How many times have you tried the latest at-home skin resurfacing and rejuvenation device, only to end up with results that are less than stellar? Or how many times have you invested in the latest beauty fad, only for your aesthetic concerns to still be visible? If you’re tired of not getting the results you want from your at-home regimen, then it may be time to consider dermabrasion treatments at Optimize Face MD in Aliso Viejo, CA.
This treatment is an effective exfoliation technique that removes the layers of dead skin cells to radically improve the appearance of your skin. For many, this is the best treatment to rejuvenate the superficial appearance of the skin, including concerns like scarring and sun damage that may not be as responsive to over-the-counter products. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about this treatment before your first appointment.
How Many Dermabrasion Treatments Do You Need?
Because this treatment accomplishes such deep exfoliation, most people will only need one or two initial treatments to achieve their desired aesthetic goals. Unlike some other exfoliation treatments, this treatment removes several layers of skin cells to unveil fresh, unblemished skin beneath – but the treatment is essentially ablative, meaning it will cause some minor injury to the skin. This is why, for many people, a single treatment is effective enough.
Of course, the number of treatments you will need will be dependent on your beauty goals and the condition of your skin. While one treatment is effective for people with moderate aesthetic concerns, those who have severe concerns may require additional treatments. Furthermore, this treatment may be combined with other aesthetic treatments or a larger treatment plan to help you achieve all of your aesthetic goals.
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What Does Dermabrasion Treat?
This highly effective treatment is an ideal technique to address a variety of superficial issues. A superficial skin issue is typically one that affects the top layer or the visible layer of the skin, so most visible skin concerns can improve with this treatment. You would not be able to use this treatment to address volume loss or skin laxity, however. The most common concerns treated with this technique include:
Scarring
Scarring related to acne and other skin injuries can usually be greatly reduced or eliminated by this treatment. People who have shallow acne scarring typically get very good results with this treatment. Many acne scars rest on the surface of the skin and are caused by improper collagen production during acne healing, which can make the skin appear bumpy and uneven. Because this treatment removes several layers of skin, the resulting skin texture after healing will be smooth and even as acne scars essentially disappear.
Sun Damage
Sun damage such as dark spots and redness can also improve with this treatment. Blemishes created by unprotected sun exposure may not be responsive to other skin treatments that only deal with the top layer of skin cells. However, with a deep exfoliating treatment, sun damage and blemishes are fully removed from the surface of the skin to improve the overall skin tone.
Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the nose and mouth, can also be treated with this exfoliation technique. Mild to moderate fine lines may appear deeper when dead skin cells are abundant on the skin surface. By removing these skin cells, the appearance of lines and wrinkles can soften for several months. Although nothing will stop the progress of wrinkle formation, treatments such as this one can make lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
Precancerous Patches
This treatment can also be used for medical purposes, such as removing suspicious moles or precancerous patches of skin. Many precancerous patches are only several layers deep in the skin, so early removal of these abnormal patches can help prevent serious disease later. Since this treatment can be used on localized areas, it may be a better option than other methods, such as punch removal of precancerous patches. Your medical provider will recommend this treatment if it is appropriate for your health concern.
Some Tattoos
Finally, this treatment can also be used to remove some tattoos. To be sure, the most popular and most effective type of tattoo removal is usually done with various laser systems, but there may be times when these laser systems fail to break up all tattoo pigment. In this case, it may be necessary to remove the last bits of pigment with an exfoliation technique such as this one to restore the natural appearance of the skin.
2. How Long Do Results Last?
The results of this technique can last several months to a year, depending on what skin concerns are being treated. For some, the results of this treatment can even be permanent, such as the treatment of acne scars and some types of sun damage. Since this treatment exfoliates several skin layers at a time, the ultimate longevity of your results will depend on how well you take care of your skin after your treatment.
3. When Will You See Results?
This treatment is ablative to the skin so it will usually take several weeks for the skin to fully recover. Most people will be able to see initial results two to four weeks after their treatment, although final results may not be visible for two to three months based on your skin type and how well you follow post-treatment instructions.
4. What Is the Best Way to Maintain Your Results?
There are a few ways you can maintain your results after your skin has recovered from this treatment. For one thing, wearing SPF every day (especially in the summer or on days you plan to be outside for more than 20 minutes) is the best way to protect your skin from sun damage and photoaging. If you are treating acne scarring, then controlling your acne breakouts will also be key to maintaining your results.
5. What Is the Difference Between Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion?
Another treatment is very similar to this one called microdermabrasion. However, the micro form of this treatment offers a much gentler surface-level exfoliation that does not produce long-lasting results and is truly only appropriate for people who have mild superficial concerns. Your aesthetic expert will make the best treatment recommendation for your skin type and your skin concerns.
6. How Should You Prepare for Treatment?
The most important way to prepare for your treatment is to attend a consultation to discuss all of your concerns and expectations with a dermatologist. Your provider will examine your skin to assess your eligibility for this treatment, including analyzing the tone and general thickness of your skin.
Before your treatment, you may need to make a few changes about one to two weeks before your appointment. For example, you may need to stop smoking, avoid certain medications, or take new prescriptions such as an antiviral and an antibiotic to prepare your skin for healing. Some people may also need to start using a topical retinoid to prepare the skin for this treatment.
7. What Should You Do After Your Treatment?
After your treatment, it’s very important to keep your skin moist and covered to protect your skin during the initial healing phases. You will have instructions for how often you should clean your skin, apply prescription ointments, and how often to change your skin dressings. You may be advised on how to use cold compresses on the skin or the best over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Advil, are best for your recovery time.
It’s essential to avoid all unprotected sun exposure after your treatment, as well as steam, hot water, and chlorine for at least four to six weeks. You may also need to avoid strenuous exercises or active sports during this time. Some people may return to work after two weeks. You may have several check-ups during your recovery period.
8. Who Are Good Candidates?
This exfoliation treatment is very intense on the skin, so it may not be an appropriate option for everyone. The best candidates are not pregnant and have relatively healthy skin. You may not be a good candidate for this treatment if you have taken oral acne medication in the last 12 months, if your skin is prone to scarring with keloid scars, or if you have an active skin condition, such as active acne or cold sores.
Resurface and Restore Your Skin
At-home skin remedies can only do so much. If you want to make any significant improvements in the tone and texture of your skin, then it may be time to invest in a treatment that can produce the results you’re looking for. Dermabrasion isn’t appropriate for all skin types and concerns, but it can be a good option for eligible candidates to treat scarring, sun damage, and other visible skin concerns. Contact us at Optimize Face MD in Aliso Viejo, CA to schedule your consultation appointment today.
