Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is one of the more recent skin-care techniques to have crossed over from Hollywood to the mainstream. It's being advanced as an "instant facelift" -- an effective alternative to costlier and more invasive procedures like plastic surgery, chemical peels and BOTOX® injections. Recently, more and more men are trying it, instead of pursuing cosmetic surgery. So what exactly is microdermabrasion, what does it promise and what effect does it actually have on your face?

The Basics

Microdermabrasion is a general term for buffing away the surface layer of skin. It's usually done to the face, chest, neck, arms or hands. Before we can understand how microdermabrasion does what it does, it's important to understand how skin works.

Your skin is made up of two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the layer closest to the outside world. It's a set of dead skin cells on top of another layer of cells that are in the process of maturing. The topmost layer is called the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum mostly acts as a barrier between the outside world and the lower skin layers. It keeps all but the smallest molecules from getting through. This is what stops most of the moisturizers from truly penetrating into the skin. They are left to sit outside on top of your skin only to be removed on the next washing. Removal of this built up layer of dead skin cells allows moisturizing agents to be absorbed into the skin resulting in a healthier and a more lovely skin.

In the mid-90's a skin care technique using aluminum oxide powder for microdermabrasion was developed in Italy. The process uses vacuum and a small orifice to accelerate the powder. This is basically a sandblaster designed to chip away the outer covering of dead skin cells coupled with a vacuum cleaner designed to suck up the crystals of salt and the loosened skin cells and debris. Aluminum oxide crystals are commonly used as the “sand”.

The technique proved effective; however, it has some disadvantages:

Aluminum oxide is left imbedded in the skin and floating around in the air. There are numerous studies published by the US Government & various Health Journals on the dangers of Aluminum-Oxide Dust. Even though Sodium-Bicarbonate & Organic Crystals are less toxic than Aluminum-Oxide crystals, there is still danger of getting Baking Soda & Organic crystals in a client’s eye during treatment, causing permanent corneal scratches.

There is a significant volume of material to dispose of after each procedure. The crystals are left in the hair and clothes of both the patient and clinician. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, these crystals will remain in your hair and clothes after the process is finished.

The clinician must wear a particle mask and client must wear eye protection and remove contacts.

The danger of damaging the skin by operator error must also be recognized. If the device is left to long in one area or used at to high of a pressure, the underlying layers of tissue can be damaged.

As a result of these concerns, the aesthetic profession has developed a safer, more hygienic technique called Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion. In our effort to always provide the latest technological advancement and safety in skin care for our patients, Hopkins Clinic utilizes the Aurora Diamond Peel system for Microdermabrasion. It is crystal free but provides the same or better outcome for skin resurfacing Instead of crystals, our skilled therapists use diamond tipped hand held devices that lightly abrade the skin when moved across the surface. No harsh mechanical sandblasting is performed. Another major difference with the crystal-free treatment is improved hygiene. The Diamond Peel hypoallergenic treatment eliminates the use of loose crystals and other abrasives causing skin irritation by replacing them with micro laser cut diamond crystals permanently applied to the tip of the handpiece. As this handpiece is gently moved across the surface of the skin, dead skin cells are loosened and vacuumed away in a sterile and controlled manner. The degree of abrasion is determined by choosing the coarseness level of the nine different diamond crystal tips, vacuum level and gentle pressure applied by the therapist with the handpiece. This treatment is suitable for all skin types and can be applied to the face, neck, décolleté or the entire body. Another advantage of using a diamond tipped handpiece versus the sandblasting technique, is the option to treat very close to the eyes. Treatment of this area is contraindicated with the older aluminum oxide crystal Microdermabrasion technique. The technician steadily moves the tool over the target area, applying even and steady pressure to remove the stratum corneum without affecting the lower skin layers. The unique ergonomic hand piece is designed for comfortable application during longer full-body treatments, and enables practitioners to effectively treat sensitive skin and hardest-to-reach areas including skin crevices and uneven surfaces for most effective results and a wider variety of treatment options. The process is non painful and a safe procedure. A standard session usually consists of one to three passes with the tool. In most cases, the patient is then asked to apply specialized lotions and creams to the affected area between sessions. This rehydrates the area and assists in promoting healthier new skin.

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Microdermabrasion Costs

These treatments are priced from as low as $75 to $225 depending on the complexity of the condition, areas treated, and other procedures are often combined to make the outcome most effective and satisfying. Microdermabrasion is usually combined with facial massage, facial masks and peels as well as other products such as Levulan® for removal of pre-cancerous lesions. The friendly staff at Hopkins Clinic is happy to schedule you for a free consultation to help you determine what would best meet your needs and expectations. Microdermabrasion is also frequently combined with other treatments such as Photo Rejuvenation, Wrinkle Reduction and Skin Tightening.

Prices listed on this website are subject to change at any time. A written quote is provided to all patients at the time of your consultation in the office. This quote remains in effect for 30 days from the date the quote is written.

Microdermabrasion / Medical Facials and Peels

Massage to neck, scalp, hands and feet available with the above for $1.00 per minute.

 If you have any questions about any of these processes, please feel free to call and speak with the aesthetician at the office.

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Microdermabrasion Effects

During microdermabrasion, the stratum corneum is removed or broken down. The body interprets this as a mild injury and rushes to replace the lost skin cells with new and healthy ones. In the first hour after treatment, this causes mild edema (swelling) and erythema (redness). Depending on the individual, these side effects can last anywhere from an hour to two days.

This process has a few beneficial effects. With the stratum corneum gone, the skin's surface is improved. The healing process brings with it newer skin cells that look and feel smoother. Some of the skin's visible imperfections, like sun damage, blemishes and fine lines, are removed. Also, without the stratum corneum acting as a barrier, medicinal creams and lotions are more effective because more of their active ingredients and moisture can find their way down to the lower layers of skin. As microdermabrasion temporarily removes some moisture from the skin, it is always followed by the application of moisturizing creams.

Early studies suggest that repeated microdermabrasion treatment at regular intervals may influence the way the lower layers of skin grow, as well, removing deeper blemishes over time. Some evidence seems to indicate that the rapid loss of skin moisture may be what triggers the lower skin layers to work overtime in speeding healthy cells up to the surface.

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Microdermabrasion Candidates

Microdermabrasion works especially well as a way to clean out clogged pores. It's a useful alternative for patients whose skin is too sensitive to use anti-acne drugs like Retin-A. It's not recommended for those who have active oral herpes.

Conditions that make someone unsuited for microdermabrasion:

• Active rosacea

• Fragile capillaries

• Vascular lesions

• Widespread acne

• Herpetic lesions (herpes)

• Warts

• Open sores

• Skin lesions

• Anyone who takes anti-coagulants

• Eczema

• Dermatitis

• Psoriasis

• Lupus

• Erythematosus

• Diabetes mellitus

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FREE Microdermabrasion Consultation

For a FREE no obligation Microdermabrasion consultation or for more information please contact Hopkins Clinic at 727-544-3330 today.  Visit our contact page for hours and location.

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