Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is not exactly a new procedure on the dermatological scene. I had not heard of it until the year 2003, but it has been around since 1982 in Europe. This procedure is now one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in 2008 and has exploded in popularity. This technique is a really just what it sounds like, a skin sanding or re-surfacing on the micro level of the epidermis. The microdermabrasion machine will use tiny abrasive particles blasted into the skin, then vacuumed away in a tiny compressor. The diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond tip with no stray particles. The procedure actually peels away the outer layer of skin (about 15 microns). This layer is so slim that it can’t be seen. This procedure is equally as effective as surgical procedures like painful laser and skin peels, but it is painless with no anesthesia required, and only takes about 45 minutes for the average treatment. Microdermabrasion machines are varied in complexity and multi functionality, but the basic microdermabrasion machine does the same function for the skin re-surfacing. There is very little difference from a consumers perspective.

The newly abraded skin will look a little pink and can be a tiny bit inflamed for a few days. This new skin will be softer,  smoother, more even appearing skin. The first time that I tried the procedure it was done with by an aesthetician using a professional microdermabrasion machine. However, I have many friends who have tried the procedure using do-it-yourself home microdermabrasion machines. These home machines, or kits are not really microdermabrasion and do not yield the same positive results as a professional microdermabrasion machine. I now have treatments done every three months and my skin is youthful, smooth, and as beautiful as it was before I was a teenager and experienced acne. The aesthetician at my spa uses the NOVA NV-07D that can be found at Sylvan Company.

What can microdermabrasion machines be used for?

·         Rejuvenation of sun damaged skin - face, back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs

·         Reduction and elimination of age spots

·         Minimization of blotchy skin coloring

·         Elimination or smoothing of fine wrinkles

·         Extraction of blackheads and whiteheads.

·         Lessening of oily type skin.

·         Reduction of acne scars and other superficial scars, elimination of some  scarring.

·         Reduction of acne

·         Improvement of overall skin health and skin capillary circulation

I have now been receiving microdermabrasion treatments at my spa for three years regularly. I receive treatments once every month now. My skin is has never looked better and I less wrinkles, no sun spots, no acne, reduced scarring and look many years younger than when I started. I would recommend microdermabrasion machine treatment to any of my friends and family. I am so glad that I have found a non-surgical, non-invasive solution that works so well. 

 

By: Saurabh Yadav

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Ever been called, "Freckle Face?" Have you been called names because of your freckles? While some people have learned to live with freckles, some have trouble finding gratification when you are frequently mocked because you have spots and marks on your face.

Freckles are harmless tan spots usually found on the face and torso of people with fair complexion. During wintertime, freckles fade but exposure to sunlight prompts their reemergence during summer time since extremely pale skinned people do not produce enough melanin to protect themselves from the sun.

To some people, freckles eventually fade with age, and it is possible to clear freckles nowadays. Microdermabrasion is a proven way of completely eliminating freckles including discolored skin. Microdermabrasion is an advanced, non-invasive procedure that abrades the top layer of the skin. The process of abrasion removes and scrapes off dead skin cells and encourages the production of new cells. It also cleans and unclogs the pores and helps in the oil production in the skin.

Microdermabrasion systems use various particles including diamonds, aluminum oxide and salt crystal to abrade the skin. Before the treatment, the area is thoroughly cleansed to take away excess oil. The resurfacing device gently scrapes off the skin removing dead skin cells, allowing smoother and plumper skin to reveal. The vacuum attached to the device unclogs the pores and aids with the stimulation of the blood hastening the blood circulation that provide the nutrients needed for the skin regeneration.

Some microdermabrasion machines send out ultrasonic heat not only burns fat but it accelerates blood circulation. After the procedure, the skin will have pinkish glow and resumption of work or normal activities is fine. The procedure can even be done during your lunch hour. Depending on the severity of the freckles on the face or other parts of the body, the procedure has to be done more than once. Microdermabrasion will improve the texture of the skin and skin elasticity and skin clarity will be obtained only after a few sessions. The series of treatment can produce a nice anti-aging result.

