Microdermabrasion

Having a complexion that you are not happy with can be tough. It can ruin your confidence and bring up feelings of self-consciousness during unwanted times or occasions. Unfortunately, there is also little you can do at home to address a dull or aged appearance on your own. For reliable results, you need something that is proven effective; you need something like microdermabrasion. At South Shore Plastic Surgery in Voorhees, NJ, we offer microdermabrasion to help refresh your skin and restore a more radiant look.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure designed to improve the radiance and health of your facial skin. It works via a gentle exfoliation process that goes beyond what you would typically get with an at-home treatment. As this process occurs, the top layer of skin cells, typically dead and full of contaminants, is removed, revealing a healthier and more vibrant layer of fresh skin.

But microdermabrasion has additional benefits as well. The removal process triggers the body’s natural healing response. One of the primary functions of that response is to flood the area with a host of healing factors and essential proteins like collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and it is also primarily responsible for the elasticity in our skin (i.e., preventing wrinkles and fine lines).

By boosting those functions, you can reverse the appearance of wrinkling that has already developed on the skin. This aids in achieving a more youthful, vibrant and overall healthier look.

Why Do We Need Microdermabrasion?

Unfortunately, there is little we can do to prevent our skin from taking damage as we go through our daily lives. Sun exposure is one of the harshest exposures we face, and it is virtually impossible to avoid it altogether. Other atmospheric contaminants and even free radicals continue to work together to damage the appearance of our skin.

While there are plenty of resurfacing treatments on the market that aim to combat those effects, microdermabrasion is one of the only options that focuses both on removing the dead layer of skin and boosting the newly revealed layer. Microdermabrasion is also more gentle than alternatives and is ideal for people with sensitive skin.

Plus, different people have different levels of success with different treatments, so having microdermabrasion as a reliable option is good for most people as they search for the most effective way to achieve their aesthetic goals.

What Does Microdermabrasion Treat?

Microdermabrasion can treat a range of different aesthetic concerns, such as:

• Age spots
• Hyperpigmentation
• Blackheads
• Stretch marks
• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Acne
• Acne scars
• Dull skin

If you don’t see your particular concern listed, don’t worry — there is a good chance that microdermabrasion can still help you. If not, our office will help direct you to a treatment that can achieve your aesthetic goals.

Am I a Candidate for Microdermabrasion?

One of the biggest benefits of microdermabrasion is that it is good for all skin types, unlike some other treatments that are limited by skin tone. This means most people dealing with any of the conditions listed above are likely going to be strong candidates for this procedure. There are some rare skin or other medical conditions that can prevent your candidacy, but those are few and far between.

The best candidates are those who have realistic expectations about what microdermabrasion can achieve. If you come in hoping for results that are outside the scope of this treatment, then it doesn’t matter how successful your procedure is — you are setting yourself up for failure either way.

How Should I Prepare for Microdermabrasion?

As a nonsurgical procedure, there is essentially no preparation you need to make leading up to your microdermabrasion session. We do recommend that you avoid excessive sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your treatment since it will minimize unnecessary pain and discomfort. You should also quit smoking as soon as possible since it can create excess bleeding and damage your skin health.

What Should I Expect from a Microdermabrasion Procedure?

The procedure is very straightforward. The area that is going to be addressed will be thoroughly cleaned prior to the procedure. Once that is finished, a medical-grade wand will be applied across your skin. This device uses small crystals to blast the surface layer of skin away and achieve the natural healing process. This process will be repeated until the desired amount of correction is achieved. Once the dermabrasion is complete, the skin will be cleaned once again to help prevent infection or inflammation. Then, you will be sent back to your usual routines.

What Should I Expect During Microdermabrasion Recovery?

Your recovery after microdermabrasion will be very light. You will not need to worry about taking any time off from work, school or other obligations. While you may experience some redness and mild soreness, these symptoms usually completely subside within a day or two. Being able to return to your normal schedule makes this treatment a great option for anyone with a busy lifestyle.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect from Microdermabrasion?

While your results will be long-lasting, they are not permanent. As you are exposed to the elements and go through the natural aging process, your skin will continue to degrade. You can mitigate some of this change with a good skin routine, but you will need follow-up treatment at some point to maintain ideal results. Our team at South Shore Plastic Surgery will help you figure out what the best treatment plan looks like for your needs and goals.

FAQs About Microdermabrasion

How Many Microdermabrasion Sessions Will I Need?

The number of treatments depends on your skin and what you hope to achieve, since some people notice a refreshed look after just one visit, while others choose a series of sessions to see a more noticeable change. We often suggest starting with several treatments spaced a few weeks apart, then maintaining your results with touch-up sessions every so often, which helps keep your skin looking its best.

How Long Does a Microdermabrasion Session Take?

Most appointments last about 30 to 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into a lunch break or a busy day without needing to rearrange your schedule. Because there is no downtime, you can head back to your regular activities right after your appointment and still enjoy the benefits of a brighter, smoother complexion.

Can I Wear Makeup After Microdermabrasion?

Your skin may be a little sensitive immediately afterward, so we usually advise waiting until the next day before applying any cosmetics. Giving your skin time to rest allows you to get the most out of the treatment, and once you return to makeup, you will likely notice that your skin after microdermabrasion has a smoother surface that makes your foundation and other products go on more evenly.

Is Microdermabrasion Painful?

The treatment is generally very comfortable, and most patients describe only a light scratching or vibrating sensation as the device moves across the skin. We take care to make the process as gentle as possible, so you can relax during your session without worrying about discomfort.

How Soon Will I See Microdermabrasion Results?

You can usually see a healthy glow right away, and your skin often feels smoother and looks brighter within a few days. A single treatment can give your complexion a quick boost, but if your goal is to refine skin texture or improve tone more noticeably, a series of sessions can deliver more visible improvement.

What Is the Difference between Microdermabrasion and a Chemical Peel?

A microdermabrasion facial gently exfoliates the outer surface of your skin with fine crystals or a diamond-tipped device, while a chemical peel relies on a topical solution to renew the skin, usually a little deeper than microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion works well for improving dullness and mild texture issues, whereas chemical peels may be better suited for stubborn pigmentation or more advanced concerns.

Can Microdermabrasion Be Combined With Other Treatments?

In many cases, a microdermabrasion treatment pairs nicely with other options such as facials, light therapies, or topical treatments that nourish the skin. Combining services can help enhance your results, and we create customized recommendations so that each treatment works together to give your skin a healthier, more radiant look.

Ready to See the Difference?

If you would like to learn more about how microdermabrasion can help improve your complexion and build your confidence, give our office a call at (856) 784-2639. You can also fill out our online contact form to have a member of our team reach out to you at a more convenient time. We are looking forward to being your trusted partner through the entire aesthetic process.