Microdermabrasion

Before the doctor performs this procedure, he/she will arrange for a consultation with you. At this time, you’ll be able to talk to him/her about the changes you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, its risks and limitations, and costs.

Your doctor will begin by taking a complete medical history and examining the area to be treated. He/she may also take photos, and give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

You may be asked to stop using products that contain aspirin and/or other medications. You should also stop smoking in order to improve the circulation of blood to the skin. It is sometimes also necessary to take an anti-viral medication before the procedure in order to prevent cold sores or fever blisters from appearing afterward. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medication, especially Accutane, or if you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters, like those caused by herpes or shingles.

The procedure itself is quick and simple. Goggles are placed over your eyes to protect them, and the skin is cleansed. The doctor then removes the surface skin using a delicate, handheld device similar to a dentist’s polishing instrument. Through this device, tiny crystals are sprayed on the skin and suctioned back up into the machine, along with loosened skin. The doctor can vary the pressure to control the amount of penetration, or pass over an area several times to remove the most damaged skin.

The procedure generally lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.

It is often necessary to repeat the procedure to achieve the desired results. A typical regimen consists of four to eight treatments, at intervals of one to three weeks.

The speed of the procedure and its recovery time has earned it the name “the lunchtime peel.” It can easily be fit into an hour-long lunch break. Immediately after the procedure, women can apply makeup and return to their normal activities. The skin will turn pink immediately afterward, but this color will fade within a few hours.

The results of this treatment are often subtle improvements in texture and the appearance of refreshed-looking skin. Depending on the severity of the problem, the procedure may be repeated to achieve more dramatic results, and create smoother, younger-looking skin.

• In good physical health
• Psychologically stable
• Unable to take time out of their schedule to recover from more powerful resurfacing procedures (such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion).
• Non-smokers
• Wanting to look younger and more refreshed
• Well informed in regard to the procedure’s outcome
• Realistic in their expectations

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion can improve the texture of the skin, but it will not improve loose, baggy, or deeply wrinkled skin. Facelifts are often used to correct these problems.

Depending on the severity of the skin condition and the size and location of the area to be treated, microdermabrasion may be combined with, or replaced by, other resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion.

1. Are the desired results that I described realistic?
2. Where is the procedure performed? How long will it take?
3. How much does it cost?
4. How long have you been performing microdermabrasions? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many has he/she performed in the past year?)
5. Will you repeat or correct the procedure if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
6. May I see “before and after” photos of recent patients? The doctor should provide many photos of recent patients.
7. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or in real life.)
8. Who will be assisting during the procedure? What are their qualifications? (Does the dermatologist perform the whole surgery?)
9. Do you offer patient financing?

Notify your doctor if you are taking medication, especially Accutane. Also let hem/her know if you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters, like those of herpes or shingles.

Ask your doctor to recommend a sun block to protect sensitive skin after the procedure. Apply it daily.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method to determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

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