Image Enhancement Center

Microdermabrasion

Microderrmabrasion is a new and gentle approach to skin rejuvenation to revitalize and renew again and/or sun-damaged skin. By gently removing the outer layers of tissue that have been damaged due to sun exposure and the environment, smoother, more youthful, vibrant and supple skin can return. The treatments are painless with no downtime. This means not time off work or daily activities to recover.

The Procedure

Microdermabrasion has become the most sought after method of skin rejuvenation. We use the Skin Abrader, a state-of-the-art system that uses a controlled vacuum to spray very fine, sterile aluminum oxide crystals across the surface of the skin. This gently abrades away the dry, damaged outer skin layers while stimulating cellular turnover with newer healthier skin cells moving to the top layer of skin. This improves the skin’s texture, tone and elasticity leaving behind smoother, more vibrant, well-nourished skin. For best results, a series of progressive treatments are recommended to maintain the youthful appearance.

Treatments are usually pain-free and take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The time may vary depending upon the area treated and whether a pre-treatment procedure is performed. For optimal and continuous results, treatments are generally done in a series of approximately six treatments, done two weeks apart. After the initial six treatments, most individuals will then have treatments every three to six months to keep the skin smooth and supple.

This process is so gently that most people are back to normal within a few hours of treatment. In fact, microdermabrasion is often referred to as a “lunchtime peel.” Suggesting that patients can have the procedure done on their lunch hour and return to work normally. This is not always the case with some of the more abrasive skin rejuvenation procedures and many of the deep chemical peels that are sometimes performed. Any residual skin discoloration – generally increased redness – usually resolves within 30 minutes to an hour. Occasionally, there may be some increased redness for up to 24 hours after the treatment. The skin will then look and feel softer, smoother and more even with increased radiance, clarity and glow.

Indications

The primary use of microdermabrasion is for aging, sun-damaged skin. However, it is also beneficial for treating the following conditions*:

• Fine lines and wrinkles\
• Comedones (blackheads/whiteheads)
• Postules (acne eruptions which are not raised)
• Actinic damage (sun-damaged skin)
• Oily skin
• Dry skin
• Superficial scars
• Dyschromia (pigmented areas, melasma, lentigo)
  

*We cannot guarantee that treatment with microdermabrasion will result in 100 percent removal or treatment of any of these conditions.

Contraindications

Individuals who have, or suspect they may have, the following conditions should not have microdermabrasion.

• Herpes Simplex Virus – a current, healing or impending “fever blister” or “cold sore”
• HIV-positive or AIDS infection
• Any suspicious or undiagnosed skin lesion
• Currently taking Accutane (individuals should be off Accutane for at least six months prior to having a microdermabrasion procedure)
• Recent chemical peel (discuss with the physician or nurse any recent chemical peel)
• Open skin lesions or infections
• Rosacea

What Can I Expect From My Treatment?

Prior to the treatment, the physician and nurse will evaluate your skin and determine the best treatment regimen for your skin type and the areas you want improved. After consultation with the physician, the nurse will give you an approximate estimate of treatments and frequency. The actual treatment is relatively painless. Some individuals describe the sensation being similar to the feeling of a cat’s tongue licking you. Others report a slightly stronger irritation similar to fine sandpaper. Any discomfort beyond this should be reported to the technician during the procedure. Mild to moderate redness to the area treated may last for 30 minutes to an hour, but can persist for up to 24 hours. Moisturizing lotion with sunscreen will be applied directly after the treatment and should be used for at least seven days after the treatment.

Make up can be applied after the treatment and you can return to your regular daily activities. There may be some mild flaking or skin peeling for up to a week after the treatment. This means that your skin is getting rid of the old damaged skin and resurfacing itself with new healthy skin. Rarely, an infection may occur. This should only result if you pick at your skin or in some way develop an open skin abrasion as the treatment itself should not leave any open areas.

Getting Started

After reviewing the above detailed information, if you have any questions or wish to schedule a treatment, feel free to give us a call at (785) 354-9591.

About MD Forté® Skin Care Products

After researching and sampling several professional skin care products, we chose MD Forté® skin care products to be our primary line to provide personalized skin care regimens. Our goal is to combine these specialized products with our expertise to help you attain:

• Visibly smoother and softer skin
• Diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Increased skin hydration and suppleness
• Balanced skin tone
• Improvement in oily or acne-prone skin

What can M.D. Forté® do for me?

MD Forté® contains alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) to normalize the exfoliation process and increase moisturization of your skin. This normal “turn-over” process of your skin generally slows down with age, and exposure to the sun and environment. AHA loosens the cellular “cement” that binds dead cells together and slows the migration of living cells to the skin surface. As the dry, outer layer is exfoliated by AHA, younger, healthier, smoother-looking skin is revealed.

To receive more information about MD Forté® skin care products, call the Image Enhancement Center at (785) 354-9591.

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