MICRODERMABRASION TREATMENT

Microdermabrasion is a relatively new technique used to clean, resurface and smooth the skin. The machine is firstly a cleansing device using a principle no different to a vacuum cleaner to clean the skin and empty out blocked pores with a gentle vacuuming action. This is quite comfortable and can be done without anaesthesia. The operator uses a hand piece about the size of your little finger, which is open at one end. This is connected to the suction of the "vacuum cleaner". The open end is moved over the skin, sometimes slowly in a brushing motion, sometimes rapidly in a rubbing action.

At the same time the machine puts a fine layer of corundum crystals on the skin that act as a very gentle abrasive to remove the surface layer of dead skin cells which are suctioned up, along with the crystals, into a waste container. When the treatment is completed the skin has a red healthy glow due to increased circulation in the skin. This increased circulation brings with it oxygen and nutrients to refresh and regenerate the skin.

The treated area is initially red due to increased circulation. This can be covered with makeup if necessary (though we would prefer no makeup on the day of treatment) and usually fades within 12-24 hours. Where acne pustules and cysts have been treated the area may be red for several days. There is no discomfort after the treatment. Mild exfoliation may occur in the first few days after early treatments but is uncommon once the skin is in better condition.

There are no specific contraindications to microdermabrasion except recent use of the drug Roaccutane. Please advise if you have had Roaccutane recently. Microdermabrasion may aggravate the small blood vessels (called TelangIectasia) on the face but does not cause them.

Occasionally, especially in acne patients, the surface of the skin can be scratched (like a finger nail scratch) but heals quickly. Small red spots can occasionally be seen which clear in a few days, usually in clients with sun-damaged skin.

It is usually necessary to have multiple treatments over a period of time. Most acne cases require about ten treatments but severe acne and acne scars may require more. Treatments are usually done weekly to fortnightly to begin depending on condition being treated and then done every two to three weeks. Treatments take approximately 30 minutes. Skin maintenance is usually recommended every six weeks to two months and should be combined with a daily home-based skin care program.

WHAT TO EXPECT RIGHT AFTER TREATMENT

All skins respond differently. Some skins are pink, some are reddish in spots and some just show a healthy even colour. Most colour, which is erythema - not inflammation - subsides within the first hours, although some areas can remain pink for 24 - 48 hours. This can be in a spot area, most likely cheeks, or in a mark that looks like a streak. This is more common in skins of people who smoke or have very thin/sensitive skin. It will subside.

There is definite heat in the skin which often increases at night. Avoid strenuous exercise that evening to prevent excess blood stimulation to the face. Using cooling cloths and moisturiser help to facilitate healing.

Adherence to the information on this site will not ensure successful treatment in every situation and will not ensure specific results in the individual patient. Although complications may be rare, there are certain inherent risks connected with surgical procedures that should be discussed with the surgeon. This Website contains very general information and any procedures mentioned in it should be discussed in detail with your surgeon at the time of consultation.