported significant improvements in appearance. Subsequent studies identified measured improvements in skin roughness, pigmentation and overall appearance in patients seeking facial rejuvenation. Effects of microdermabrasion on deeper wrinkles extending beyond the epidermis and into the dermis were found to be limited. Microscopic studies demonstrated improvements in the thickness of the epidermis as well increased levels of collagen and elastin under the microscope. More recently researchers have focussed on the effects of microdermabrasion in combination with other procedures.

what happens during the treatment in clinic?

We will conduct a thorough assessment of your skin health and discuss options and advantages of microdermabrasion as a part of a bespoke treatment program. Your skin will be cleansed with alcohol and all make up and creams removed. Hair is draped and eye protection provided. The procedure is associated with minimal discomfort and does not require any anaesthesia. A test region maybe used to assess effects of microdermabrasion settings to be used. Multiple passes of the machine are made across the skin until a mild pink glow is achieved. After the procedure the skin is brushed with a fine brush to remove crystal residue and a potent vitamin serum applied. Healing normally takes 3 days at which point skin health topical creams can be resumed.

are there any side effects to treatment?

Side effects from microdermabrasion are very rare. It is safe with all skin types as long as settings are not too abrasive. There can be some redness and swelling immediately after the procedure. Bleeding is extremely rare. In very rare cases, there can be post inflammatory hyperpigmentation but hydroquinone based serum can be applied immediately after the procedure to help guard against this as well appropriate preconditioning. Skin can be quite sensitive to sun light and sun protection is essential after microdermabrasion.

downtime: will i have to take time off work? can i attend social engagements?

There is a short downtime associated with this procedure and in most instances it should be possible to return to work immediately. The same goes for any social engagements.

what sort of results can i expect?

Microdermabrasion is an entry level superficial resurfacing treatment and will not produce results comparable to slightly deeper chemical peels such as the ZO Three Step Peel or the ZO Controlled Depth Blue Peel. However, it will provide immediate improvements in skin texture and feel. Over a series of sessions it will provide improvements in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There will be limited improvement in rhytides (deeper wrinkles). Acne scars and pigmentation in melasma and chloasma will also improve but best results are achieved when combined with a good daily skin care program.