Microdermabrasion

Two types of microdermabrasion devices are commonly used in skin clinics.

Crystal microdermabrasion was the first iteration of this procedure. These machines exfoliate by blasting the skin surface with a constant flow of tiny aluminium oxide crystals. Simultaneously, a vacuum system removes dead skin cells, other dirt and debris, and the used crystals.

Diamond microdermabrasion is a newer innovation. These devices have a diamond-tipped wand that is used to slough away the top layer of the skin and suction up the residue. There are no particles that could be left behind on the skin.

Crystal-free microdermabrasion is the preferred method in many cosmetic practices today. These devices are less irritating to the skin and easier to control, resulting in a safer and more precise treatment. At Kaya Cosmedica, we perform microdermabrasion with our Dermafrac device.

Nearly all skin types and colours are suitable for microdermabrasion. The treatment can be adjusted to cater to both oily and dry skin, and it can even treat sensitive skin with the right settings.

However, those with exceptionally sensitive skin may be better served by a different treatment. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your provider during your initial consultation, so you can receive treatment recommendations that are tailored for your skin.

Dr Khinda will assess your skin to determine whether microdermabrasion is a safe and effective choice that can help you meet your skin goals. Most healthy men and women can undergo microdermabrasion with minimal risk of adverse effects. Unlike many light-based rejuvenation therapies, this procedure is safe for all skin tones, including dark skin. Ideal candidates have mild to moderate skin concerns and realistic expectations about what microdermabrasion can and cannot do.

Microdermabrasion is not recommended for individuals with any of the following conditions: rosacea, acne pustules, fragile capillaries or vascular lesions, warts, open sores or a history of poor scarring. Patients who are using or have used certain medications must wait six to 12 months before a microdermabrasion treatment.

There are a few ways you can prepare for an exfoliating treatment like microdermabrasion. Discontinue the use of products with harsh active ingredients and exfoliants for the recommended period before your appointment. Do not wax or tan the intended treatment area. If you’ve recently undergone a laser procedure, had a chemical peel or had any other procedure that may have increased the sensitivity of your skin, your session should be postponed to a later date. This includes scrubs, enzymes, retinoids and other products that slough off the skin. Overexfoliation can damage your skin and cause redness or hyperpigmentation.

Do not wax or shave the intended treatment area. Avoid direct sun exposure and any other form of tanning for at least one week. Use an SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Too much time in the sun can make your skin more sensitive than normal.

If you’ve recently undergone a laser procedure, had a chemical peel or had any other procedure that may have increased the sensitivity of your skin, your session should be postponed to a later date. Please reschedule your appointment if you have open lesions or acne.

On the day of your procedure, we recommend cleansing your face and arriving with no makeup or creams on your skin.
Contact Kaya Cosmedica for preparation advice specific to your situation and unique skin condition.

Microdermabrasion is often compared to the rough lick of a cat’s tongue. Most patients find the mild scratching sensation and vibration of the device to be very tolerable.

Your comfort is a priority for us, so please let your provider know how you’re feeling during the procedure. We can adjust the pace and intensity of your microdermabrasion treatment to accommodate your tolerance level. A microdermabrasion procedure should never be painful.

There is no downtime after microdermabrasion, so patients resume their regular schedule immediately following treatment. It is unlikely your skin will belie the fact that you just had a procedure performed, other than taking on a healthy radiance that can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. The stimulation of blood flow in the upper layers of your skin may temporarily cause redness, but this is ultimately a good thing.

While microdermabrasion is a gentle procedure overall, it may result in some temporary side effects. In addition to a pink or red complexion, you may experience:

• Slight skin tightness and/or dryness
• The feeling that your skin is sunburnt or windswept
• A sensitive or tender sensation

If you can, avoid applying makeup the day of the service so it can heal and breathe. Use a gentle cleanser, apply moisturiser liberally and always wear sunscreen. Focus on keeping your skin cool and calm.

Avoid direct sun exposure as much as you can for the first seven days. Microdermabrasion reveals a new layer of skin, and it is extra sensitive to sun damage. Protecting your skin from the sun helps secure the best possible results and reduces the risk of side effects.

Avoid irritating the treated skin with harsh chemicals, scented products, rubbing, scratching or tanning. Check with your provider to confirm that your normal products are safe to use on your skin after microdermabrasion.

