Dr Frances Pitsilis - Medical Microdermabrasion

What is Microdermabrasion?
It is the process of resurfacing the top layer of the skin to a precise depth by the combination of an exfoliation/vacuum process. By removing dead skin cells and stimulating blood flow, the deeper dermal level is stimulated to produce collagen and fibroblasts (collagen producing cells), giving the skin a more supple elastic appearance. The result can be fresher, healthier, rejuvenated skin with enhanced surface quality.
    

Who is a candidate for Microdermabrasion?
Virtually anyone can benefit. It is a safe noninvasive resurfacing technique that can be used on all skin types.
    

What results can be expected with Microdermabrasion?
Clinical studies have  shown it to be effective for acne, superficial hyper-pigmentation (brown blotches), sun damage, fine lines, thick leathery skin, acne and superficial skin disorders. It can also be useful as part of combination treatments (with Laser Genesis) for sun damaged skin, as well as mild scarring.
    

How many Microdermabrasion treatments are required?
Numbers of treatments can vary. We recommend 6 to 12 treatments, depending on the severity of your problem with a maintenance treatment around once a month.
    

Is Microdermabrasion painful, and is there any  downtime?
No, it is a very superficial exfoliating treatment that is very comfortable, even relaxing.
    

How did Microdermabrasion start?
Ancient Egyptians applied abrasive masks of alabaster particles. For millennia, various substances have been used to peel, exfoliate, and rejuvenate the skin. ??Microdermabrasion was developed in Italy in 1985; its use was widespread in European countries , then in the US and beyond.


What are the advantages of Microdermabrasion?
Skin resurfacing techniques, such as dermabrasion, chemical peeling, and the more recent technique of laser resurfacing, have a history of working, but also the potential for significant complications like scarring, pain, days to weeks of down time and infection. In contrast, microdermabrasion does not carry these risks.


The advantages of microdermabrasion include the following:

• The treatment is painless.  Anesthesia is unnecessary.
• The treatment can be repeated at short intervals.
• The procedure is simple and quickly performed.
• The treatment does not interrupt the patient's life.

What to Expect Before Microdermabrasion?
Before the treatment, your medical history is gathered, you are asked what signs of aging concern you, your skin is examined. This helps ensure that microdermabrasion is appropriate for you. Be sure to tell us if you have had a cosmetic procedure in the past, scar easily, or have ever had a keloid (a type of raised, thickened scar).

It also is important for us to know if you have taken isotretinoin (a prescription medication used to treat severe acne). Experts recommend waiting 6 months or longer after the taking the last dose of isotretinoin. This reduces the risk of side effects from microdermabrasion.

A skin care plan is prescribed for at least 2 weeks beforehand the first treatment.


What to Expect During Microdermabrasion?
The skin is cleansed to remove oils and makeup. The Cosmetic Nurse will use a handheld device that applies very fine particles onto your face while simultaneously vacuuming them away. This exfoliates the top layer of skin. You may feel the sanding, but this is not painful, and is often relaxing.

Treating the face usually takes 30 to 40 minutes, and the neck about 20 minutes.

Once the skin is treated, the skin is cleaned of stray particles, dried, and an ointment or moisturizer is applied.

The added option of therapeutic skin infusions, with a sealing mask according to your problem, may follow. Sometimes, a pre-exfoliation may be performed beforehand.


What to Expect After Microdermabrasion?
Any pink and swollen skin will settle within hours. ?You will be given a skin-care plan that includes sun protection – this helps ensure the best possible results and reduces the risk of side effects.