Also known as Microderm, a Microdermabrasion treatment is a cosmetic procedure that exfoliates the skin to remove the outermost layer called, the stratum corneum. The process is non-invasive, non-surgical, and uses no chemicals, giving you a healthier look by spraying microcrystals against the skin to remove dead cells. The first Microderm machine was invented in Italy in 1985, and in 1996 the FDA approved the procedure in the U.S. Unlike Dermabrasion, Microdermabrasion only reaches the surface layer and does not touch the middle layers of the skin. At Chelsea Cosmetics, we perform Microdermabrasion to diminish fine lines, shallow acne scars, and wrinkles. After the procedure, the skin is able to absorb up to 50% more of any topical treatments that use skin serums, medications, and creams.
The Technology Behind Microdermabrasion Treatment
During the procedure, an abrasive material is used in a fine spray to break away the dead skin cells from the body, exfoliating the skin. The first Microdermabrasions were done with stones, rocks, and shells, and then evolved to use inert crystals. The technology continued to grow, and many types of crystals are used to perform Microdermabrasion treatment in Melbourne today, such as:
- Magnesium oxide
- Aluminum oxide
- Particle-free diamond or bristle tips
- Organic grains
- Water based liquid sprays
The use of inert crystal technology utilizes a handheld wand with two tubes. One tube sprays the crystals onto the skin. A vacuum is created when the wand touches the skin, removing the skin cells and crystals through the second tube. The diamond and bristle tips can replace the spray of crystals.
The Microderm Procedure at Chelsea Cosmetics
Our esthetician performs the treatment in a comfortable, private room. The area you want to treat is exposed and cleaned of any makeup or lotions. The wand is held against the skin so the spray or bristles can slough off the dead skin, vacuuming it away to be disposed of properly. The procedure is not painful, but can cause a warm, scrubbing sensation as the abrasion touches your skin.
Body Areas Ideal for Microdermabrasion
You can have a Microdermabrasion treatment on almost any area of the body. This procedure is mostly performed on the face, but you can also remove or reduce the appearance of small scars, brown spots, and sun damage from your chest, neck, arms, stomach, back, hands, hips, buttocks, and legs at Chelsea Cosmetics. It is not recommended that you have Microdermabrasion on your eyelids, feet, or ears because the skin is too thin and sensitive. Microdermabrasion can be performed on the forehead, nose, cheeks, lips, and chin with great success.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
If you have enlarged pores, fine lines, coarsely textured skin, acne scarring, or age spots a Microdermabrasion can remove or reduce their appearance and give your skin a smoother, younger, healthier appearance. The procedure helps with oily skin, light acne, and blackheads. After having the procedure, your skin absorbs skin care products and topical medications easier, while stimulating collagen growth, giving your face a youthful look.
Number of Treatments
Human skin regenerates itself approximately every thirty days. You can have as many areas done as is comfortable for you in one setting, but the treatments need to be maintained every two to four weeks for continuing results. Maintaining a good skin care regime with moisturizers, sunscreen, or avoiding the sun will yield the best results. The process helps create healthier, thicker layers of skin, and with multiple treatments the new skin cells have higher levels of elastin and collagen. To gain the full benefits of a Microdermabrasion treatment, five to twelve procedures, spread two to three weeks apart may be necessary.
How Long Does Microdermabrasion Take?
The treatment can take from five minutes to an hour, depending on how big of an area you are getting done. A facial can take anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes and can be performed during your lunch hour. Once the procedure is complete, you can return to your daily activities, and even reapply your makeup. There is no downtime, and you can see immediate results.
Side Effects
A small percentage of patients have reported temporary scratches, mild bruising, a mild dryness, and sensitivity to the sun on the treated area. These side effects last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. When the Microdermabrasion is finished, the skin of the treated area will be more sensitive to the sun, and the use of sunscreen is advised. Around the eyes and mouth may be more sensitive to the treatment.
Cautions With Microdermabrasion Treatment
This procedure is not recommended for people with an auto-immune system disorder, keloid scars, active acne in stages three and four, unstable diabetes, any undiagnosed lesions, facial warts, or a recent herpes outbreak. If you are pregnant, you should wait until after the baby is born. Microdermabrasion is not advisable if you have had recent a chemical peel, collagen injections, waxing, or tanning. You should wait two or three weeks before having the procedure. A Microderm procedure can reduce the redness for people suffering from Rosacea, but you should consult with a cosmetic surgeon or a dermatologist first as the procedure may have a negative effect on active Rosacea.
Microdermabrasion treatments in Melbourne are a safe alternative for Dermabrasions and chemical peels. The procedure benefits all skin colors and types, providing results for women and men of all ages. After your Microderm procedure, make sure to use a good quality moisturizer, and don’t go into the sun without sunscreen. Make an appointment today with, Chelsea Cosmetics.