Microdermabrasion - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Microdermabrasion or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Microdermabrasion
Overview: Microcrystals are sprayed against the skin to encourage exfoliation and increase blood flow. Suction of the loosened skin particles stimulates some collagen production.
Expected results: Rejuvenation, even skin pigmentation and skin tone, melasma treatment, diminished acne activity, reduction of fine lines and shallow scars.
Preparation: The effects of microdermabrasion can be potentiated by starting sunscreens, a topical retinoid and if indicated, a hydroquinone-containing skin fading product, as part of a rigorous skin care regimen 1-2 months prior to your first treatment. The night before your treatment, any retinoid must be stopped and can be resumed the night after.
Post treatment instructions: The day of the treatment, apply a gentle moisturizer (with sunscreen if sun-exposed area was treated) to the treated area several times; resume your daily skin care regimen the day after the treatment.
Time to desired results: Smooth texture of the skin is noted the day after your first microdermabrasion but full effects are most obvious after a series of 3-6 treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
Duration of desired effects: Months to 2 years.
Contraindications: History of phenol peel, isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 6 months, sunburn, recent tan.
Downtime: Mild redness for up to 24 hours (you should be able to return to work immediately).
What is the cost of microderm treatment and how long does a treatment take? Im currently a patient.
We charge $120 for customized microdermabrasion of the face. If you face is congested our aestheticians might perform very light extraction. If it is very dry they may add moisture at no additional charge. It is tough to state the actual treatment time but generally speaking you should be in and out of the office within 20-25 minutes.
Hello. I have really bad hyperpigmentation from acne and wanted to know if there was a laser treatment that would help with it, or anything that would help speed the process of lightening them?
There are currently several treatments to safely reduce or remove post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the face from acne regardless of ethnicity. We use Melanage peel or picosecond laser treatments. You may set up a consultation with one of our aestheticians to learn which treatment modality is best for you.
Hi
I have blackheads on my nose and pores in the area that above cheek. What the best option to clean it and close the pores? Thanks
You can remove blackheads mechanically by using Biore Strips or have an aesthetician taken them out. There is not yet a way to close these pores and blackheads usually recur within 3 months of removal. Daily use of a mild glycolic acid topical lotion or gel can minimize the pores by 30%.
I have some folliculitis on my upper chest and neck and am being treated with oral and topical antibiotics, but I was wondering if microdermabrasion might help the condition go away faster. Thanks.
Microdermabrasion is not recommended with folliculitis. A gentle exfoliant such as a glycolic acid containning moisturizer (e.g. Aquaglycolic body lotion) might speed up the process.
I received a microdermabrasion treatment a week ago for treatment of comedonal acne and have had a significant worsening of my acne. My whole face is covered in comedonal acne and small whiteheads. Is this a normal side effect of microdermabrasion and should I continue getting it or should I stop and try something else?
This sounds unusual and I would encourage you to return to the practice where you had the treatment to be evaluated.
Hi, I have indented scars on my cheeks due to acne and I also have texture what types of treatments can I do to completely rid myself of these types of scars
At this time,there is unfortunately no treatment to rid yourself completely of these scars. Treatments such as Infini, fractionated CO2 laser or pixel can help improve scars and texture. Please set up a consultation with one of our dermatologists if you would like to learn what options might help you.
Is there any treatment to fade old self harm scars on forearm? If so, what are my options?
Pulsed dye laser treatment are appropriate if these scars are red. Textural improvement might be possible with fractionated radiofrequency (Infini) or fractionated CO2 laser treatment. Please schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists to learn about your options.
I am being treated there for my acne! What can I do make my pores smaller?
Pore reduction is an extremely difficult quest. Once pores have widened, they cannot completely tighten. Daily application of glycolic acid 15% or higher or periodic glycloic acid peels can shrink pores by about 30%. The same reduction but with lasting effects can be achieved after photodynamic therapy treatments or a single fractionated CO2 laser treatment that aims at the deep tissues (DeepFX).
Hi I was wondering of the the microdermabrasion would help with my oil skin? Also do you have prices for the procedure?
Microdermabrasion helps to temporarily reduce oily skin. Price per treatment is $150 for the face. Our price list is also available on the website.
Hello,
I have 3 small piercing holes on my lower lip would microdermabrasion help seal the holes over?
Microdermabrasion improves the texture for the skin but is unable to seal piercing holes. Are they in a location where a tiny excision is an option?