Microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, revealing brighter, smoother, and more even-toned skin underneath. This procedure uses a device that physically exfoliates the upper layers of skin, promoting a refreshed appearance. The technique improves blood flow and oxygen transfer to the area, while the disruption of the skin’s surface stimulates cell division, encouraging mild fibroblast activity and boosting collagen production.
Microdermabrasion is a quick and convenient treatment that provides temporary results lasting up to four weeks. Its advantages include immediate effects and enhanced absorption of your creams and lotions for optimal results. This exfoliating treatment offers cumulative benefits and can be performed multiple times to target specific skin concerns. Please consult our experts to learn how to address your skin issues.
Microdermabrasion benefits and improves skin that has been negatively impacted by:
Because microdermabrasion remodels the skin through the reparative process of wound healing, the new skin tissue that results is thicker, smoother, and less wrinkled.
Microdermabrasion also reduces sebum production, an oil that can clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts. Melanization—the process by which melanin, the pigment that darkens your skin, is produced—is slowed down, decreasing the likelihood of hyperpigmentation developing.
Besides its effects on skin rejuvenation, microdermabrasion may also enhance the absorption of certain drugs and ingredients, such as vitamin C, into the skin.
Research into the benefits of microdermabrasion for drug delivery is ongoing, and removing the stratum corneum is believed to aid in the entry and distribution of drugs throughout the rest of the epidermis.
Efficacy
The exfoliation and increased blood flow from microdermabrasion, combined with subsequent skin remodelling, produce immediately visible effects on a patient’s skin. Facial microdermabrasion brings about mild improvements in the appearance of scars, melasma, and overall skin rejuvenation. Following skin resurfacing, the stratum corneum appears more uniform.
Microdermabrasion can be safely performed on most individuals, regardless of their skin type, with a few exceptions. However, individuals with active skin infections, such as herpes, chickenpox, shingles, HPV, or impetigo, should avoid this treatment.
Those who are allergic to aluminum should avoid microdermabrasion that uses aluminum crystals and instead opt for another type of microdermabrasion treatment.
Individuals prone to scarring, or those who have rosacea or telangiectasias, should inform their dermatologist before undergoing microdermabrasion.
Before a microdermabrasion facial, the area to be treated is cleaned, and the eyes are covered with protective eyewear. The procedure does not require sedation or anesthesia and is performed using a device with a diamond tip or by blasting fine crystals onto the skin.
Procedures using a diamond-tipped device exfoliate dead skin cells and smooth the stratum corneum. Debris and waste are suctioned into an attachment and removed from the surface via vacuum. Your medical aesthetics specialist will adjust the depth of skin penetration according to the pressure applied to the handpiece.
Treatments that utilise crystal-based devices project fine crystals—typically composed of aluminum oxide, as well as sodium chloride, magnesium oxide, or sodium bicarbonate—onto your skin.
A vacuum draws dead skin cells from the stratum corneum into the device while gliding over the treatment area. The device operator adjusts the flow rate of the crystals to enhance the device’s effectiveness and depth of penetration.
A single microdermabrasion session usually includes up to three passes with the handpiece. At the end of the session, any debris and leftover crystals are wiped away before moisturizer and sunscreen are applied to the treatment area.
The whole procedure lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Following a Flex MD treatment, there are some immediate visible changes in the skin but most changes occur naturally over a series of treatments. Results may continue to improve up to 4-6 weeks after a course as LED Phototherapy continues to stimulate the natural cellular processes to rejuvenate and improve the quality of the skin.
For optimum results, we advise 4 to 6 Flex MD treatments, depending on the skin condition.
Treatment results are cumulative, and sessions taken in close succession are generally recommended.
The number of treatments required to achieve optimum results may be subject to a number of factors which should be discussed during the consultation to manage client expectations.
These include age, skin type, severity of indication, lifestyle factors and other procedures that may be included in the overall treatment programme.
COURSE RECOMMENDATION:
6-12 treatments are generally recommended for all indications at a frequency of 2 sessions per week. Patients should be reviewed at the end of the course to assess progress and further treatments may then be advised as required.
TREATMENT FREQUENCY:
A 24-hour time period between treatments is generally recommended for inflammatory conditions such as acne, redness and sensitive skin, however for general skin rejuvenation, treatments can be taken in daily succession.
COURSE FREQUENCY:
Due to cell activation, results can last for several weeks following a course of treatments. However, regular maintenance treatments are advised to extend your patients’ results as part of an on-going skin health program.
Results are typically noticeable soon after a procedure, but achieving the desired outcome often requires between four to six microdermabrasion sessions, depending on your specific skin condition. Those with significant photodamage or other skin issues may need more than 16 treatments.
Microdermabrasion results in immediate, mild, yet clinically significant improvements to the skin following treatment. These beneficial outcomes may be enhanced by combining microdermabrasion with topical retinoids. In addition to reducing wrinkles, fine lines, skin dullness, large pores, and pigmentation, your skin’s complexion becomes brighter and less sallow or yellow after multiple treatments.
Post-treatment results also indicate a rise in collagen, proteins, and other advantageous components.
Microdermabrasion Safety and Side Effects
Microdermabrasion is regarded as a safe aesthetic procedure that primarily impacts the outer layers of the skin. Consequently, patients without contraindications are unlikely to encounter significant side effects.
In general, patients might experience some tenderness, swelling, bruising, or redness on the skin following treatment, all of which typically fade within hours. After treatment, there may also be some petechiae or discoloured spots indicating bleeding beneath the skin. This is also expected to clear up within a few hours.
Microdermabrasion may reactivate dormant viruses, such as herpes, in individuals who have previously had the disease.
There is no downtime required after a microdermabrasion facial. However, since the stratum corneum has been removed, the skin becomes more sensitive to photodamage. Proper aftercare includes keeping the skin hydrated through moisturizing, avoiding harsh skincare products like exfoliants, and discontinuing the use of topical acne treatments for at least one day.
Additionally, avoid direct sunlight for 24 to 48 hours following treatment. For about three weeks after treatment, or until your skin has healed, apply generous amounts of sunscreen before any sun exposure.
Microdermabrasion is an effective skin resurfacing technique for improving aging skin and treating blemishes caused by acne, scarring, wrinkles, fine lines, melasma, stretch marks, and uneven skin tones.
The results of microdermabrasion are immediate, but to attain the desired improvements in the skin, several treatment sessions are typically necessary. The effects are temporary, as the skin will continue to age naturally and remain susceptible to future breakouts of acne, scars, and other skin concerns.
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive aesthetic procedure that is safe for all skin types and colours, requiring no recovery time. However, it is essential to follow proper aftercare, including moisturization and sun protection.
Individuals may choose to schedule regular treatments to maintain their refreshed appearance, particularly given the relatively low cost of the professional procedure.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada