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Find a Plastic Surgeon in your area - TOPICS - Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction Liposuction Tummy Tuck Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery Fraxel® Laser Treatment Facelift Rhinoplasty Brow Lift Eyelid Surgery BOTOX® Obagi Blue Peel® Chemical Peel Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion Quick Facts about Microdermabrasion Medical Names: Microdermabrasion, “Lunchtime Peel” Estimated Cost: $150 - $300 per treatment Type of Anesthesia: None Total Recovery Time: None Procedure Location: Plastic Surgery Center, Dermatologist Office Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologist, Licensed Esthetician Trained in Microdermabrasion Treatment Microdermabrasion is a popular non-surgical procedure that smoothes and resurfaces damaged skin by gently “sand blasting” the outermost layer of skin with micro crystals, revealing a fresh and glowing visage. Microdermabrasion is effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, age spots, acne scars, stretch marks and on other body parts requiring a smoother skin texture. As an added benefit, Microdermabrasion is a quick (can be completed during a lunch break) and affordable procedure. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), 1,023,931 Microdermabrasion treatments were performed in 2005. Did You Know? Microdermabrasion is a relatively new and fast procedure, which has earned the nickname “lunchtime peel”. Microdermabrasion became well known because of the many Hollywood celebrities who used the procedure due to its immediate results and no recovery or down time. THE MICRODERMABRASION PROCEDURE Microdermabrasion is an outpatient procedure and requires no anesthesia. The complete treatment generally takes between ten to sixty minutes. Microdermabrasion may be performed in conjunction with a chemical peel to increase the results. Before application, goggles are placed over the patient’s eyes for protection and the skin is cleansed. The practitioner uses a handheld device to spray very fine crystals onto the outer layer of the skin as a gentle abrasion and then suctions back into the machine any loosened skin. The amount of penetration and the repetition of specific areas vary depending on the desired results. Afterwards, the skin turns slightly pink. Within a few minutes of completing the procedure, makeup can be applied and the patient can return home or to work. For most patients, there is minimum discomfort and no side effects. Patients with very sensitive skin may experience a minor rash or irritation, which will subside within a few hours. MICRODERMABRASION PROCEDURE OPTIONS All qualified practitioners perform Microdermabrasion in a similar manner. No anesthetic is used. Recovery time is immediate and there is no need for bandages or cloth or any type of salve, balm or skin cream application. To achieve the desired effects, a series of treatments is often recommended. A typical program includes four to eight treatments, at intervals of one to three weeks. IS MICRODERMABRASION RIGHT FOR YOU? Ideal Candidate for Microdermabrasion The ideal candidate is in good physical condition, psychologically stable and has realistic expectations of what can be achieved with Microdermabrasion treatments. Those who want to avoid the time and cost associated with more extensive skin resurfacing procedures are good candidates for Microdermabrasion. Patients with relatively healthy skin and without skin disease or uneven or excessive loose skin will see the greatest results. All age groups can achieve excellent results with Microdermabrasion. Other Considerations for Microdermabrasion Patients with skin sensitivities may experience some irritation, redness or slight swelling. The area around the lips can be susceptible to irritation and the eyelids should never be worked on. Excessive pressure during treatment can cause bruising and discoloration of the skin. At your initial consultation, the practitioner will assess the treatment region and make recommendations based on your choices, expectations and medical history. The practitioner will review specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure and discuss an individualized program, which may require multiple sessions and maintenance treatments to achieve maximum results. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues, especially skin sensitivities, with your practitioner. MICRODERMABRASION PROCEDURE COST Fees vary from state to state and from one practitioner to another. The cost is based upon the number of treatments needed, length of each treatment and the practitioner selected. Prices average $150 and can be as high as $300 per treatment. Note: A more expensive procedure price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner. MICRODERMABRASION PROS & CONS Pros Instant facial rejuvenation resulting in younger, fresher looking skin Significant reduction of wrinkles and crow’s feet Microdermabrasion is effective on all skin colors and types Procedure is affordable and quick, completed at “lunch time” Normal activities may be resumed immediately Cons Mild irritation to the skin; dissipates quickly Regular, ongoing treatments are usually required to maintain benefits Severe side effects are possible with incorrect treatment; seek a specialist ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT MICRODERMABRASION - FAQ What are the benefits of Microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion can help skin look healthier, younger and fresher. Also, for most people, there is minimum discomfort and are very little side effects, which disappear almost immediately. Is Microdermabrasion permanent? The long-term effects of Microdermabrasion are significant and lasting, but not permanent. If the treatments are maintained on a regular basis, the patient will experience continued results. What is the down time for Microdermabrasion? There is no recovery or down time. The patient can apply makeup as soon as the procedure is finished and can return to normal activities immediately. Who should get a Microdermabrasion treatment? Anyone who can benefit from minor “resurfacing” of the skin or has minor facial wrinkles and is looking for a younger, fresher looking face may consider Microdermabrasion treatment. Who should not get a Microdermabrasion treatment? A person who suffers from active rosacea, fragile capillaries, vascular lesions, widespread acne, herpetic lesions (herpes), warts, open sores, skin lesions, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus, erythematosus or diabetes mellitus may not get the treatment. What about home Microdermabrasion kits that I have heard about? With the recent increase in popularity of Microdermabrasion skin treatments, numerous over-the-counter products have become available to consumers. Although these home kits and cloths may be less expensive, it is important that consumers know that at-home results may not be as significant as when the treatment is performed by a qualified practitioner using a professional Microdermabrasion treatment system and equipment. How do I find a practitioner who specializes in Microdermabrasion and that is right for me? Choosing a practitioner is the most important step in the success of your cosmetic procedure. You want a practitioner that has the best skills and training to help enhance your appearance and achieve your desired results. To learn more about Microdermabrasion, read the information on this site and make a list of questions. Then find the practitioners in your area and review their qualifications and specialities, practice philosophy, articles, before and after photos and patient testimonials. This information can assist you in making an educated decision in choosing the procedure option and specialist right for you. © 2006, 2007 PlasticSurgeon411.com & DDC Internet, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Plastic Surgeon 411 is sponsored and made possible by the community of plastic surgeons on this website. 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