Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.

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Skin Cleansing and Degreasing

The procedure begins with a thorough double cleanse. The practitioner removes all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil using a gentle cleanser followed by a degreasing solution (often an alcohol-free toner). This step is vital to ensure the skin is dehydrated.

Moisture or oil on the skin can cause the microdermabrasion wand to slip or the crystals to clump, leading to uneven exfoliation. A bone-dry surface allows the abrasive tip to interact consistently with the stratum corneum for uniform results.

  • Double cleansing protocol
  • Removal of surface lipids and debris
  • Application of degreasing prep solution
  • Ensuring a dry skin surface
  • Prevention of wand slippage or clumping
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The Exfoliation Process

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The practitioner moves the handpiece over the skin in a systematic pattern. They typically use linear strokes, keeping the skin taut with their free hand. This tension is crucial for effective abrasion and comfortable suction.

The treatment usually involves two passes: the first covers the entire face to remove the bulk of dead skin, and the second targets specific problem areas, such as the nose, chin, or hyperpigmented spots. The practitioner adjusts the vacuum level and tip coarseness based on the skin’s reaction.

  • Systematic linear stroke pattern
  • Manual skin tensioning for efficacy
  • Multi-pass technique for targeted treatment
  • Real-time adjustment of vacuum/grit
  • Focus on problem zones (T-zone)
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Eye and Lip Protection

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Safety around the delicate eye area is paramount. The practitioner uses a lower suction setting and a finer diamond tip (or avoids crystals) when working near the eyes to prevent dragging the thin skin. Protective eye pads or goggles are mandatory for crystal microdermabrasion to prevent particles from entering the eyes.

The lips are avoided or treated with extreme caution. The vermilion border is respected. This careful navigation ensures that the sensitive mucous membranes are not abraded, which could cause discomfort or tearing.

  • Mandatory eye protection (goggles/pads)
  • Reduced suction for the periorbital area
  • Use of fine-grit tips for delicate zones
  • Avoidance of vermilion border/lips
  • Prevention of particle migration

Neck and Décolletage Treatment

If the neck and chest are being treated, the settings are adjusted. The skin here is thinner and has fewer pilosebaceous units (hair follicles/oil glands) than the face, meaning it heals more slowly and is more prone to tracking marks (petechiae) from strong suction.

The practitioner uses long, sweeping strokes with reduced vacuum pressure. This ensures that the rejuvenation benefits extend seamlessly from the face to the body without leaving “hickey” marks or irritating delicate neck tissue.

  • Adjustment for thinner cervical skin
  • Reduction of vacuum pressure
  • Long, sweeping stroke technique
  • Prevention of petechiae/bruising
  • Seamless integration with facial treatment
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Extractions (Optional)

After the abrasion phase, the pores are open, and the surface debris is gone. This is the ideal time for manual extractions if needed. Comedones (blackheads) and milia are much easier to remove because the “cap” of dead skin has been polished away.

The practitioner may use a sterile extractor tool or gloved fingers to express impacted pores. This step clears the congestion that microdermabrasion has loosened, providing a deep-cleaning benefit that enhances the overall clarity of the skin.

  • Post-abrasion manual extractions
  • Removal of loosened comedones
  • Clearing of impacted congestion
  • Use of sterile extraction tools
  • Enhanced pore-clearing efficacy

Application of Soothing Topicals

  • Once the mechanical work is done, the skin is highly receptive to products. The practitioner applies a soothing toner or serum containing calming ingredients like aloe, chamomile, or hyaluronic acid.

    This step immediately cools the skin, reduces any tingling, and initiates the hydration process. Because the barrier has been temporarily removed, these soothing agents penetrate deeply, providing instant relief and reducing redness.

    • Application of calming serums/toners
    • Ingredients: Aloe, Chamomile, Hyaluronic Acid
    • Immediate reduction of tingling/heat
    • Deep penetration via an open barrier
    • Restoration of hydration levels

Sunscreen Application

  • The final and most critical step in the treatment is applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). The fresh, exfoliated skin has lost its dead-cell layer, which provides minimal natural UV protection. It is highly vulnerable to sun damage.

    The practitioner applies a generous layer of physical sunscreen (zinc or titanium) to act as a shield. Patients are instructed not to rub it off and to reapply if they are going outside. This protects the investment and prevents hyperpigmentation.

