Skin Rejuvenation - Exfoliation to Resurfacing
By Peter T. Pacik, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Part 2 - Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a deeper form of exfoliation or light resurfacing. No anesthesia is necessary and patients can return to their activities after the procedure. Aluminum oxide crystals are sprayed across the surface in a closed loop system with immediate suctioning into a disposable container resulting in a deeper exfoliation. The crystals are not re-used. Two types of machines are available, esthetician and MD models. The MD models are more powerful and need to be used under a physician's supervision. This model gives us wide flexibility for depth of treatment.

Microdermabrasion results in smoother, more radiant skin and can help you if you have dull looking skin, early sun damage, early wrinkling, minor pigmentary problems, and light acne scarring. Generally 8-12 treatments (30-45 minutes each) are necessary, 1-2 weeks apart. As with any exfoliation or resurfacing, it is important to use sunscreens, because the skin is more susceptible to injury by the sun.

Benefits: Your skin will become healthier appearing, smoother, and more radiant. Better absorption of skin care products in general.

Minimal Benefits: Microdermabrasion will assist, but not completely fix, severe sun damage (use resurfacing), moderate to severe acne scarring (use dermabrasion, laser), significant pigmentary problems (use bleaching creams, chemical peels), and deep wrinkles (use resurfacing)

No Benefit: Microdermabrasion has little or no effect on skin cancers, keloids, and skin growths.

The day following a microdermabrasion, patients should continue with their MD Forte 3-Step Advanced Skin Care Program. See below for links to individual products.

1. Facial Cleanser I or II (start with I - 12% glycolic compound, advance to II - 15% glycolic compound). Gentle, creamy cleanser removes daily residue, makeup and oil without harshness or dehydration.

2. Facial Cream I, II or Skin Rejuvenating Lotion I or II. Facial Cream I (15% glycolic compound) and II (20% glycolic compound) exfoliates, softens and refines dry skin. Skin Rejuvenation Lotion I (5% glycolic compound) improves dull, lifeless complexion or for sensitive skin. Skin Rejuvenation Lotion II (20% glycolic compound) is a higher strength for advanced correction.

3. Aftercare Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30 (glycolic free) for maximum protection against UVA/UVB exposure.

LRS and Kinerase are added to enhance the skin care program. These products will re-establish moisture and maintain the healthy, glowing appearance of the new skin.

Over-the-counter and esthetician products contain a smaller percentage of glycolic acid. These products are often neutralized to the degree that they are poorly effective. MD Forte has stronger concentrations of glycolic acid; and therefore, is both more effective and works quicker. Because of these stronger concentrations, they are available only through a doctor's office.

In future e-mails, I will discuss office chemical peels, dermabrasion, chemical peel, laser, the proper use of sunscreens and much more. If there are any topics that you would like covered in these educational e-mails, please let us know. We encourage you to share your experiences both positive and negative with us. Your comments are important to us.

May your skin be healthy and bright and reflect the radiance of your soul.