Microdermabrasion is an aesthetic procedure that involves the removal of skin imperfections and makes the skin younger and healthier. A mechanical device gently removes the outside of the skin, allowing a new, healthier layer to grow. Treatment is typically done in a dermatologist's or cosmetic surgeon's office on an outpatient basis, although it is also sometimes offered at spas and beauty salons. The procedure takes about an hour and convalescence is almost non-existent. To make sure you get the best results, you need to carefully choose the right doctor, discuss your medical history with him, and prepare yourself carefully during the week leading up to your treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Knowing the Procedure and Choosing the Doctor
Step 1. Know what to expect during the treatment
Initially, the dermatologist applies a cleansing gel or foam to deep cleanse and remove all traces of makeup, dirt or oil. Next, apply a device to the face to scrape off the outer layer of the skin, which is removed through friction. This session lasts 30-40 minutes for the face and about 20 minutes for the neck; at the end, a moisturizer is spread. There are two types of devices:
- The most common has a nozzle that expels microscopic coarse crystals of aluminum oxide at high pressure that "sand" the epidermis. The device releases and simultaneously sucks the microgranules together with the dead cells; it works a bit like a small miniature sandblaster.
- The other model has an applicator with a thin diamond tip that scrapes the skin of the face before the dead cells are sucked into a vacuum.
Step 2. Determine if the procedure is right for you
Microdermabrasion is delicate, non-invasive and makes the skin younger and smoother; can be performed to treat dull complexion, with uneven color or texture, to eliminate age spots, acne scars, sun damage and wrinkles, although it has limited effectiveness in fighting severe acne or hyperpigmentation (patches of dark skin). If you suffer from the following dermatological conditions, you cannot undergo the procedure:
- Active Rosacea;
- Capillary fragility or vascular lesions (which appear as patches of red skin);
- Active acne;
- Warts;
- Eczema;
- Dermatitis;
- Open wounds;
- Psoriasis (patches of thick, scaly skin)
- Lupus;
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
Step 3. Find out about costs
The average price for a session is around 180 euros; in the United States it can cost around $ 140, but in India and other Asian countries it can cost much less, between 12 and 35 euros. To obtain satisfactory results, more sessions are usually required: between 5 and 16 sessions. Many dermatologists offer installment plans so clients have access to treatment.
Step 4. Decide where you want to go through the procedure
This treatment is performed by a cosmetic surgeon or a dermatologist and it is also possible to request it at some wellness centers or beauty salons. The beauticians of these facilities can perform microdermabrasion effectively, but their expertise in this area is not well regulated, so you should minimize the risks and seek medical attention. A trained doctor is able to carefully examine the epidermis to make sure the procedure is safe. To find a qualified one you can:
- Ask friends; personal references are the best way to find a good clinic;
- Ask your family doctor to recommend one;
- Read the reviews online, but in this case you have to be very careful, as some comments may have been written by the employees of the doctor's office themselves.
Step 5. Make an appointment for a consultation
You must meet your doctor before scheduling the surgery, to make sure you feel comfortable in that facility, that the procedure is safe for you and to ask the dermatologist any questions you wish to clarify any doubts; for instance:
- Is the doctor qualified and regularly registered with the Order of Aesthetic Surgeons or Dermatologists?
- How many sessions will be needed?
- What are the possible side effects?
- Is the procedure safe for you?
- Is it possible to see pictures of patients before and after the treatment?
- What is the total cost? Is it possible to have a deferred payment plan?
Part 2 of 2: Prepare for the Appointment
Step 1. Tell your doctor if you have had tretinoin acne treatment in the past 6 months
This is retinoic acid and is used to treat severe cases of acne. Since its use can increase the risk of scarring after a microdermabrasion session, you must wait at least six months after the last application before undergoing the procedure.
Step 2. Apply a doctor-recommended topical solution as part of your microdermabrasion treatment
Some doctors ask their patients to use a specific skin care product before undergoing the procedure, to make sure that the surface of the epidermis is at its best at the time of the session. This type of solution is often available at the doctor's office where the procedure is performed; if not, be sure to get it prescribed promptly so that you can apply it in time.
Step 3. Avoid any facial treatments in the week leading up to your appointment
Since microdermabrasion "grinds" the surface layer of the skin, any procedure performed before would leave the skin much more sensitive, create discomfort or other complications; be sure to talk to your doctor about any treatments you have had lately. Here are the ones you need to avoid:
- Face cleaning;
- Depilation with wax;
- Hair removal with tweezers;
- Electrolysis;
- Laser treatments;
- Injections of collagen or Botox;
- Chemical peels.
Step 4. Stay out of the sun
The sun's rays damage the skin and make it more sensitive; you must therefore avoid exposing yourself as much as possible, especially during the week preceding the treatment. Even if you don't have to perform microdermabrasion, you should always apply sunscreen when you go outside for more than a few minutes, even on cloudy days.
Step 5. Stop smoking while preparing for microdermabrasion
The skin must be as healthy as possible before the procedure and cigarette smoke inhibits blood circulation in the skin. You must quit smoking at least in the week before the session, but if you want to achieve better, longer lasting results and healthier skin (not to mention a reduced risk of cancer), you should completely quit smoking.
Step 6. Stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at least one week before the procedure
If you are taking over-the-counter medications, simply stop taking them; if it is a prescription drug, you must first discuss this with your doctor. These anti-inflammatories increase the risk of bleeding or breakouts after treatment; among the NSAIDs to avoid consider:
- Aspirin;
- Ibuprofen (Moment, Brufen);
- Naproxen (Momendol);
- Celecoxib (Celebrex);
- Diclofenac (Voltagen, Voltaren);
- Mefenamic acid (Lysalgo);
- Indomethacin (Indoxen);
- Oxaprozin (Walix);
- And the following: aceclofenac, etodolac, etoricoxib, phenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meclofenamate, meclofenamic acid, nabumetone, piroxicam, sulindac and tolmetine.
Step 7. Stop using exfoliating creams and topical acne medications three days before your appointment
Most of these topical medicines are based on acids that remove the outer layer of the skin, leaving the skin more sensitive and causing possible discomfort. Review all products you are using with your doctor before undergoing microdermabrasion. In particular, do not use:
- Alpha hydroxy acids that congest glycolic acid or lactic acid;
- Products with salicylic acid;
- The retinoids (Retin-A, Renova, Refissa);
- Benzoyl peroxide.
Step 8. Tell your doctor if you have suffered from cold sores in the past
Microdermabrasion can sometimes trigger relapses; to avoid them, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to take before the procedure.
Step 9. Clean your face before going to your appointment
Instead of traditional soap, use a synthetic soap (Syndet) or a lipid-free cleanser to wash your face and neck. These cleansing products help maintain the natural moisture of the face much better than regular soaps; look for those that contain glycerin, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and other sulfates.
Step 10. Make a new appointment if you experience a sudden breakout of acne, boils, or other types of rash on your face the day before the procedure
To avoid possible adverse effects, your skin needs to be as healthy as possible when you show up for treatment.