The microdermabrasion machines come with different levels of power depending on the need and harshness of the discoloration of the skin. Microdermabrasion can also eliminate tiny moles and wrinkles on the face. The special emulsions applied on the skin before the treatment is full of nutrients that will promote quick renewal of skin cells as well as replenish the moisture of the skin. Immediate result can be seen and felt as soon as the treatment ends. There is no doubt that after each treatments, the over-all condition of your skin will improve thereby improvement of the quality of life is expected.

There is simply no danger associated with microdermabrasion. It is safe and can even be done in the convenience of your home. Several clinics and spas offer microdermabrasion treatments. Physicians, aesthetician, and dermatologists are trained to use the microdermabrasion machines. Several do it yourself microdermabrasion machines are also available in major stores nationwide.

Learn more about microdermabrasion and microdermabrasion machine in our information guide, or consult with an anti-aging specialist in your area for a consultation about your procedure.

By: Saurabh Yadav

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Acne is one of the most common problems among teenagers nowadays. We usually get acne when we are in the growing up stage. Acne does not bring good to us and only bad things. Yet it will get worse if it is not treated properly. We might spend a large sum of money on skin care products and the treatment looks great. We actually don’t need to spend so much money on skin care product but an hour is all we need. People usually go to dermatologist to get their microderm abrasion and chemical peels but what are this two treatment?

If it is not an acne problem, then pimples will also make your day worse. If acne is your biggest problem, it is time to go for chemical peel treatment. Chemical peel is a process that reveals a fresh layer of skin on your face by exfoliating your skin. With this treatment, you will have a young look and vibrant that seems to rejuvenate your skin. By doing microderm abrasion and chemical peels, you might lose those wrinkles on your face and also signs of aging. This will make sure your skin have a complete package that will make you look young.

Our skin covers the whole body and it is a living tissue that breathes and it might also die in which we call dead skin cell. This cells when exposed to the sun will create darkness on your skin. In this case, it is best to exfoliate these layers to ensure your skin looks fresh.

Microdermabrasion is a surgical treatment that reduces acne scars from the skin surface. It will also reduce fine lines and large pores from the skin. By following this treatment, blood flow will improve and may cure pigmentation problem. It is done by using fine aluminum crystals to light up the affected areas. This treatments effectiveness can be seen after 2 weeks of treatment

There might be some changes in the skin after completing acne treatment and might surprise you in a peculiar way. Many small bumps that are white in color occur around the follicles which are known as follicular macular atrophy. This will have effect that last forever. Due to aging, scars visibility is affected due to collagen of the skin are reduced after 40 years old. These loss of collagen can lead to very visible scar from the past acne treatment.

Before surrender your skin to dermatologist and subject to the treatment, it is wise to know all the side effect from the treatment. We cannot rum from the fact that modern medication can have side effects but stay healthy always to have a good complexion.

By: Charley Hwang

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There are a few acne scar treatments on the market to help win the battle over this left behind problem of acne. None of the treatments will give you immediate results, but they will lower the visible scars and, eventually take them away for good. This will depend on the severity of the scar. The main idea of the scar treatment is to remove the scar tissue so new cells can grow in its place. Some topical scar treatment options are on the market but it is better to discuss it with your doctor first if you want to remove deep scars. When you determine the best acne scar treatment for your situation, you will find that what works for one does not work for another. You must take into consideration how bad the scarring is, if you will have an allergic reaction, how much you can spend on treatment, and the response you might have after the treatment is completed.

Dermabrasion Acne Scar Treatment

Dermabrasion is a deep exfoliation technique that freezes the patient’s skin while a high powered rotating brush removes the dead skin cells. It can hurt and needs anesthesia for comfort. The skin is aggravated with this procedure and can actually take months before it heals completely.

Microdermabrasion Acne Scar Treatment

Microdermabrasion is similar to the dermabrasion as exfoliation, but is not as harsh to the skin and not as difficult to perform. This procedure removes the top layers of the skin. It is best used for scars that are fresh or not as severe. This can be done at home with an over-the-counter kit.

Chemical Therapy

Chemical peels are solutions of acidic mixtures that are put directly on the skin. This solution disintegrates the outer layers of skin away so they can be peeled back to allow the fresh skin underneath to show through. A chemical peel can vary in degree from deep to mild penetration levels. It will just depend on the severity of the acne you have. Chemical peels can be done at home if you prefer. It can also be purchased through your dermatologist or local salon. The over-the counter products are mild but the dermatologist’s procedure is best for more severe cases.

