What Is Ultrasonic Microdermabrasion?
By Neel Kanase | Published on October 11, 2010 | 0 Comments
A relatively new addition to medical spa lineups, ultrasonic microdermabrasion offers a new spin on a tried-and-true facial treatment. What is ultrasonic microdermabrasion? Neel Kanase, MD of Midland Laser Clinic says that the ultrasonic version of this classic facial treatment is far superior to traditional microdermabrasion. Dr. Kanase, whose clinic offers ultrasonic microdermabrasion in Midland, TX, explains that this innovative use of ultrasonic waves to resurface the skin results in smoother, more evenly toned skin.
What Is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion, says Dr. Kanase, is a non-invasive treatment that removes dead, dry skin cells to reveal the healthier, younger-looking skin below. Microdermabrasion is generally used to treat uneven skin tone, minor acne scars, fine lines, and minor hyperpigmentation. “Essentially the idea is to ‘sand’ the surface of the skin,” he says, “so that the dead skin cells are removed. This brightens the skin, improves skin tone and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles.”
There are two different kinds of microdermabrasion, says Dr. Kanase. One involves the use of some kind of particle – salt crystals or aluminum hydroxide crystals – to scrape the surface of the skin. A machine is used, he explains, to circulate these crystals gently across the top of the skin.
Another form of microdermabrasion is called “diamond tip.” In this type of treatment, the action is still the same (scraping the surface of the skin), but the exfoliating surface is made of diamonds so it never becomes dull.
Non-chemical, comfortable and relatively inexpensive, microdermabrasion is popular with patients because it offers immediate results with no downtime. “You just walk in, have the procedure done, and go home,” Dr. Kanase says. “Microdermabrasion is very safe. In fact, there are now microdermabrasion machines available for home use.” One disadvantage, however, is that on very sensitive skin, traditional microdermabrasion can sometimes cause broken capillaries or redness.
The Ultrasonic Advantage
While microdermabrasion has been popular for a number of years and can produce good results on its own, Dr. Kanase says that adding an ultrasonic component to the treatment has dramatically improved its effectiveness. “I tested all kinds of microdermabrasion techniques,” says Dr. Kanase. “Because of patient demand, we eventually stopped offering traditional microdermabrasion. The results from ultrasonic microdermabrasion are so much better.”
In ultrasonic dermabrasion, ultrasound waves (as opposed to crystals or diamonds) gently exfoliate the surface level skin cells. To facilitate this process, the technician sprays the face with some water. The ultrasound waves, Dr. Kanase says, use the tiny water droplets to create little jet streams. “It’s like your sprinkler system,” he explains. “The jet streams remove all the dirt and debris from the pores while improving the appearance and texture of the skin.”
Because the procedure is gentle and non-abrasive like traditional microdermabrasion, it doesn’t cause broken capillaries, doesn’t produce redness, and is extremely comfortable. “It’s an all-around better technology,” says Dr. Kanase. “Our patients definitely prefer it over the older types of microdermabrasion and are very happy with the results.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.