Microdermabrasion can improve the overall appearance and quality of skin thanks to quick, pain-free exfoliation with no downtime. As a result, it’s a standard offering at medical spas and a gateway for clients who are curious about innovative facials that target their skin concerns. In fact, microdermabrasion was one of the top five most popular nonsurgical procedures in 2013, according to data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). “Microdermabrasion is a great way to prep the skin for other more high-tech treatments, because it removes the keratinized outer barrier, thus allowing other treatments to be more effective,” says Pamela Mondorf, M.D., owner and medical director at Refine Medical Laser & Aesthetics (Lander, WY). Additionally, says Inna Belenky, Ph.D., clinical training manager at Viora, most physicians combine microdermabrasion with other technology, including IPL, lasers, mesotherapy, peels, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and more. Here, discover some of their favorite pairings.
Microdermabrasion with Brightening Products
Jennifer Zrubek, owner of J Lounge and Spa (Boulder, CO)
Microdermabrasion Device Used: Altair Instruments DiamondTome
Complementary Products Used: Lightening line featuring herbal ingredients
Key Benefits: “Having microdermabrasion consistently and offering complementary products for clients to use at home to help lighten the skin will move the cells faster, even out skintone, and stimulate collagen and elastin growth,” says Zrubek. “Starting with microdermabrasion also allows the products applied post-treatment to penetrate at a deeper level.”
Course of Treatment: When combining microdermabrasion with brightening peels, alternate between the two treatments every two weeks.
Expected Results: Skin appears healthier, brighter, and more even-toned with fewer visible wrinkles. Additionally, it smoothes overall skin texture.
Microdermabrasion and Red LED Light
Ivel De Freitas, M.D., board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of Leaf It Up Lifestyle Medspa (Hollywood, FL)
Microdermabrasion Device Used: Silhouet-Tone Vortex Peel
Complementary Device Used: Red LED light
Key Benefits: “The combination of both therapies creates a unique healthy glow not seen with the use of different technologies or isolated microdermabrasion treatments,” says De Freitas. “By offering light therapy after microdermabrasion, we not only observe immediate results, such as decreased flushing and redness, but also long-term results, such as increased skin moisture and a significant reduction of crow’s feet and under-eye and forehead wrinkles.”
Course of Treatment: Monthlycombination facials are recommended.
Expected Results: Even with just a monthly treatment, patients experience noticeable results, such as the diminished appearance of pore size; the decreased appearance of fine lines, scars, and inflammatory acne; and smoother skin texture.
Microdermabrasion with Radiofrequency
Holly Huddleston, clinical research coordinator, Viora
Microdermabrasion Device Used: Viora Pristine DiamondTip
Complementary Device Used: Radiofrequency
Key Benefits: “The microdermabrasion takes off the dead skin layer for better, deeper penetration of the radiofrequency through the skin,” says Huddleston. “Using microdermabrasion with radiofrequency stimulates blood flow, increases conductivity, and reduces resistance in the skin for a more comfortable and effective treatment.”
Course of Treatment: Depending on the patient’s lifestyle, four to six treatments are recommended initially, with treatments every four to six months to maintain results. Each session is 45 to 55 minutes, including five to seven minutes of microdermabrasion and 30 minutes of radiofrequency.
Expected Results: Look for visible improvement in skin texture and pore size, as well as the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The combination enhances circulation, tightens, and lifts.
Microdermabrasion and Intense Pulsed Light
Melissa Toyos, M.D., ophthalmologist and facial cosmetic surgeon at Toyos Clinic (multiple locations)
Microdermabrasion Device Used: DermaMed MegaPeel EX Platinum
Complementary Device Used: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Key Benefits: “The oily, dead layer of skin naturally repels products and light. Removing this layer of skin using microdermabrasion is a terrific way to improve the effects of IPL and enhance the absorption of topical cosmeceuticals,” says Toyos. “IPL is then able to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin and provide comprehensive benefits, including speeding up the skin’s recovery process.”
Course of Treatment: A set of three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is ideal. There is a cumulative benefit in doing multiple treatments initially followed by quarterly
maintenance appointments.
Expected Results: The results are equivalent to a Fraxel laser treatment with no downtime, according to Toyos. It is able to improve sun damaged skin, dark spots, redness, and signs of aging. Skin is also softer and continues to show improvement between appointments as collagen production increases.
Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning
Shay Moinuddin, RN, practice manager and certified aesthetic nurse specialist at The Few Institute for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (multiple locations)
Microdermabrasion Device Used: SilkPeel Microdermabrasion
Complementary Device Used: Scalpel
Key Benefits: ”Performing dermaplaning prior to microdermabrasion allows us to unplug the pore by removing the vellus hair from its follicle,” says Moinuddin. “When the hair follicle is open, it allows the serums used during the microdermabrasion to penetrate deeper into the pores for greater clinical benefits.”
Course of Treatment: A series of four to six combination treatments spaced four weeks apart provide optimal results. Afterward, a maintenance regimen of one treatment per quarter is recommended.
Expected Results: Common results include a brighter complexion, decrease in acneic lesions, diminished hyperpigmentation, fewer wrinkles, and tighter skin.
Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel
Pamela Mondorf, M.D., owner and medical director, Refine Medical Laser and Aesthetics (Lander, WY)
Microdermabrasion Device Used: Dermaglow II
Complementary Products Used: Customized chemical peel
Key Benefits: “Combining microdermabrasion with a chemical peel is an easy sell to patients, as they are already committed to improving their skin,” says Mondorf. “They are likely to get even better results from the peel, because the skin is open and receptive. By performing a light to moderate microdermabrasion prior to a chemical peel, you get a deeper peel with more uniform results.”
Course of Treatment: For the best results, a series of weekly treatments for four to six weeks is recommended followed by a monthly maintenance schedule.
Expected Results: Each combination treatment can be customized to meet the varied needs and goals of patients. Typically, patients are seeking a more even skintone and reduction of age spots and blemishes. There is also a decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.—
Effectively prime client’s skin with the latest microdermabrasion technology available from these companies.—J.N.
Aesthetic Solutions
www.dermaglow.com
Altair Instruments
www.altairinstruments.com
DermaMed Solutions
www.dermamedsolutions.com
ImageMicroderm
www.imagemicroderm.com
Silhouet-Tone
www.silhouettone.com
Viora
www.vioramed.com