What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure to repair acne scars, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin by gently sandblasting the skin with aluminum oxide microcrystals, resulting in a smoother, fresher-looking appearance. In addition to removing the top layer of skin (i.e., dead skin cells), the procedure also promotes collagen production, stimulating the skin rejuvenation process. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and requires no downtime.

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How is microdermabrasion performed?
First, a nurse cleans the client's skin with a cleansing gel. The doctor then applies a hand-held device directly to the client's face, to send aluminum oxide microcrystals through a small tube pressed against the skin. The doctor treats the entire face to ensure a consistent skin color and texture, and the device vacuums up the dead skin cells along with the microcrystals. After the procedure, the doctor or nurse applies a sun-blocking cream that also contains nourishing nutrients, and the client returns to his or her daily routine right afterwards.

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How is microdermabrasion different from dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion uses a high-powered, hand-held device to treat deep wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation by scraping away the top layers of the skin. Clients sometimes need general or local anesthesia, and the treatment can last for up to two hours, depending on how deep the skin condition is and which part of the face the treatment targets. Clients can experience redness, swollen skin and extreme sensitivity for up to 10 days.

Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is a much less invasive procedure. The doctor "sand blasts" the skin with a hand-held device that delivers a steady, high-pressure stream of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. The device then vacuums up the crystals and the dead skin cells, resulting in a cleaner, smoother skin surface.

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How safe is aluminum oxide used for microdermabrasion?
Aluminum oxide crystals are perfectly safe. They're not carcinogenic, they're not harmful to the skin, and they're not toxic if accidentally ingested. During the treatment, the client wears special glasses to prevent the microcrystals from entering the eyes. The hand-held microdermabrasion device also sucks up the used microcrystals to reduce the risk of inhaling the aluminum oxide.

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Who should perform microdermabrasion?
Ideally, microdermabrasion should be performed by trained plastic surgeons.

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How long does a microdermabrasion procedure last?
Most face treatments can take 20 to 30 minutes. However, if the treatment includes work on the neck or other body parts, it can last up to 60 minutes.

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What should be discussed during a microdermabrasion consultation?
A microdermabrasion consultation doesn't last very long. The client should share his or her medical history with the doctor to determine whether microdemabrasion is the proper course of treatment. The doctor should check the client's skin type, explain the procedure and set reasonable goals and expectations. Contraindications and risks of the treatment should also be discussed. The client should ask to see samples of the doctor's work ("before and after" photos), check the doctor's microdermabrasion credentials, and ask about any pre-treatment instructions. The client should also emphasize the importance of using sterile, sanitary equipment.

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Who are the best candidates for microdermabrasion?
The best candidates are individual who want to repair minor acne scars, discolored skin, large pores, age spots, sun-damaged skin, fine wrinkles or uneven skin tone and texture. Microdermabrasion can be performed on all skin types and colors, but certain medical conditions can make some people unsuitable for microdermabrasion, so it's important to share a full medical history with the doctor before agreeing to the procedure.

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What can microdermabrasion do?
Microdermabrasion can decrease wrinkles and other lines, fight acne and eliminate acne scars, even out skin tone, remove pimples and blackheads, reduce the size of large pores and rejuvenate skin.

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How many microdermabrasion treatments are needed?
The number of sessions needed for optimal results will vary from individual to individual, but most people can see significant improvements after the fifth session, and often sooner than that. Most clients receive between 6 and 10 microdermabrasion treatments, at two-week intervals to give the skin ample time to recover. After the first series of sessions, many clients schedule single, follow-up sessions every two or three months to maintain the results.

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Does microdermabrasion hurt?
The treatment is painless, although some clients experience minor itchiness or stinging during the procedure, particularly during the first session or two, before the skin gets used to the treatment. While the skin may exhibit some redness for a day, that appearance generally isn't accompanied by any itchiness or pain.

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Are there any special preparations for microdermabrasion?
Any preparations for microdermabrasion are minimal but can include the cessation of smoking, sunbathing, waxing, aspirin-based medicines, Retin-A, Renova, Differin and glycolic acid products. The doctor should offer a complete list of preparations before the treatment.

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How quickly can clients return to work after microdermabrasion procedure?
Clients are usually able to go back to work as soon as the procedure is over. Any redness of the skin can be covered up with light make-up.

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How quickly do microdermabrasion results appear?
Results can vary, depending on skin type and the microdermabrasion machine being used, but some clients can see changes almost immediately. Most clients will notice a cleaner, healthier appearance after a few sessions, but significant improvements (such as reduced wrinkles and repairs scars) can require five treatments before becoming noticeable.

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Is any follow-up treatment required?
Once the initial series of microdermabrasion treatments is completed, many clients choose to schedule single sessions every three months or so to maintain their younger, smoother appearance.

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What can be expected after each microdermabrasion treatment?
The doctor or nurse will apply a sun-blocking, moisturizing cream after the procedure to protect against sun damage. The client may see some redness around the treated areas, but that should subside after a few hours. In the first day, the skin may feel dry, but that can be resolved by applying moisturizer for the first few days. Clients should stay out of the sun for at least seven days following the procedure and should avoid using peeling products and full-face make up for 3 to 4 days.

