Every once in a while a breakthrough technology comes along that is so simple and effective that it has the potential of totally supplanting similar existing technologies. In the field of skin rejuvenation, microdermabrasion is one such technology.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non chemical, non laser skin ³peeling² process that was invented in Europe and has been used there successfully for the last ten years. Essentially, the microdermabrasion device consists of a vacuum pump attached to a special glass handpiece that blows very fine medical-grade sand across a tiny area of skin gently sucked up into the handpiece. As the handpiece sweeps over the treated skin, the sand removes the very topmost layer of skin. The minimal injury so created to the skin surface initiates a reparative process underneath which over time substantially improves the skin above.

What Sort Of Skin Problems Do We Treat With Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion can reduce or improve acne and hypertrophic scars, unsightly pigmentation, brown spots, fine facial wrinkles, active acne, dilated capillaries, stretch marks, small tatoos, sun damaged or weather beaten skin, and aging skin. Usually, correction occurs after multiple treatments with the device. What Does A Microdermabrasion Treatment Involve? Microdermabrasion is done in the doctor¹s office, requires no preparation other than washing the area to be treated, takes about thirty minutes, and needs no anesthesia as the procedure is painless. Make-up can be applied within an hour or two of treatment. There is virtually no recovery time. Some people experience mild discomfort similar to a sunburn for up to a day after the treatment. Others peel lightly for a few days. No special dressings are needed after microdermabrasion. Postoperative care consists of a simple daily application of a moisturizing sun block. Compare this to skin resurfacing with the CO2 laser which requires one to two weeks to heal and can leave the treated skin red for many months afterwards. Likewise, chemical peels often require up to a week to heal, depending on the type and strength of chemical used.

Are There Any Complications From Microdermabrasion?

In a word9 no! Unlike laser there is no fear of scarring, infection, hyperpigmentation, or prolonged redness. The dreaded complication of hypopigmentation that can follow a chemical peel does not occur with microdermabrasion. How Many Treatments Are Required? How Long Between Treatments? The number of treatments vary from person to person and the nature of the correction desired. Usually, four to ten treatments are needed. Deep acne or hypertrophic scars and stretch marks require more treatments. The interval between treatments can range from one week to a month with two weeks being the average. What Areas Of The Body And Skin Colors Can Be Treated With Microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion can treat any skin color and anywhere on the body. Unlike the CO2 laser, darker skin colors can be treated without fear of hyperpigmentation. And unlike the CO2 laser, the skin of the neck, back of hands, upper chest, breasts, abdomen, and legs can be treated with microdermabrasion.

How Expensive Is Microdermabrasion?

Currently, we offer individual treatments for $100. A full course of treatments costs significantly less than full face resurfacing with the CO2 laser which averages over $3000. Where Can I Get My Microdermabrasion Treatments? We offer microdermabrasion at three convenient Phoenix Metropolitan area locations