Microdermabrasion is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves removing or partially removing the outermost layer of the skin. This treatment option produces very little pain, and is used to rid the skin of dark spots or scars, or remove sun-damaged skin. There are no studies to show that microdermabrasion can stimulate collagen and encourage new cell growth, as many of the other treatment methods.
Microdermabrasion must be repeated several times to successfully treat acne. In the past, microdermabrasion was used with abrasive crystals. Today, a wand is normally also used in conjunction with spa treatments.
Vibraderm
Vibraderm can improve the skin and is an alternative to microdermabrasion. This type of treatment stimulates collagen and exfoliates the skin. Vibraderm works best in the early stages of the discovery of damaged skin. Most cosmetic surgeons recommend using Vibraderm in combination with other procedures such as chemical peels, or laser skin resurfacing. Vibraderm is not appropriate for advanced skin damage or for sensitive skin.
Vibraderm is a mild to moderate peel like microdermabrasion, but Vibraderm uses paddles covered with fine abrasive crystals at a high speed to loosen the skin. Studies show that Vibraderm causes less skin irritation than microdermabrasion. Results however may vary according to the individual, and other patients may respond better with microdermabrasion. Vibraderm is usually about double the cost of microdermabrasion, with treatments costing about $200 to $350 per treatment.
Timeless Peel
Timeless Peel is a partial do-it-yourself home system. This treatment aggressively exfoliates dead skin cells. Results are tighter, smoother and brighter skin. This type of facial peel is normally used to treat fine lines, rosacea, photo aging and more. The peel is applied at the clinic, and patients go home with the clear gel still on their face. The gel is washed off the following day.
The cost of Timeless Peel is much less than microdermabrasion. Also, another major benefit is that it promotes activity within the skin cells, creating more moisture and revealing younger, smoother looking skin.
Cool Laser
The Cool Laser treatment dramatically minimizes wrinkles and acne scarring. Cool air and a local anesthesia are used to reduce discomfort. Although, there is still some pain and discomfort involved, this treatment option is less painful than other more abrasive methods, as jet sprays of water cool the skin. Patients with darker skin should normally be treated for two weeks with bleaching cream before treatment begins.
Erbium Laser Resurfacing
The Erbium Laser Resurfacing treatment effectively treats mild to moderate wrinkles with little pain and few side effects. This method is sometimes recommended for darker-skinned patients. In addition, this cosmetic procedure allows for less recovery time than many other treatment methods. A local anesthetic is used and possibly a mild sedative.
Sapphire 3 Photo Abrasion
The Sapphire 3 Photo Abrasion does not involve the use of crystals to exfoliate the skin, but instead pieces of sapphire inserted in a machine vibrate gently across the face to stimulate the outer layer of the skin. This method of treatment requires less recovery time than microdermabrasion.
