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As your skin goes through its cycle of turning over new cells and getting rid of old ones, it’s normal for dead and damaged skin cells to build up on the skin. Over time, this can contribute to concerns like dull skin, clogged pores, age spots, and texture. Although at-home exfoliation can be an effective way to clear your skin, microdermabrasion is one professional treatment that can produce a more radiant complexion.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a professional skincare treatment that uses a diamond-tipped handpiece and gentle suction to abrade the surface of the skin, removing skin cell buildup. While it can produce soft, glowing, brighter skin, microdermabrasion treatments can also improve circulation and collagen production at the surface level. For even more transformative skincare results, it can be paired with other treatments like chemical peels.
Candidates for Microdermabrasion
Virtually all skin types can benefit from microdermabrasion. Although you may require deeper, more aggressive treatments for concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, microdermabrasion can be an effective, minimally invasive procedure to tackle dullness, dryness, congestion, acne scars, and uneven skin tone and texture. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to look at another skin treatment. During a consultation with Dr. DiFrancesco and our skincare experts, we can create the ideal microdermabrasion treatment plan for you.
What to Expect Before Microdermabrasion
At you initial consultation, we will evaluate your skin type, medical history, and specific skin concerns like uneven skin tone, age spots, acne, or sun damage. If you have sensitive skin, we may suggest a more gentle or alternative skin treatment to avoid unwanted irritation.
In the days leading up to your appointment, avoid sun exposure, at-home microdermabrasion kits, and the use of harsh skin care products, such as retinoids or exfoliants. Come to your appointment with a clean face, free of makeup or moisturizers, so we can perform microdermabrasion on a clean surface.
Microdermabrasion Procedure
Microdermabrasion can be performed at our Atlanta office and requires no anesthetics. After your skin is cleansed and prepared, the diamond-tipped applicator is applied to exfoliate away the outer layer of skin while gently suctioning the dead skin cells away. This process can take as little as thirty minutes, after which you can return home.
The Steps of Microdermabrasion
- Cleansing: Your skin will be gently cleansed to remove any oils, debris, or makeup.
- Exfoliation: A handheld device with a diamond tip will be used to gently exfoliate the uppermost layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and smoothing out uneven skin and scars.
- Suction: At the same time, gentle suction clears away the exfoliated cells from the treated area, promoting circulation and stimulating collagen in the deeper layers of the skin.
- Soothing: After treatment, a cooling serum or moisturizer will be applied, followed by sunscreen to protect your fresh, renewed skin.
Unlike crystal-based systems that use aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, or sodium chloride, our diamond microdermabrasion system avoids airborne crystals, making it ideal for the face, neck, and patients with sensitive skin.
What to Expect After Microdermabrasion
This treatment can be an excellent option for deep treatment or as a regular part of your skincare regimen. We recommend a series of four to twelve treatments to fully address your skin concerns, and we can optimize your at-home regimen with our best physician-grade products to maintain your results. Most patients can expect some slight redness and sensitivity after each treatment, but this subsides within the day. Afterward, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your skin’s appearance, feel, and health.
Risks of Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure, but as with any skin treatment, there are potential risks. In rare cases, complications like darkened skin, bleeding, or worsening of skin discoloration may occur, particularly with excessive sun exposure post-treatment or untreated sunburn. It’s essential to follow your provider’s aftercare instructions and protect the skin treated with sunscreen to avoid sun damage and dark spots.
What Should I Ask My Provider About Microdermabrasion?
Is microdermabrasion safe and effective for my skin type and concerns?
Not all skin types or skin conditions respond to microdermabrasion in the same way. If you have sensitive skin, active acne, rosacea, or are prone to darkened skin or discoloration, we may recommend an alternative skin treatment.
How many treatments will I need to see visible results?
While many patients see an improvement in skin texture and radiance after just one session, a series of multiple treatment (typically between 4 to 12) is often recommended for the best results, especially when addressing concerns like acne scars, enlarged pores, or wrinkles.
Can microdermabrasion be combined with other treatments?
Microdermabrasion is frequently combined with other cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, facials, or light-based therapies to enhance results. Pairing treatments can help penetrate deeper layers of the skin or target additional concerns like skin discoloration or fine lines.
What should I do before and after the procedure to protect my skin?
Before the procedure, it’s important to avoid sun exposure, at-home microdermabrasion kits, and products that can make the outermost layer of skin more sensitive. After treatment, you should use a gentle moisturizer, avoid direct sun exposure, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
Microdermabrasion Cost
The cost of microdermabrasion in Atlanta can vary depending on the treatment area and size. Dr. DiFrancesco and her team will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation, along with recommendations on how many sessions are right for your goals.
Schedule a Consultation
Microdermabrasion is an excellent way to achieve smooth, rejuvenated skin with a quick and easy treatment session. To get started on creating your ideal treatment package, contact our Atlanta office by calling or filling out our online form.
