Is microdermabrasion painful?
No. It is a gentle “sandblasting” of the skin.
Is there any downtime?
No. Because the procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical, patients can return to normal activities immediately. Perspiration can irritate the skin for the first several hours, so you may want to wait till the next day to exercise.
How long does it take?
Treatment time varies from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the severity of the skin problem and area being treated.
Who is a poor candidate for microdermabrasion?
Patients with a history of cold sores (Herpes virus), rosacea, or sunburn should be cautious about treatment.
What are the pre-treatment and post-treatment recommendations?
Stop all prescription skin creams such as Retin-A or Renova several days prior to treatment. Wait several days to resume creams or other deep exfoliative treatments such as waxing. Notify the doctor of any cold sores or open cuts. For women: remove all make-up prior to coming to treatment. You may wear light make-up after treatment. For men: Shave several hours before treatment, not right before. Direct sun exposure should be avoided the week after treatment and sunscreen should be used.
How many treatments are necessary?
Most patients require six to twelve treatments that are done 2 to 3 weeks apart. After that, patients may wish to return every 2 to 3 months to maintain younger looking, smoother skin. These desirable effects will increase over the course of the treatment series. However, expectations must be realistic.
Can it be combined with chemical peels?
Yes. This is commonly done and the two procedures have a synergistic effect.
How is microdermabrasion different in a medical office verus a spa?
At Laservue, a doctor administers the treatment for best results. Also, the microdermabrasion machine is a medical device and much more powerful than a spa unit or “aesthetic spa machine.” The doctor can also recommend additional therapies or prescription medications for maximum results.
Can areas other than the face be treated?
Yes, all areas of the body can be treated. The second most commonly treated area is the back.
