Introduction

You may have heard friends talk about having a "Parisian Peel," "Derma Peel," "Power Peel," "Microderm Peel," "Ultra Peel," or "lunchtime peel"— all are types of Microdermabrasion, another tool Longevity Aesthetics has in their bag to revitalize and resurface skin.

The treatment uses a fine mist of microscopic aluminum oxide crystals to exfoliate the top layers of skin (epidermis). We use a four pass system to help stimulate the lower layers of the skin for optimal results.  Many facilities that offer microdermabrasion only provide one pass on the skin which is in adequate for effective therapy.

"Think of a sandblaster followed by a vacuum cleaner and you have the general idea of Microdermabrasion," writes a reporter in Skin and Allergy News.

The procedure is done in a series of 6 treatments, requires no anesthesia and can be performed quickly, taking about 30 minutes. Similar to a light peel, the procedure can improve fine lines and wrinkles, blackheads and whiteheads, superficial pigmentation, and give the skin a healthy-looking glow. It is optimally used in conjunction with Chemical Peel or Photo-Facial™.  Microderabrasion is included in an IPL or Chemical Peel package.

As an adjunct to the Microdermabrasion procedure, we may suggest skin care products to complement the treatment including cleansing products, moisturizers and sunblocks.  Microdermabrasion resurfacing makes your home care program more effective by removing dead skin cells and affording the new cells better exposure to your products.

About the Procedure

Microdermabrasion is performed in our office and requires no anesthesia. Using a precision hand piece that directs a stream of very fine, chemically inert crystals and mild suction where needed on the skin, the gently abrasive action exfoliates the outermost layers of the skin.

The Medical Aesthetician can control the power of the spray, from a gentle buffing of the skin to deeper exfoliation where needed. At a low power, Microdermabrasion might be compared to results similar to those of glycolic acid peels.

A full-face treatment generally takes 20 to 30 minutes or a complete service takes an hour. Following the treatment, your skin appears lightly pink, but there is no oozing or obvious redness. Some patients say their face feels as if their skin has been mildly sun- or wind-burned. The skin may peel. In the case of a deeper treatment level for more blemished or thicker skins, the skin will appear slightly red and swollen from a few hours to a few days.   Depending on your budget, microdermabrasion is offered in two forms.  Microderm service only or a microderm facial.

Who Is a Candidate?

Individuals who don’t want to undergo the time, expense, discomfort, longer healing time, and possible side effects of alternative skin resurfacing treatments such as chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing, and have fairly minor skin problems: fine lines, mild acne, blotches, pigmentation, small scars.  If you are prone to broken capillaries on the face then microdermabrasion would not be a good procedure for you.  We have many other options for this type of skin.