Microdermabrasion

Overview
Microdermabrasion is a mild, non-surgical treatment to revitalise and rejuvenate your skin. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, with natural-looking results.

Microdermabrasion is effective in reducing:

1. fine lines,
2. 'crow's feet' around the eyes,
3. age spots
4. acne scars.

This procedure stimulates the production of skin cells and collagen and offers a quick way to:

• improve the texture and appearance of your skin
• minimise uneven pigmentation and sun damage.
• unblock blackheads

A variety of non-surgical procedures may be used in combination with, or instead of, microdermabrasion.

The effect of microdermabrasion is temporary, but it creates a more youthful appearance and a more uniform complexion. To optimise your outcomes you should undergo a number of procedures spaced approximately 2-3 weeks apart. The Consultant Plastic Surgeon shall advise you of the number of procedures and the interval between them that will best suit your condition.

Microdermabrasion uses a device that sprays a fine beam of aluminum oxide microcrystals to superficially peel the skin surface while simultaneously removing the tissue debris.

Microdermabrasion exfoliates the superficial dead skin cell layer and may stimulate collagen repair. It improves the appearance of the skin, making it look more radiant and giving it a 'healthy glow'.

Other non-surgical appearance-enhancement options may be combined with microdermabrasion for the best results.

Safety & Side Effects
After the microdermabrasion procedure, it is normal to experience some tightness and redness of the skin and a swelling of sensitive skin around the eyes. More aggressive treatments which attempt to correct scar tissue or stretch marks may cause bleeding. There is a small risk that the pigmentation of the skin may be altered, but this usually clears up within a month. There is also a slight risk of scarring.

Microdermabrasion isn't recommended for people who have active skin infections (such as cold sores) or a history of problems with healing or excessive scarring or those who have had some anti-acne treatments in the past year.

During the Procedure
The Consultant Plastic Surgeon will usually clean your skin before treatment and provide goggles to protect your eyes during the procedure. Microdermabrasion is performed with a machine that delivers a stream of fine crystals across the skin and then 'vacuums' them back up, along with any loosened particles of dead skin. As the crystals move across the skin, the pressure helps exfoliate dead skin. As the outer layer of dull, dead skin is removed, the plumper cells underneath are revealed. New cell growth may also be stimulated. The result is a subtle, healthy glow.

In addition to removing the top layer of skin some Microdermabrasion systems can infuse into the skin:

1. Glycolic based toner for deep cleansing
2. 10% lactic acid peel for exfoliation
3. Kojic Acid peel base for skin lightening
4. Botanical antioxidants for moisturizing
5. Peptides to stimulate collagen growth and wrinkle reduction

Microdermabrasion is relatively painless and doesn't cause any great irritation to the skin. The treatment generally takes less than 30 minutes, although more aggressive microdermabrasion may take up to two hours. A course of four to six treatments is usually recommended.

After the Procedure
After treatment, you'll notice some redness, but this will fade within a few hours. Most people can return straight to work and resume normal daily activities.

Your initial treatment programme may require weekly treatment for a series of four to 10 sessions. You can then schedule maintenance treatments every three or four months.

What should you do after treatment?
It's important to follow your Consultant Plastic Surgeon's advice after microdermabrasion. Your may have to moisturise your skin to help hydration, apply sunscreen to prevent sun damage, and possibly use an antibiotic ointment. If you notice any signs of infection or pigment changes, contact your Consultant Plastic Surgeon immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is microdermabrasion?
   Microdermabrasion is performed with a machine that delivers a stream of fi ne crystals across the skin and then 'vacuums' them back up, along with any loosened particles of dead skin. As the crystals move across the skin, the pressure helps exfoliate dead skin. The outer layer of dull, dead skin is removed, revealing plumper cells underneath. The result is the appearance of healthier, more radiant skin.
   
   
2. What crystals does Microdermabrasion infuse into the skin?
   Some Microdermabrasion systems can infuse:

1. Glycolic based toner for deep cleansing
2. 10% lactic acid peel for exfoliation
3. Kojic Acid peel base for skin lightening
4. Botanical antioxidants for moisturizing
5. Peptides to stimulate collagen growth and wrinkle reduction

3. What skin problems does microdermabrasion treat?
   Microdermabrasion can help improve the appearance of your skin leaving it with a 'healthy glow'. It offers a quick, non-surgical way to:
   • improve the texture and appearance of your skin
   • minimise uneven pigmentation and sun damage
   • unblock blackheads.
   
   
4. How often would I require treatment?
   The initial treatment may be repeated every week or so for a series of four to 10 sessions. The effects of treatment then generally last about three to four months, after which time you may want to schedule another treatment to keep your skin looking good.
   
   
5. Are there any reactions to treatments?
   After microdermabrasion, it's normal to experience some tightness and redness of the skin and a swelling of sensitive skin around the eyes. More intense treatments that attempt to improve scar tissue or stretch marks may cause bleeding. There's a small risk that the pigmentation of the skin may be altered, but this usually clears up within a month. There's also a small risk of scarring. Microdermabrasion is not recommended for people who have active skin infections (such as cold sores) or a history of problems with healing or excessive scarring or those who have had some anti-acne treatments in the past year.
   
   
6. Is microdermabrasion painful?
   The procedure is relatively painless with minimal irritation to the skin. Feelings of skin tightness and redness may occur following treatment, lasting anywhere from half an hour to half a day.
   
   
7. What are the primary benefits of microdermabrasion?

1. Generally there are no side effects.
2. Normal activities can be resumed immediately
3. Gives the skin an overall fresh, healthy-looking glow.
4. Nonsurgical, safe, effective procedure which can be performed quickly
5. Effective on all skin colours and skin types.
6. No anaesthetic is required.
7. Excellent for skin that is sensitive to chemical procedures.

For additional information regarding this procedure please consult with your Consultant Plastic Surgeon.