Laser Therapy For Acne Scar Treatment

Two types of laser therapy is available. They are ablative or resurface and non - ablative. When the ablative procedure is used, the scar tissue is burned away allowing the collagen to tighten around the wound. This reduces the visibility of the scar. This is a very invasive procedure requiring months for healing. The non-ablative laser treatment does not cause damage to the top layer of skin. This is more popular and can be completed at lunchtime allowing the individual to go back to work.

Surgical Therapy For Acne Scars

Deep scars that roll over the skin as a result of acne can be treated with surgical therapy. This works best by separating the skin tissue from the scarred tissue and allowing the blood to pool underneath. The deep rolling scar tissue becomes level with the rest of the skin. The skin can then be resurfaced, chemically peeled, or undergo microdermabrasion.

Conclusion

Many types of acne scar treatment options are available for removal of scars. If your scarring is mild or has just occurred, an over-the-counter product will work. If you do speak with a doctor about it because of severe scarring, work together to find the treatment that is best for you. 

 

By: Ingrid Lihan

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 Treatment of Acne Scars

There are a number of treatments out there to battle acne scars. While none of them really give instant results, they can significantly decrease scarring or eliminate them over time, depending on the severity. The idea behind acne scar treatments is that new cells will replace old damaged cells. There are some topical scar treatments that start this process through the creation of healthy skin cells. There are many over the treatements, but it is best to consult a doctor if you are looking for a deep acne scar product. Determining the best acne scar treatment varies from person to person depending on a lot of factors, including the severity of the scar, allergic reactions to treatment, availability of funds and their own body’s response to the treatment.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an intensive exfoliating procedure in which a patient’s skin is frozen and then removed using a high-powered rotating brush. This procedure can be very painful and requires anesthesia. The skin is also extremely agitated by the intensity of this procedure and can take several months to heal.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion, similar to Dermabrasion is an exfoliating technique, but it is much gentler and less invasive. In this procedure, the goal is to remove the superficial layer of skin called the epidermis. This procedure works well with more recent or superficial scars.

Chemical therapy

Chemical peels are acidic solutions that are applied to the skin. The solution acts on the outermost skin layers, causing them to disintegrate and peel away to reveal the underlying skin. Chemical peels vary from mild to deep penetration, depending on the severity of your acne.

Both microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be done at home, your local salon or a doctor’s office. Over the counter products tend to be milder than what are available in a doctor’s office and may prove helpful for less severe scarring.

Laser therapy

There are basically two types of laser therapies used in acne scar therapy. This includes ablative (resurfacing) and non-ablative.

Ablative lasers burn away scar tissue, causing dermal collagen to tighten and reduce the scar’s visibility. This can be fairly invasive and can take months to heal. The non-ablative repairs without injuring the epidermis. This type of therapy is becoming more popular and has been referred to as the “lunchtime” form of acne laser therapy.

Surgical therapy

Deep rolling scars caused by acne can be treated with subcision. This process works by separating the skin tissue from the scar tissue allowing blood to pool underneath. This allows the deep rolling scars to level off with the rest of the skin. This can then be followed up with other treatments like resurfacing, microdermabrasion or chemical peels.

As you can see there are many different choices available when it comes to acne scar removal. If you have mild or recent scarring, you can try an over the counter product to see if it will work for you, but you should consult a physician, if your scarring is severe to determine what other options are available to you.

By: Eileen Childs

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Microdermabrasion has revolutionised they in which stretch marks are managed. This procedure has been shown to decrease the appearance of those unwanted marks. Ladies and gentlemen, please continue reading to understand how this can be achieved.

The formation of stretch marks:

At present, there is a common misnomer that they also known as striae distensae) arise due to the overstretching of skin which is associated with pregnancy and growth spurts. However, this is untrue and the scientific reason behind the formation of these is based upon the high blood circulating levels of glucocorticoids (hormones) which are secreted by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are situated bilaterally and are found on top of the upper pole of the kidney.

