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Microdermabrasion

Image Source Altair

With the advent of lasers, the microdermabrasion systems have been wrongly set aside by many practitioners. The value of controlled medical level exfoliation was – and still is – extremely effective for a wide variety of surface skin issues.

Our Natural Image OC office keeps this workhorse running because it works and works well.

Why Microdermabrasion is So Useful:

• Usable almost anywhere on the body
• Effective in fine line reduction around the eyes, lips and forehead
• Helps reduce acne scarring
• Revises and smooth surgical or trauma scars (sometimes used post skin cancer surgery to finish reconstruction edges)
• Improves function of oily skin by unclogging pores
• Reduces surface epidermal hyperpigmentation
• Smoothes rough skin caused by sun damage
• Effective for Seborrhea
• Effective for blending age spots on the hands and face
• Prepares the skin for ALA or PDT treatments by helping the skin absorb the applied medication. This applies to the face, chest, arms and legs
• Stimulates blood supply in the skin for healthier tissue function

View 3d Animation – Microdermabrasion

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure which uses abrasion and suction to remove the topmost layer of damaged skin. The skin has multiple layers and is constantly “shedding” old layers as new ones surface in a “skin cycle”. Babies and children’s skins cycles quickly, and that’s one reason their skin always look fresh and dewy. New compact skin cells are smooth, close together and well hydrated.

As we get a little older, the skin cycle time slows down and the tops layers that used to naturally exfoliate quickly now tend to “stick” longer. They get dull, dried out and rough, absorbing light rather than reflecting light. These old cells tend to remain on the surface and add to any inner pore clogging that is already going on.

If your skin’s natural oils can’t get out, they harden and widen the pore. Clogged pores lead to breakouts or enlargement, further taking away from the skin’s ability to function and look healthy. Even at younger ages in the early to mid teens, skin cycles are starting to slow. By 30, most people benefit from exfoliation treatments of one type or another.

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What type of microdermabrasion is best?

Photo Source Altair Acne Patient after 6 Sessions

There are essentially three types of microdermabrasion. The dry microdermabrasion uses aluminum oxide or other crystals which are spayed on the skin under force, dislodging old skin cells; a vacuum tube follows to remove the dislodged skin cells and the crystals. It can be messy and Dr. Sikorski does not like the idea of forcing particulate into the skin.

A second type of microdermabrasion is “wet” – this type of system uses some predetermined topical solutions that are infused into the skin under force following the removal of the epidermal cells that dislodged by use of a diamond abrader. Again, this is not our choice as Dr. Sikorski will have selected the most appropriate topicals to be used for your particular concerns.

Our system is the Diamond Tone manufactured by microdermabrasion system leader Altair. A diamond wand polishes the skin surface with fine diamond chips embedded in the wand tip. Each skin type or condition will mandate which level is used, from extra fine for sensitive skin and the skin in the eye area, to extra coarse for thicker skin that exhibits scarring and/or deeply clogged pores. There is no downtime with this system, it is essentially pain free and there are no left over particles in your pores which can happen with the older crystal machines.

Microdermabrasion as a Preparation for Other Procedures

Microdermabrasion is frequently the first step in PhotoDynamic Therapy as it prepares the skin to accept the topical ALA in treating acne or actinic keratosis. PhotoDynamic Therapy is an excellent rejuvenation treatment for men or women who have diffuse actinic keratoses lesions on the face, chest, arms or legs.

Related exfoliation processes

• Chemical Peels
• Topical Products with promote exfoliation
• Laser Peels
• MiXto Fractional Laser

Starting Point To Learn What's Right For You

Not sure where to start? Give us a call and chat with our patient coordinator Michelle. Call the office at (949) 448-0487 or Request a callback through this online form.

Cosmetic Consults with Dr. Sikorski are complimentary

• No fees
• No pressure
• No obligations - Book your consult today

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