7 Essential Facts About Microdermabrasion
While Charleston plastic surgeons offer a myriad of surgical procedures, many also offer minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments. At Thaxton Plastic Surgery, we provide an assortment of medical spa treatments, including microdermabrasion. Here are a few facts about this popular skin treatment.
1 – Microdermabrasion Removes The Top Layer Of Skin
With microdermabrasion, a technician sprays your skin with fine crystals and then uses a special wand to exfoliate the surface of the skin, removing the top layer. This not only removes the dead skin cells, but some studies have also indicated that this procedure may increase collagen production and, therefore, provides you with a more youthful glow.
2 – Multiple Treatments Are Needed
While you might notice an improvement in the appearance of your skin a few days after treatment, we usually recommend multiple treatments for our patients. Typically, it takes about five treatments or more before you notice significant results. In general, you might need between 5-12 treatments and sometimes a few more to enjoy the results you want.
3 – There’s No Downtime With Microdermabrasion
While multiple treatments are needed, the good news is that microdermabrasion is quick, easy, safe and there’s no downtown. The procedure takes about 45 minutes and you can head back to work or do whatever it is you normally do. Many people will schedule weekly appointments until they achieve the desired results. In some cases, we will schedule appointments every two weeks or once per month. The frequency of treatment depends on many factors, such as your skin type and the issues you want to address with the procedure.
4 – Microdermabrasion Can Address Many Issues
Microdermabrasion is an excellent, non-invasive procedure that can improve many skin issues, including:
- Improving an uneven skin tone or brightening a dull complexion
- Lessening the appearance of age spots
- Lessening the appearance of dark spots from healed acne
- Lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Lessening the appearance of hyperpigmentation
5 – Microdermabrasion Isn’t Painful
There are many amazing cosmetic procedures available today that can transform your look. Microdermabrasion is one of the few where there should be little to no discomfort. That said, it’s not unusual for the skin to look red and perhaps swollen for a few days after the procedure. Your skin also might feel a bit tender for a day or two, but this is one of our gentlest procedures, and most patients find the procedure relaxing and easy.
6 – Microdermabrasion Is Not The Same As Dermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a gentle, exfoliating procedure. Dermabrasion is much more invasive. Dermabrasion is best for more serious issues such as reducing the appearance of scars, especially deeper acne scars or scars from accidents. It also can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, but typically it’s a procedure recommended for patients with lighter skin tones where microdermabrasion is suitable for just about all skin tones.
7 – Microdermabrasion Cannot Address Serious Issues
If you have a few age spots or some light acne scars, microdermabrasion can be a fantastic option. However, if you do have deeper acne scars or more serious skin issues, we might recommend a more invasive treatment, such as a chemical peel or the aforementioned dermabrasion.
Many patients ask us about microdermabrasion vs chemical peel, so let’s talk about the peels. There are three levels of chemical peel (light, medium, and deep) and we can help you decide which option is the best fit for your current skin issues. In general, even a light chemical peel is a bit deeper treatment than microdermabrasion, but we can discuss all of your options during a consultation.
Additionally, all Charleston plastic surgeons will tell you that microdermabrasion is not for everyone. For people with skin issues such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, or an active acne breakout, microdermabrasion is not recommended. It’s best for these patients to meet with a dermatologist to try and address these issues first before opting for microdermabrasion or other facial procedures.
Keeping Skin Youthful
As we age, we produce less collagen, and this means the skin loses its elasticity and we start to see those fine lines. Additionally, sun damage also takes its toll on our skin. In addition to procedures such as microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, there are a few other steps you can take to keep skin looking and feeling its best.
Maintain a daily skin regimen that includes twice-daily cleansing and moisturizing. Be sure that your daytime moisturizer, as well as your makeup, includes a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you are out in the sun during peak sunlight hours, we also recommend that you wear a hat to further prevent sun damage.
Indulge in a weekly mask treatment using a mask infused with collagen. This can help rejuvenate the skin and you’ll enjoy pampering yourself. Consider a nice soak in a warm tub while the mask works its magic. We also recommend drinking plenty of water, eating a variety of healthy foods, and getting a good night’s sleep. All of this can improve your skin and improve your health in general.
In addition to microdermabrasion, the team at Thaxton Plastic Surgery also can provide you with facials, dermaplaning, eyebrow waxing and tinting, microblading, chemical peels, skin resurfacing with intense pulse light (IPL), and Latisse. We also offer more invasive treatments, such as lip fillers, Botox, SkinPen, Juvéderm®, and much more. If you are interested in microdermabrasion or any of these procedures, give us a call at any time and we will set up an appointment.