You may experience mild flaking or shedding in the first few days post-treatment. Do not pick at any flaking skin, as this can cause scarring. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and promote cell regeneration.

You may want to avoid heavy exercise and hot environments that cause sweating for 48 hours after microdermabrasion to minimise irritation. If you do engage in these activities, wear a headband to soak up the perspiration before it comes into contact with your skin and wash your face immediately after the activity is over.

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that has few risks associated with it. Patients who undergo the treatment when they have open skin lesions or active acne may risk spreading the condition after the procedure. For this reason, we do not tend to perform microdermabrasion on patients with these concerns. Inflammation, persistent redness, scabbing or mild peeling can occur in some individuals with sensitive skin. These symptoms heal without any long-term damage to the skin. Seeing a qualified medical practitioner for treatment can greatly reduce possible microdermabrasion risks.

You should leave our office sporting a smoother skin texture and a healthy glow. However, your results will continue to improve in the days and weeks following your treatment as the procedure also tends to stimulate skin cell renewal and collagen production to enhance your refreshed appearance.

With time, microdermabrasion produces improved skin tone with fewer signs of ageing, scarring and pigmentation. Patients often report improved skin softness and radiance and reduced sebum levels and visibility of pores.

Like any other skin resurfacing treatment, microdermabrasion cannot give you permanent results. Your skin naturally resurfaces itself approximately once a month, and your skin will continue to be exposed to environmental and lifestyle factors (not to mention the ageing process!). No skin treatment will last forever.

However, if you follow your provider’s recommended skincare plan, you can increase the longevity of your results. You can also maintain the improvements in your skin through future appointments as needed.

Because microdermabrasion only treats the top layer of skin, we usually recommend patients undergo a series of treatments to achieve the best possible results.

Treatments are spaced two to four weeks apart. The number needed in an initial treatment plan will depend on the level of correction required and the results you are hoping to achieve. Some people only need a few treatments to refresh their complexion, while others require up to 12 to 15 to target their concerns effectively.

Regular maintenance sessions will also be required to help you maintain your rejuvenated look over the long term. We will help you create a maintenance schedule that fits your personal needs and the rate at which your skin regenerates.

One of the most popular combinations offered at Kaya Cosmedica is microdermabrasion and microneedling, a process we refer to as DermaFrac. Microneedling is a painless procedure that uses a device to create micro-injuries in the skin that stimulate the body’s healing processes. DermaFrac also adds in the application of topical serums designed to restore essential ingredients to the dermal layers. We can also apply substances to lighten skin, protect it from damage and minimise acne breakouts. When the serums are combined with microdermabrasion and microneedling, they can penetrate the dermis much deeper to have the greatest possible effect.

Microdermabrasion can also be combined with injectable treatments that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore youthful volume to the face. When the two procedures are performed at the same time, the results can be both intense and long-lasting compared to undergoing either treatment alone.

Microdermabrasion vs. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a more intense resurfacing treatment that removes deeper layers of the skin. This produces more dramatic results, but it involves more discomfort and downtime. Microdermabrasion is a gentler procedure with comparatively less risk, discomfort and recovery time.

Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical Peels
Exfoliation can be physical or chemical. Microdermabrasion is an example of physical exfoliation, which manually dislodges dirt and strips away dead skin cells. Chemical peels are a type of chemical exfoliation, which resurfaces the skin using acids or enzymes to dissolve the outer layers. Chemical peels come in a variety of formulas and intensities,

Microdermabrasion vs. Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing uses light energy to break the bonds between dead and damaged skin cells. The laser also stimulates collagen production and the growth of new skin cells. Laser treatments penetrate deeper than microdermabrasion, making them effective in fewer sessions and more suitable for moderate-to-severe skin issues.

Microdermabrasion vs. Microneedling
Microneedling does not directly remove the outer layer of skin. Instead, it uses multiple ultra-fine needles to penetrate the skin and trigger a healing response. This stimulates collagen production and cellular renewal, which has the effect of improving skin texture, tone and signs of ageing. Microneedling prompts the skin to repair itself.

Microdermabrasion vs. Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a very gentle exfoliating treatment performed with a medical-grade sterile blade. The blade is used to scrape away built-up dead skin cells and vellus hair (a.k.a. “peach fuzz”), leaving behind a brighter and smoother complexion. Dermaplaning is painless and downtime-free, but its benefits are limited compared to microdermabrasion.