Glucocorticoids tend to be released in excess during pregnancy, obesity, weight lifting and Cushing’s disease. Striae distensae can also arise due to the chronic oral intake of steroids (such as prednisolone) which propel the formation of these unwanted marks on the skin. Topical steroid creams have also been proven to initiate the formation of these marks and in some cases, frequent use should be avoided.

Fibroblasts are cells that are involved in laying down collagen (connective tissue) in skin tissue so that the skin remains strong and possess an adequate degree of elasticity. During the normal skin cycle, fibroblasts lay down collagen to replace what is lost from the skin; this is called physiological skin remodelling. This process also occurs when skin is injured; fibroblasts lay down collagen to bridge the gap between cracked skin, eventually allowing the collagen to amalgamate with normal skin, hence forming a continuum.

Unfortunately, when circulating blood levels of glucocorticoids are high, the fibroblasts are inhibited thus inhibiting the normal remodelling of skin. Ultimately, this leads to the decreased thickness of skin with abnormal or lack of collagen deposits in the skin resulting in the formation of stretch marks.

The use of Microdermabrasion for scar reduction:

Microdermabrasion has been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of skin marks; especially for those stubborn old white marks that do not seem to disappear with different cream formulations and various other treatment modalities.

Many microscopic studies have supported the fact that Microdermabrasion can help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. The procedure can be performed in many beautician as well as plastic surgery clinics. Results are usually seen after 6 sessions of Microdermabrasion applied to the area where the marks are present. Many studies have also shown that with the use of high concentration Vitamin E & A creams, coupled with Microdermabrasion, cosmetic results are very impressive!

If you have stretch marks which you have been trying to get rid of for months or even years, look no further , for Microdermabrasion may be the answer to making those annoying marks memories of the past!

By: Asanka Samaranayake

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Age and gravity work together day in and day out to pull the skin on our face downward. As the collagen and elastin in our skin begins to disintegrate, we begin to lose the vital protein fibers to fight against these two extremely powerful forces. As a result we struggle with jowls and wrinkles around the chin and neck. As technology and medical knowledge continues to improve, it’s no wonder that getting a face lift has become more appealing.

Since the first attempts in the early 1900s, face lifts have come a long way. At first, face lifts consisted of pulling back the skin, removing excess tissue, and then closing the incision. In the 1970s, doctors found that the muscles and deeper tissues under the skin needed to be repositioned as well as the upper layer to create long-lasting results.

Modern face lifts have a much shorter and less traumatic recovery time than they used to in previous decades. There is less bruising, swelling and pain, and patients can usually return to daily tasks after a few weeks. There is also the option of a mini face lift (http://www.vfhcinc.com/aesthetic.html) which was developed by Dr. Scarborough and Dr. Bisaccia of the Ohio Center for Dermatology.

The mini lift can restore the jaw, cheeks, neck and chin to a more youthful state. The procedure takes about and hour and a half which includes local anestheia and patients can go home on the same day. Recovery time is on average a week. The average age of a mini face lift patient is around 50-55 when gravity and age really begin to take a toll on the face.

Though face lift surgery has become more popular and safe, it is not the only option for achieving that tight youthful look and definition we all want to preserve or correct. And with the average face lift cost falling between $7,000 and 9,000, cheaper options are available.

“Facercise” founded by Carol Maggio of Rodondo Beach is the natural alternative to face lifts and plastic surgery. Various face exercises repeated twice a day tone the muscles in the face with special attention to the neck and chin area. Students in one of her facercise class programs saw results within five days. There are different versions of facercises including faceworks developed in the UK and face yoga which follow similar skin tightening exercise techniques.

Anti-wrinkle, facial toning creams, and microdermabrasion (http://www.vfhcinc.com/procedures.html) are other alternatives. An experienced dermatologist can recommend top quality brands with a variety of prices. Even if the most effective cream is expensive, you will still be saving thousands compared to a face lift.

It would be wise to try natural methods before resorting to surgery due to the down time, cost, and the question of whether the results will be as you envisioned. Speaking to an experienced plastic surgeon during a consultation to voice your concerns and ask questions about the procedure is crucial before making a decision to get a face lift.

By: Sarah Martin

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