Medical Treatments

Microdermabrasion Services

Microdermabration is a skin rejuvenation technique that uses a mechanical medium to exfoliate and gently remove the outer most layers of dead skin cells.  The process has two elements; the exfoliating material, either loose crystal particles or particle free diamond tip and a machine suction unit which gently lifts the skin and removes the exfoliating particles and dead skin.  The amount of pressure used in the vacuum and the speed of the machine operation will depend on the sensitivity and tolerance level of the skin which will differ between individuals and different skin types.

Unlike chemical peels and laser resurfacing, microdermabration is a non-surgical and non-invasive technique that requires little to no recovery time and make-up and non-irritating creams can be applied to the skin that has been treated within hours of the procedure.  Skin naturally rejuvenates over a thirty day cycle, with dead skin cells gradually building up as new cells are generated to replace them.  The treatment needs to be repeated at two to four weekly intervals for the best results and consistent skin tone.

Microdermabrasion should be combined with consistent use of sun screens, avoiding prolonged sun exposure and the use of skin care creams to protect the new skin cells that have been generated.  Skin is generally more sensitive to sun exposure following microdermabrasion treatments and it also absorbs skin creams more readily which can make follow up treatments like masks and moisturisers much more effective.  Make-up and tanning products will also go on much more smoothly after microdermabrasion.  Non-irritating and preferably non-perfumed products should be used at first to allow the new skin surface to adjust and to avoid any side effects.  
Microdermabrasion is used to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation (a darkened area of the skin).  This is often caused by sun damage, skin injuries and skin inflammation.  It can also be used for fine lines, wrinkles, shallow acne scars and acne.  There are very few side effects to the treatment but when they occur they tend to be associated with sun sensitivity and temporary bruising or scratches in the treated areas.  Occasionally the skin may feel dry after treatment but this can be easily addressed by the application of moisturiser, most appropriately one for sensitive skin so as not to irritate or cause a reaction on new and soft skin.

The first microdermabrasion unit was introduced in Italy in 1985 and approved by the FDA in 1996 to be sold in the United States.  The particle free “diamond tip” was introduced in 19999 and is still the most popular type of unit as it does not produce particles from crystals that can be inhaled or blown into the eyes then later the microdermabrasion in Sydney was introduced.  Diamond microdermabrasion is considered safer for use in the eye and mouth area for this reason.  Fine diamond dust is electroplated onto a stainless steel round tip that comes into contact with the skin.  This has the exfoliating effect without the need for loose particles.