The old style dermabrasion involved using a rotating disc with an abrasive surface to remove the outer layer of the skin. It carried a high infection risk and very skilled operators. New Style Micro-dermabrasion is used to resurface and smooth the skin but has less risk of complications
Microdermabrasion can be used:
- To give the skin a clean, healthy refreshed look (Cosmetic Microdermabrasion)
- To improve acne scars (Medical Dermabrasion)
- To reduce acne (Medical Dermabrasion)
Micro-dermabrasion uses a principal similar to a vacuum cleaner to clean the skin and empty out the blocked pores with a gentle vacuuming action. This is quite comfortable. When the treatment is completed the skin has a red healthy glow due to the increased circulation in the skin. This increased circulation brings with it oxygen and nutrients to refresh and regenerate the skin.
In the second phase of the treatment a fine jet of aluminium oxide crystals are sprayed on the skin. This has the effect of gently smoothing the skin surface and removing the outer layer of dead skin cells. With repeated treatments this results in a permanent reduction of skin surface irregularities.
At the completion of treatment, the treated area is red due to the increased circulation. This can be covered with make-up and usually fades within one to two days. There is no problem with returning to work and no discomfort after the treatment.
There is no risk of increased pigmentation, as can occur with Laser resurfacing and no "down-time" as with Laser or conventional dermabrasion.
The main areas of use are in the treatment of acne, both acute acne and acne scars, open pores on the face, surgical scars, any raised scar, even Keloid scars. There are no specific contraindications to Micro-dermabrasion except the recent use of the drug Roaccutane. Gentle Microdermabrasion can be commenced about one month after ceasing Roaccutane.
It is usually necessary to have multiple treatments over a period of time. Most cases require about ten treatments but severe acne and acne scars may require more. Treatments are usually done every two to three weeks but can be done weekly. The first few treatments may take up to one hour but as the condition improves treatment time reduces to about half an hour. With conditions such as acne it may be necessary to combine Micro-dermabrasion with other medical therapies and skin care programs to ensure more rapid results. You Doctor will advise you if this is necessary.
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