Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a technique used to clean, resurface and smooth the skin. It is totally different to the old style dermabrasion which involved using a rotating disc or frize with an abrasive - like surface to remove the outer layer of the skin.

How does it work?

Microdermabrasion is firstly a cleansing device using a principle no different to a vacuum cleaner to clean the skin and empty out the blocked pores with a gentle vacuuming action. This is reasonably comfortable and can be done without any anaesthesia.

The operator uses a hand piece about the size of your little finger (called a wand), which is open at one end. This is connected to the suction of the 'vacuum cleaner'. The open end is moved over the skin, sometimes slowly in a brushing motion, sometimes rapidly in a rubbing action.

Inside the open end there is a small disc which has small diamonds in the surface making it like very fine sand paper. As the wand is moved over the skin the diamonds gently remove the dead skin cells from the skin surface.

Who does the treatment?

This treatment can be done by a specially trained and certified technician under the direction of a doctor. Sometimes the doctor himself will do the treatment in preparation for other cosmetic treatments for eg. a chemical peel of the face.

How do I look after the treatment?

When the treatment is completed the skin has a red healthy glow due to the increased circulation in the skin. This increased circulation brings with it oxygen and nutrients to refresh and regenerate the skin.

The treated area is initially red due to increased circulation. This can be covered with makeup if necessary (though we would prefer no makeup on the day of treatment) and usually fades within one or two days.

Where acne has been treated the area may be red for several days and occasionally a small scab may form lasting a few days with no residual scar. There is no problem with returning to work and minimal discomfort is experienced after the treatment. Mild flaking is common in the first few days after early treatments but is uncommon once the skin is in better condition. Exfoliation is also common if a peel is performed after the Microdermabrasion.

Are there any contraindications for this treatment?

There are no specific contraindications to Microdermabrasion except recent use of the drug Roaccutane. Please advise if you have had Roaccutane recently.

Are there any special precautions after the treatment?

Microdermabrasion may aggravate the small blood vessels (called telangiectasia) on the face but does not cause them. Occasionally, especially in acne patients, the surface of the skin can be scratched (like a finger nail scratch) which heals quickly. Small red spots can occasionally be seen which clear in a few days, usually in clients with sun damaged skin.

As with any type of peeling technique, care should be taken in dark skinned patients to avoid scratching, which may lead to hyperpigmentation.

How often should I have this treatment?

Microdermabrasion for skin maintenance is usually recommended every six weeks to two Months.

How much does the treatment cost?

Treatments take 45-60 minutes and costs $100 per session.

Packages are available at $270 per 3 sessions or $480 per 6 sessions.

Medicare rebates could apply to part of the cost of the treatment if the doctor is consulted for the treatment of acne.

Are there any special treatment plans for acne?

Microdermabarasion may form part of acne treatments and these treatments will be individualized according to the needs of the clients skin and are essentially time-based. Occasionally a steam vapour treatment will be done before the microdermabrasion.