Microdermabrasion
Enjoying clear, beautiful skin can sometimes be a goal that is difficult to attain. Dead skin cells stubbornly cling to the surface, and the resurfacing process can be slow for some individuals. When your goal is to exfoliate the skin gently and reveal the healthy skin underneath, microdermabrasion can be a suitable treatment. Patients who want to improve skin tone, texture, and appearance can seek microdermabrasion treatments at Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa!
Candidates for Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a great treatment option for anyone who wants to improve the texture and luminosity of their skin. It’s a suitable choice for any age and skin type, regardless of skin color. An ideal candidate is someone with the following symptoms:
- Rough or dull skin texture
- Sun spots
- Mild hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Mild acne scars
Microdermabrasion is efficient in unclogging the pores, which makes this an ideal treatment for acne-prone individuals. The reduction of the pores leads to less excessive sebum production, reducing the chances of breakouts in the future.
While people with mild acne and rosacea can also benefit from the treatment, care is advised. If the condition has progressed too much or is in full flare, it can make the symptoms worse. You should wait until the skin calms down to undergo your treatment.
Similarly, if you’ve recently had a chemical peel or any other exfoliating treatment, you should wait about one to two weeks before going in for a microdermabrasion session. While the treatment is not known to have any negative side effects for pregnant women, we recommend that you postpone the procedure until after birth. A consultation with our Azul® professionals can help determine whether or not you are a good candidate.
How Microdermabrasion Works
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin, where dead skin is mostly settled. The treatment uses a specialized tool to “sand away” the damaged cells, revealing the healthy layer underneath and reducing dullness.
Microdermabrasion also increases fibroblasts in the skin, which are responsible for the production of collagen. The “injuries” are smaller in comparison to procedures like microneedling but are strong enough to slightly trigger the healing system of the body. This leads to a higher production of collagen and elastin in the area, reducing fine lines and acne scars with time.
During the treatment, one of our trained professionals will guide the exfoliating device over the targeted area, using careful motion. The dead skin cells are removed using a suction feature, leaving the skin clear of damaged cells and debris.
The microdermabrasion treatment lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area that you treat. Patients can choose to combine their microdermabrasion treatment session with other rejuvenating serums because product absorption is higher after microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion Recovery
One of the best parts of microdermabrasion is that it comes with little to no potential for downtime. No anesthesia is needed, and patients can return to their daily routine without much discomfort. Many choose to relax on that day, as it’s still recommended to avoid direct sunlight within the next few days.
Some recovery symptoms can be expected after a microdermabrasion treatment. The skin may be slightly pink, as it would be after a mild sunburn. This is the skin’s natural response to exfoliation, and it usually goes away after a few hours. Some patients may feel some dryness and tightness, but these symptoms can be addressed with a soothing or moisturizing cream.
During the recovery stage, we recommend that you use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh exfoliating products. If you have to leave the house, use a sunblock of at least SPF30. Always remember to stay hydrated because this promotes faster recovery.
Microdermabrasion Results
Microdermabrasion offers a combination of immediate and long-term results. After the redness fades, patients notice a rejuvenated glow as the dead skin cells are removed from the surface. The skin should also feel softer to the touch, with fewer areas of mild discoloration. Since our providers administer medical-grade serums after the treatment, you can enjoy a healthier, more luminous skin texture.
One treatment offers benefits that can last up to one month; however, repeated sessions can gradually improve skin tone and texture, removing pigmentation issues. Within two to three months, most patients notice that fine lines and hyperpigmentation are no longer as intense.
It is important that you follow a good skincare routine and make sure to focus on moisturizing products and sunblock to maintain the results. Medical-grade skincare is recommended, as these products are rich in active agents. Follow up every two to four weeks with another microdermabrasion treatment, as this can keep the skin rejuvenated in the long term.