Microdermabrasion is a safe, progressive approach to skin care that was developed in Italy in 1987 and received FDA approval for use in the United States in 1996. Dr. Adam Summers has evaluated more than 10 different microdermabrasion machines and techniques and the results of his evaluation has been published. In our Medical Spa at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, our skin care specialists use a specially designed handpiece (selected by Dr. Summers as the best microdermabrasion technique available) to simultaneously apply a dimond burr abrasive and negative pressure (vacuum). As the abrasive contacts the skin, a thin layer of dead skin cells is removed from the surface of the skin. The handpiece removes both the dead skin and any residual particles. The procedure exfoliates dry, dull skin, while stimulating circulation and collagen production.
Each microdermabrasion treatment removes one to two layers of dead skin cells, depending on the condition that is being treated. The depth of treatment is controlled through the amount of vacuum, degree of abrasion and the number of passes. Since each microdermabrasion treatment is customized, patients can be treated to obtain specific results at their own comfort levels. Patients typically leave with a smooth, refreshed appearance.
In the comfort of the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center Medical Spa, Dr. Adam Summers personally performs more aggressive microdermabrasion procedures to effectively treat raised scars, depressed scars, and pigmentation disorders. In this case, patients may experience several days of healing as new, fresh skin grows into the area.
The following skin conditions may be improved with microdermabrasion treatments at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center Medical Spa:
| Visible Aging | Inflammatory Conditions | Skin Trauma |
Wrinkles Fine Lines Age Spots Sun Spots Uneven Pigmentation | Acne Clogged Pores Enlarged Pores | Scars Stretch Marks |
It is important to avoid excess sun exposure for one week prior to a microdermabrasion treatment – sunburned skin will not be treated. All makeup products will be removed prior to the treatment. For maximal comfort, men should shave 1-2 hours prior to the microdermabrasion treatment. Do not perform any home peel, exfoliation scrub, or acid application (e.g. glycolic acid, salysilic acid, lactic acid) for 48 hours prior to the microdermabrasion treatment. Patients with ethnic skin who require aggressive treatments may be started on a skin lightening cream one month prior to the procedure to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation responses.
Some redness is expected after a microdermabrasion treatment – this should dissipate within an hour of the treatment. Frequent use of a soap-free cleanser and a non-comedeogenic moisturizer is recommended. New acne flare-ups may occur after the first treatment or so…if they don’t resolve within 24 hours they should be evaluated for treatment. If bruising is present, use of cool packs (e.g. bags of frozen peas or equivalent) can be helpful – if this occurs, be sure to inform us prior to your next microdermabrasion treatment.
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A: Yes, microdermabrasion can be very effective in removing unwanted pigmentation, sun damage and uneven skin color and tone. In some cases, we may recommend a prescription product to enhance the results of microdermabrasion. During and after the treatment, sun protection is essential – a sun block will be required throughout the treatment process and subsequent to the treatment in order to help maintain the beneficial results.
A: Superficial fine lines and wrinkles respond well to microdermabrasion. Deep wrinkles or dynamic lines may be softened, but cannot be completely resolved with microdermabrasion alone. However, deep wrinkles and dynamic lines can be effectively treated when a combination of microdermabrasion and other treatments (e.g. Botox, lasers, and fillers) are utilized at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center Medical Spa.
A: Microdermabrasion can be effective in treating different forms of acne. A physician evaluation and a medically supervised skin care regimen, occasionally supplemented by pharmaceutical skin care, is necessary for optimal results. If active acne is present, this may need to be controlled prior to the microdermabrasion series of treatments.
A: Following each 30-60 minute session, your skin may appear slightly reddened for up to one hour after the treatment. There is no “down time” or recovery associated with a typical microdermabrasion treatment. It is perfectly safe to apply your make-up and return to normal activities after your treatment. If an aggressive microdermabrasion treatment is performed, you will need to keep ointment applied at all times until the skin has healed – this may take 4-5 days.
If no redness at all is desired, we can adjust the machine to give a very light treatment. The degree of redness you experience will be directly related to the amount of stimulation during the procedure. In the end, “redder is better” in that it leads to enhanced dermal circulation and stimulation of collagen production within the dermis.
A: Remember, microdermabrasion is a progressive procedure. You will definitely feel softer, smoother skin and you may see subtle improvement after only one visit. You will typically see visible improvement within four treatments. The benefits continue to multiply with each additional treatment as increased circulation is noted within the dermis and newer, healthier skin cells are seen at the surface.
A: Microdermabrasion treatments should be performed 7 to 10 days apart. It is vitally important that the patient adhere to the schedule developed. Waiting longer than 14 days between treatments can interfere with the progress. In special cases, twice weekly treatments are recommended. After the desired results have been achieved, a maintenance treatment schedule should be developed with treatments at least every 1-2 months.
A: Microdermabrasion is a progressive skin treatment. Your success depends on multiple treatments on a strict schedule. Your personalized regimen will be determined by the skin condition being treated and your desired results. The number of treatments will vary from 4 to 20, depending on the severity of the condition and your goals. Stretch marks and acne scars require the greatest number of treatments and may require physician application of the treatment.
A: For normal treatments, you will experience the sensation of abrasion and suction as the handpiece glides over your skin. This should not be a painful experience. Sensitive areas around the eye and upper lip may feel more tender, but we will adjust the machine in these areas to prevent discomfort. More aggressive treatments may produce discomfort, but local anesthetics may be used to make this a painless experience.
A: Microdermabrasion is safe for men and women of all skin conditions and ethnicities. The best candidate is someone who not only desires to improve the appearance of their skin, but who is also willing to take an active role in protecting and maintaining the results. Microdermabrasion improves the overall appearance and tone of your skin by leaving the surface smoother and healthier. It also stimulates collagen production and enhances circulation.
A: Microdermabrasion is very safe. This is a shallow depth treatment and is safe and effective for many skin types and conditions.
Dr. Adam Summers performs the Most Facelift a long lasting minimally invasive facelift procedure which he developed at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center. The Most Facelift is a customized variation of the Threadlift Face Lift (eg. Silk Lift, Aptos Lift, Featherlift, Soft Lift, Curl Lift). The Maryland Plastic Surgery Center is just minutes from Ellicott City, Towson, Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia and Washington DC. Copyright 2007 Maryland Plastic Surgery - One Hour Threadlift Facelift in Maryland.