Microdermabraison

Question 1

What is microdermabrasion most commonly used for?

Answer 1

To treat uneven skin tone/texture, photoaging, melasma, and scars, including acne scar

Question 2

How is the microdermabrasion performed?

Answer 2

Abrasive crystals are propelled against the skin under the control of a handheld vacuum system.

Question 3

What layer of the skin is removed with microdermabrasion?

Answer 3

Microdermabrasion removes the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis.

Question 4

What are the skin conditions treated with microdermabrasion?

Answer 4

Scars, including acne scars
Acne
Uneven skin tone/texture
Striae distensae (stretch marks)
Melasma
Photoaging
Seborrheic skin
Fine wrinkles
Enlarged pores

Question 5

What is the most common crystal used for microdermabrasion process?

Answer 5

The most common crystal used is aluminum oxide

Question 6

How many passes a single treatment requires over the treated area usually?

Answer 6

A single treatment usually requires three passes over the treated area.

Question 7

How many weeks does the microdermabrasion treatment takes?

Answer 7

Patients often require 4-6 weekly treatments to achieve the desired results.

Question 8

How many weeks does the microdermabrasion treatment takes?

Answer 8

Patients often require 4-6 weekly treatments to achieve the desired results.

Question 9

What are some common complications after the microdermabrasion treatment?

Answer 9

Common complications include tenderness, swelling, redness, petechiae, and bruising.

Question 10

What are some important recommendations prior to the treatment of microdermabrasion?

Answer 10

Discontinue the use of any irritating products such as retinoids (Retin A) or AHA’s (glycolic or lactic acid)
for one week.
Never use products Retin A or AHA’s or other chemical peels or low PH products in conjunction with
microdermabrasion sessions.
Avoid microdermabrasion before intense sun exposure.
Clients should also avoid swimming in a chlorinated pool for 48 hours following the day of the
microdermabrasion.
Clients using Botox and filler injections should wait 4 to 6 weeks after receiving them to get the
procedure done.
Users of Isotretinoin medication (Accutane, Roaccutane) must wait 1 year between before getting the
microdermabrasion done.
Users of IPL should wait for at least 3 months prior to microdermabrasion procedure.

Question 11

What are some contraindications for microdermabrasion?

Answer 11

Microdermabrasion is contraindicated in an area of active cutaneous infection, such as herpes simplex
virus, varicella-zoster virus, human papillomavirus, and impetigo.
o In individuals with contact allergies to the abrasive crystals (i.e., aluminum allergy), a different crystal
or a crystal-free system should be used.
Microdermabrasion should be used cautiously in individuals with a known history of hypertrophic
scarring (keloids).
People with active or uncontrolled diabetes, skin cancer, autoimmune diseases, or people under
immunosuppressive treatments.
Active acne (with pustules) or vascular lesions (broken capillaries like rosacea and telangiectasias).
Pigmented solar keratosis, sun burned areas or recently laser or IPL treated areas.
Users of prescription anticoagulants (blood thinners as Cumaden or Warfarin) or corticoids (cortisone
or prednisone).
Any medical condition that prohibits exfoliation.