Exfoliating Your Skin

Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular procedures in skin care today, everyone is getting them done. This cosmetic procedure is virtually available any place that skin care is offered, from your local pharmacy, to your hairdresser and local spa, to your dermatologist. So what exactly is a microdermabrasion and do you really need one, who should you let perform this unique service on your face, and does it really make a difference where you get it done? These are all questions that should be entertained and answered before following through the procedure.
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non-invasive skin resurfacing procedure that has been created to work with the skin’s system of growth and replacement. A fine, controlled spray of crystals removes the outer layer of the skin, accelerating your own skin cell turn over, revealing the younger looking, and tighter, healthier skin underneath.

This procedure is one for any age group, any skin color and any skin type. It is very safe and effective in the treatment of acne, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damaged skin, dilated pores, hyperpigmentation, and improvement on skin texture. The average procedure takes only about fifteen minutes and there is no down time. The changes that are seen occur over time. Approximately five to seven procedures should be spaced one to two weeks apart. Although some changes will be seen after the first procedure, there will be minimal visual improvement and you should not have higher expectations than what can be provided with just one service.

So we all know these procedures are being offered in every area of skin care, so where is the best place to get this procedure? The difference in microdermabrasion offered at the pharmacy or at the local spa is based on the grade of machine used during the procedure. Any procedure that is offered “over the counter,” not in a physician’s office, may not be as aggressive as one that is sold out of a physician’s office and that is done under a physician’s supervision. The machines that are used in a physician’s office are of a higher grade machine that is stronger than the machines in most other facilities. The reason for this is that although the procedure is mainly not performed by the physician the patient is under the physician’s care at all times during and after the procedure, this is a service other facilities can not offer.

What are the side effects to this procedure and what can I expect?

There are virtually no side effects to this procedure and there is no down time. After the procedure your skin will feel very smooth and tight. Over the few days following the procedure your skin will start to exfoliate, the cells will turn over, which causes a “peeling” affect on the skin. The peeling is minimal and is not very obvious; it simply looks like slightly dry skin. The skin could look a little red and irritated immediately following the procedure however this should resolve over the next thirty minutes to an hour. There are no long term side effects caused by this procedure. So how does the procedure feel and is any pain involved? The microdermabrasion procedure uses white aluminum oxide crystals which may produce a rough texture as the vacuum suction gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin, there is virtually no pain. If you feel like your skin could use exfoliating and a refreshed look, or if you have acne scarring, fine lines, red or tan splotches from years of battling acne and sun exposure, then call Dr Kayal at our Marietta dermatologists office to find out more about this technique for microdermabrasion.