Microdermabrasion is a method of gently and safely exfoliating superficial epidermal cells and cleaning the contents of pores. It can help texture, fine lines, pigment, and superficial acne scarring. A fine but powerful stream of sterile crystals is sprayed onto the skin at high pressure, and this exfoliates those cells. Suction is used around this at all times to not only remove the crystals but also dead skin cells, blackheads and the contents of the pores. This is all done at "one pass" as the wand gently sweeps over the skin. The entire face can be treated at one sitting. The procedure has only mild discomfort and should be tolerable by anyone. You may apply make-up and return to work or school immediately.
Each treatment session is $125.
All fees are subject to change. The fee is always what is current at the time of your actual treatment. Old fee schedules, handouts, or web site fees do not apply. Any quoted fees must be in writing and are only good for six months. No "verbal" quotes are accepted.
You may call our office and schedule an appointment with either Christi or Tammy, our two licensed aestheticians at any time. Please tell them that you would like to have microdermabrasion and what it is for.
There is a $125 non-refundable fee for missed appointments without a 24 hour notice.
Usually none is necessary - we ask that you stop all topical acne or wrinkle products two nights before the microdermabrasion session. We don't want you to be too dry coming in or we won't be able to perform the procedure. Likewise, do not sunburn either. Stop Retin A, Renova, alpha hydroxy acids and so forth. Normal moisturizers are okay. If Dr. Coverman has given you a cortisone cream for your face, it would be a good idea to use this the night before your procedure just so that you reduce any underlying inflammation. Do not wear make-up to the office. You may bring make-up with you and reapply it at the end of the procedure, and go right back to work or school.
Do not plan any extended sun exposed vacations right after your microdermabrasion - specifically do not go snow skiing, to the beach, or to any fishing or golfing tournaments for one full week after your procedure. You can go outside and enjoy normal activities, but wear a four inch broad brimmed hat and use appropriate SPF 30 water proof sunscreens such as Neutrogena 30 prior to sun exposure.
If you have ever had herpes or think you may have (cold sores or fever blisters), inform Dr. Coverman or our staff prior to scheduling your appointment. We will give you a series of anti-herpes pills to take the day before the treatment, the day of, and the day after. This should help to suppress or prevent herpes from flaring, but there are no guarantees. A herpes flare could cause pain, pigment, infection, and scarring.
The treatment generally takes about ½ hour for the full face. Although it is usually not painful, you will feel a tingling or pinprick type of sensation. It is generally tolerable, and some patients actually like the sensation because they feel that "it is working". Almost immediately after we finish, the sensation disappears.
Do not apply any of your wrinkle or acne medications for at least three days afterward or more if you think you are dry, irritated, or need to wait. USE COMMON SENSE! Do not use any of your acne soaps for at least one week afterward, but a mild soap such as Purpose or Dove Beauty Bar would be fine. If you do have any cortisone cream, you may use this immediately because it can settle you down a little bit faster. If Dr. Coverman has given you herpes pills, please finish every single pill as directed.
The procedure does have a tingling discomfort, but it is tolerable. We have already discussed herpes above. There is a chance that it could flare underlying acne a bit, but at least it will help clean out your pores even with this risk. There will be temporary reddening of your skin, generally not much worse than a typical sunburn. There is always a theoretic risk of scarring or pigmentary changes, but this would be very unusual and only if you had an area of extreme inflammation.
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