Microdermabrasion Basics

The A to Z of Microdermabrasion

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Microdermabrasion Basics
By Andrew Kelly

What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a progressiv, non-surgical procedure which results in younger looking skin with signs of scaring, fine lines and the effects of acne vastly reduced.

The very top layer of the skin is removed during treatment (dead and damaged skin cells) which encourages the skin increase the production of new cells in the deeper layers.

How Microdermabrasion Works
The microdermabrasion machine sends a blast of crystals down a wand-like tube directly onto the skin. The wand is fixed to the skin with a mild suction which allows the crystals to be sucked back up along with the dead skin cells and other debris. Goggles are worn for protection but are not really needed as microdermabrasion is extremely safe and painless (no anesthesia is usually needed).

A basic treatment of the face is usaully half an hour but can double if areas such as the neck and upper chest are also to be done. Because the action of microdermabrasion is relatively gentle further treatments can be done at intervals of as little as 2 weeks. A course can vary on the number of appointments and depends upon the areas covered and the nature of your skin. On average a course will last for between 5 or 6 sessions.

Treatments last about 20 - 30 minutes if only the face is being treated, and can last up to an hour if the neck and upper chest are included. Courses of microdermabrasion consist of 4 - 8 treatments at 1 - 2 week intervals. All treatments can be preformed at your doctor's office, salon, or spa.

Microdermabrasion Machines
Microdermabrasion machine prices vary considerably in the U.S.A there are over a hundred different microdermabrasion machines ranging in price from $2,000 to $17,000. Each machine has obvious differences, they may have different filters, be larger or smaller than the others and may be specially designed for specific skin types with the jets of air set at different strengths. Nearly all machine use zinc or aluminium oxide crystals but some are known to use baking soda or sodium chloride.

Results of Microdermabrasion
A session of Microdermabrasion is usually 30 minutes and is carried out at your doctor's surgery/office, salon or spa. Because it only takes such a short time and that it removes the uppermost layer of dead skin it has been dubbed the "lunch-time peel" by cosmetic surgeons and salon professionals. Furthermore, because there are very few side-effects - your skin can appear slightly more pink than usual for a couple of hours - it is possible to return to "normal life" immediately after the treatment. Very rarely the skin can remain slightly more pink for a couple of days but, as you progress through your sessions, the period that this is experienced reduces progressively as the health of your skin improves.

Microdermabrasion is perfectly safe but, as with most things, we can not account for human error. It is therefore of great importance that you use a reputable salon using the highest quality medical grade machines and equipment. This must be kept sterile to reduce the risks of infection.

Is Microdermabrasion for me?
If you have minor surface scars, slight pigmentation, acne problems, fine lines or mild wrinkles and wish to have younger-looking, healthier skin microdermabrasion will be your best option. Patients with sever acne, warts, recent herpes outbreaks, and other diseases are not usually candidates for treatment and should seek the advice of their doctor. It is always best to visit a salon for advice first, they have been trained to a very high standard to be able to assess your skin's suitability.

Costs
Treatments can run anywhere from $75 to $200. The national average for 2003 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) was $176. In 2002 it was $220, and in 2005 it was $200 and has seemed to remain around this price. In the U.K. you can now get a 30 minute session for as cheap as £30 with most people needing around 5-6 sessions followed by maintenance sessions.

Author Details:
Andrew Kelly, copywriter for various web sites including, The A to Z of Microdermabrasion, part of an ambitious project to cover various subjects plus a great many other sites including health sites such as; Microdermabrasion & Skin Care, and Microdermabrasion Info 4U. He is currently promoting Renew Medica

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