Does Microdermabrasion Work?

  Are you unsatisfied with the appearance of your skin? Do you want a fast, painless, and effective treatment to combat lifeless skin and reveal smooth, glowing skin that will leave you looking and feeling your best? If so, microdermabrasion may be the perfect solution for your skin concerns. This treatment is proudly offered by Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethesda MD  Microdermabrasion gently resurfaces your skin to clear away dead skin cells, promote cell growth, and leaves your skin looking brand new. In this article, you'll also learn more about the best microdermabrasion after-care activities.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion

 is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that uses exfoliation to gently remove the top layer of your skin and reveal a new layer. It's an excellent choice for those concerned about a dull complexion, uneven skin tone or texture, age or dark spots, melasma, and current acne. The treatment itself is completely painless and requires zero downtime, making it an option that's not only perfect for almost every skin type, but every schedule as well. Our skin naturally grows a new outer layer approximately every 30 days, completely shedding old skin cells in the process. This regular cell turnover means that new skin is always just around the corner, but sometimes it feels like it doesn't arrive quickly enough. For those struggling with skin concerns like acne, dark spots, or dry skin, a little extra help may be required to rejuvenate your skin and encourage a healthy, even complexion. That's where microdermabrasion comes in. By manually exfoliating the top layer of your skin, your doctor can help you achieve the skin you've always wanted.

How Does It Work?

This treatment uses a handheld exfoliating device to completely buff away the top layer of your skin, which is comprised of the dead skin cells that can make your skin appear dull. It's a safe and painless way to help your skin increase cell turnover, which can accelerate healing and promote healthier skin in the process. Personal treatment plans vary from patient to patient, but most patients find that a series of appointments helps them achieve their ideal results.

Consultation

Before you schedule your first appointment, you'll talk with your doctor to discuss the treatment, recovery instructions, and your ideal results. Your doctor will evaluate your skin to confirm that microdermabrasion will address your areas of concern. They'll also recommend a personalized treatment plan, which usually consists of several appointments over a period of time to target issues like dark spots, age spots, and acne, which may take longer to resolve. This is a perfect time to ask your doctor any questions you may have about this treatment. You should disclose any medications you take regularly as well as your normal skincare routine. Your doctor will let you know if you should plan to stop using any skincare products or medicines before and after your appointments to ensure the best results. Once your consultation is over, you're ready to schedule your first appointment and prepare for better skin.

Preparation

Because this treatment is designed to exfoliate your skin, you should avoid other exfoliating products like scrubs or Retin-A exfoliating cream for 2-3 days prior to your appointment. Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and keep it hydrated by applying a daily moisturizing cream and drinking a healthy amount of water. You should refrain from hair removal treatments like waxing and threading, which can irritate your skin, for 3-4 weeks before your appointment. If you've recently taken Accutane or had laser surgery, your doctor may recommend that you wait a period of time before scheduling your first appointment. Avoiding the Sun Over 90% of skin-related concerns, like premature wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer, can be attributed to harmful exposure to UV rays from the sun and tanning beds. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen every day and foregoing traditional tanning methods for skin-friendly self-tanner creams or sprays. You should avoid this treatment until your skin heals if you have a fresh tan or sunburn. You should also avoid this treatment directly after using self-tanning methods, as the exfoliation may result in a faded or uneven tan.

Treatment

You should arrive at your appointment with a bare face. You may also choose to bring a headband to hold your hair out of your face. Your doctor will begin by cleaning your skin. They'll use a handheld device to begin the process of buffing your skin. This may feel like sandpaper rubbing gently on your skin, but causes no discomfort. Exfoliation of your face generally takes between 30-40 minutes, while neck exfoliation takes about 20 minutes. At the end of your appointment, your doctor will apply a moisturizer and give you any specific instructions to follow during recovery. You may notice that your skin is pink and more sensitive than usual directly after your appointment. These symptoms will fade over the next couple of days, and you'll be able to return to your normal routine immediately after treatment.

Microdermabrasion After Care

Because you'll have a brand new layer of skin at the end of your first appointment, it's crucial that you follow your doctor's instructions as your skin heals. This is the ideal microdermabrasion aftercare process. You'll see the best results when you protect your new skin and encourage a quick and healthy healing process.

Don't Forget Sunscreen

For the first 3 days after your appointment, plan to stay out of direct sunlight and wear plenty of sunscreen to shield your new skin from harmful UV rays. This step can promote healthier skin in the long run as it helps prevent signs of aging, uneven skin tone and spots, and even skin cancer. Always start your day with a layer of sunscreen and reapply every 4 hours if you're spending an extended time outdoors.

Avoid Irritation

As your skin heals, you should use gentle, non-irritating products. Don't use any other exfoliating products for about three days after your appointment. You should avoid touching, rubbing, or picking your skin, which can slow the healing process. Finally, don't use products with glycolic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or topical acne treatments for 24-48 hours. You should check with your doctor to confirm that your normal products are safe to use on your skin after treatment.

Moisturize More

One of the best parts of this treatment is how it transforms your skin. You'll walk out of your appointment with the softest skin of your life, and one way to keep it soft and smooth is by moisturizing often. Your new layer of skin is more receptive to moisture and will need more moisturizer than normal to aid in the healing process. Failing to moisturize your skin can result in the recurrence of issues like dull patches or cracked, flaking skin. Moisturize your skin in the morning, at night, and throughout the day as needed if it begins to feel dry.

Cut Down on Caffeine

Coffee and tea are a staple in many busy lives, but the truth is that the caffeine they contain is one of the main offenders when it comes to dehydrated skin. The rule of thumb is to consume the same amount of water as your regular coffee or tea intake on top of the water you should drink daily. If you're unable to drink more water, you should consider cutting down on caffeine to avoid drying out your skin.

Wait to Workout

During the first few days after your appointment, your skin will be more sensitive. You may want to avoid heavy workouts that cause you to sweat for 48 hours after treatment so as to prevent irritation. If you do choose to workout, it's perfectly safe; you can wear a headband to soak up most of the sweat before it comes into contact with your skin and wash your face immediately after your workout is over.

Avoid Alcohol and Blood-Thinning Pain Relievers

Alcohol and blood-thinning pain relievers can prolong the healing process. Don't drink any alcoholic beverages for 48 hours after your appointment and don't take pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen for about a week after your appointment to promote quick healing.

Can I Combine This Treatment?

Yes. This treatment is regularly combined with other cosmetic treatments. Depending on your needs and aesthetic goals, you can combine this treatment with other facials, some chemical peels, injectables, and skin tightening or skin resurfacing treatments.

Who Are Good Candidates?

Anyone who wants to correct surface skin imperfections is a good candidate for this treatment. Skin surface concerns that are reduced by this treatment include: Fine lines and wrinkles Dark spots and hyperpigmentation Acne and acne scarring Blackheads Enlarged pores Uneven skin texture Uneven skin tone Sun damage

Enhance Your Beauty With Microdermabrasion

You don't have to rely on at-home and over-the-counter remedies to correct a dull, tired complexion. If you are ready to enhance your beauty and think that this treatment might be right for you, Contact us at Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation. We are eager to help you renew your skin and embrace the beauty of a bright complexion!