What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion, or microdermabrasion, is an effective way of reducing a patient’s fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars by stimulating the production of collagen and new skin cells from deep within the skin layers. This technique is fast becoming one of the rising stars in Dr. T.Y. Steven Ip’s practice because of the results that it produces. It involves the controlled abrasion of the upper, outermost layer of the skin to remove the dead skin layer and stimulate the skin to produce new cells. Microdermabrasion is a newer technique used in dermabrasion, and is a gentler and lighter alternative to removing the outermost layer of the skin. Normally, exfoliating materials are used to loosen the dead skin cells and a gentle suction is applied instantaneously to lift them up during the exfoliation process.
What are the benefits of dermabrasion or microdermabrasion?
The great thing about this procedure is that there are virtually no side effects. The skin gets a refreshed look with a renewed glow that comes from a non-invasive technique that is safe and tested, and requires virtually no downtime from the patients, which means that they can resume normal daily activity right after undergoing the procedure. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion is effective on all skin types and colors, and is excellent for patients with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate chemical peeling procedures.
What can I expect from a dermabrasion or microdermabrasion procedure?
Dr. Ip uses a dermabrasion hand piece that releases a stream of micro-crystals onto the patient’s skin and this results in a gentle exfoliating action. Gentle sweeping or circular motions are used to make sure that the expanse of the indicated area is being treated properly. Additionally, the machine is equipped with a vacuum attachment that suctions the dead skin cells instantaneously. Each dermabrasion treatment lasts anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour and the number of treatments will depend upon the desired result and can range between 5 to 12 sessions that are spaced approximately 2 to 3 weeks apart to give his skin enough time to regenerate. To maintain optimal results, treatments may be repeated after the initial number of sessions has been completed.