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Are there contraindications for microdermabrasion?
People with keratosis, undiagnosed lesions, active rosacea or acne, weeping acne (stages 3 to 4), diabetes, auto-immune disorders, fragile capillaries, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or lupus should avoid microdermabrasion. Clients should discuss their medical history with their doctor before any procedure.

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What risks are involved in microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is virtually risk-free. It is non-invasive and mild, so you have nothing to worry about. Make sure, however, that the medical staff sterilizes the equipment or changing the disposable pieces before use. That way, the risk of infection is practically zero.

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What are the limits of microdermabrasion?
There are several skin conditions that microdermabasion can't repair, including severe surgical, injury or burn scars, deep skin discolorations and tattoos.

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Can an acid peel help the skin?
Acid peels are designed to rejuvenate the skin. In nearly every case, the client's skin will appear fresher and healthier.

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How long does an acid peel take?
Acid peels usually take about 30 minutes from start to finish, quick enough to earn them the nickname "the lunchtime peel."

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How much down time is there after the acid peel procedure?
In most cases, individuals can return to work or their other normal routines immediately after the procedure.

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Are acid peels painful?
No. Clients may experience a "tingly" feeling or some slight itchiness when the glycolic acid is applied to the skin, but once the peel is neutralized, the skin will feel fresh and smooth, and the client shouldn't feel any pain.

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Should sunlight be avoid after an acid peel?
Individuals can go outside after receiving chemical peels, but they should wear sunscreen for several days, because their skin will have a heightened sensitivity to sun exposure.

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How many acid peels are recommended?
Many clients experience their best results when they undergo a peel every four to six weeks. While the effects of a glycolic acid peel can be supplemented by products that are available for home use, a regularly scheduled infusion of a more highly-concentrated dose of glycolic acid, such as that provided by an acid peel, can better sustain and maintain the healthy skin appearance.

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Can an acid peel remove deep lines or wrinkles?
No. While an acid peel can enhance and improve skin texture, tone and evenness, it is not effective in the removal of deep lines or wrinkles. In those cases, doctors often recommend laser resurfacing.

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What does the Thermage procedure entail?
Thermage is a safe, non-invasive, cosmetic procedure designed to firm up, reshape and rejuvenate one's skin and help restore a younger look. A doctor can perform the procedure in a medical setting by utilizing the ThermaCool™ system, which has been approved by the FDA to treat facial wrinkles. The Thermage procedure relies on advanced Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology to tighten the collagen that already exists beneath the skin and to promote the natural generation of new collagen. Clients can see enhancements to their appearance immediately, enhancements that can last for up to six months. A quick, easy procedure with no recovery time needed, Thermage can be administered to individuals of any skin color.

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How does Thermage work?
Thermage heats collagen fibers found deep beneath the skin and underlying tissue, while a cooling spray guards the skin's surface from overheating. A ThermaTip™, attached to the end of the handheld ThermaCool device, makes brief contact with the skin, sending CRF energy deep below the surface. The heat immediately works to tighten up the structure beneath the skin and underlying tissue. It also generates new collagen production to enhance the tightening effects and help reshape the contours of the treated area.

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How long does the Thermage procedure take?
The length of the Thermage procedure depends on the size of the area being treated. Small areas can require as little as 20 minutes to treat, while larger areas may require up to two hours to achieve the intended results.

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How many treatments are needed?
For the vast majority of clients, unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage treatment produces results in the majority of patients. The treating doctor will determine the course of treatment that is right for each patient, based on the patient's needs and goals.

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When do results appear?
Results can be seen immediately, and they improve over time. After a single session, clients will gradually see measurable tightening as well as improved contouring over two to six months.

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Where on the face can the Thermage procedure be performed?
Areas that can be treated with Thermage include: around the eyes and forehead; around the cheeks, mouth, jaw line and chin; and any combination of those parts.

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Does the Thermage procedure hurt?
No. Individuals feel a quick sensation of heat in the deeper layers of skin when the ThermaTip device is applied to the treated area, which is a sign that the CRF energy is effectively reaching the underlying collagen. While this is happening, a cooling spray protects the surface of the skin from overheating. Because the client is awake during the procedure, he or she can tell the doctor if the heat becomes uncomfortable. If requested by the client, the doctor can provide light pain medication before the treatment begins.

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Does Thermage require any special preparation or follow-up?
No. Unlike more invasive procedures like surgery, no preparation is needed before the treatment, and individuals can return to their regular routines right after treatment. While a temporary redness or minor swelling may appear following the procedure, it usually subsides within a day without requiring any after-care treatment. While proper skin care and the use of sunblock are still recommended, the only lasting visual sign of a Thermage procedure is younger, smoother, healthier-looking skin.

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How long do the results of the procedure last?
The procedure immediately firms up an individual's existing collagen and promotes natural collagen production for up to six months afterward.

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Is Thermage a safe procedure?
The evidence, based on nearly 200,000 treatments to date, suggest that Thermage is a very safe procedure. The reported frequency of side effects — mostly redness, bumps, swelling and blisters around the treated area — is less than 0.4%, and these side effects have resolved within days or, in some cases, weeks. A qualified physician can address any safety issues regarding the Thermage procedure.

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