    • Mandatory broad-spectrum SPF 30+
    • Protection of vulnerable fresh skin
    • Prevention of UV-induced damage
    • Use of physical blockers (Zinc/Titanium)
    • Patient education on reapplication

Immediate Post-Treatment Sensation

  • Immediately after the procedure, patients typically feel a sensation similar to a mild windburn or sunburn. The skin may feel tight and dry. This is a normal reaction to the removal of the stratum corneum and the increased blood flow.

    Visible redness (erythema) usually fades within a few hours. Some patients may experience minor flaking or roughness as any remaining loosened skin cells shed over the next day. These are all signs that the treatment has successfully stimulated the skin.

    • Sensation of mild windburn or tightness
    • Transient erythema (redness)
    • Minor flaking or shedding
    • Increased skin temperature
    • Normal inflammatory response signs

Recovery Timeline: 24-48 Hours

  • The recovery is incredibly swift. Within 24 hours, most redness has dissipated. The skin may feel slightly sensitive to hot water or strong skincare products. Patients are advised to use cool water and gentle cleansers during this window.

    By 48 hours, the skin typically looks glowing and feels smooth. Any minor flaking has usually resolved. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately, making it an actual zero-downtime procedure suitable for any schedule.

    • Dissipation of redness within 24 hours
    • Sensitivity to heat/strong products
    • Use of cool water/gentle cleansers
    • Resolution of flaking by 48 hours
    • Return to full glow and smoothness.

Post-Procedure Restrictions

  • For the first 24 to 48 hours, patients should avoid anything that increases skin heat or irritation. This includes heavy exercise (sweat can sting), saunas, hot tubs, and swimming in chlorinated pools.

    Makeup can technically be worn immediately, but it is better to wait 12 to 24 hours to let the skin breathe and prevent clogging the freshly cleared pores. Harsh skincare products (retinoids, acids, scrubs) should be avoided for at least 3 days to allow the barrier to re-establish itself.

    • Avoidance of sweat/exercise (24 hours)
    • Restriction of saunas/hot tubs
    • Delay of makeup application (12-24 hours)
    • Avoidance of active skincare (3 days)
    • Prevention of chemical irritation

Post-Procedure Restrictions

  • For the first 24 to 48 hours, patients should avoid anything that increases skin heat or irritation. This includes heavy exercise (sweat can sting), saunas, hot tubs, and swimming in chlorinated pools.

    Makeup can technically be worn immediately, but it is better to wait 12 to 24 hours to let the skin breathe and prevent clogging the freshly cleared pores. Harsh skincare products (retinoids, acids, scrubs) should be avoided for at least 3 days to allow the barrier to re-establish itself.

    • Avoidance of sweat/exercise (24 hours)
    • Restriction of saunas/hot tubs
    • Delay of makeup application (12-24 hours)
    • Avoidance of active skincare (3 days)
    • Prevention of chemical irritation

Managing Minor Complications

  • Rarely, patients with very sensitive skin may experience “striping” or minor bruising (petechiae) from the suction. These look like tiny red dots or lines. They are harmless and typically fade within 3 to 5 days.

    If the skin feels excessively dry or itchy, a hydrocortisone cream or a heavy moisturizer can be used. Patients are encouraged to contact the clinic if they experience persistent pain or blistering, although this is highly uncommon with modern microdermabrasion.

    • Management of petechiae (suction marks)
    • Use of hydrocortisone for itching
    • Treatment of excessive dryness
    • Monitoring for rare adverse events
    • Expectation of spontaneous resolution

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I wear makeup at home?

We recommend leaving your skin clean and covered only with sunscreen and moisturizer for the rest of the day. If you absolutely must wear makeup, use a high-quality mineral powder that allows the skin to breathe and doesn’t clog your open pores.

Microdermabrasion is generally safe for same-day events because the redness fades quickly (usually within an hour). However, if it’s your very first treatment, we recommend doing it 2-3 days before the event, just in case you have any unexpected sensitivity or flaking.

It’s best to skip the gym for the rest of the day. Sweat contains salts that can sting your freshly exfoliated skin, and the heat from working out can increase inflammation and redness. You can resume exercise the next morning.

This is actually a good sign! It means the treatment successfully stimulated cell turnover. The “peeling” is just microscopic dead skin cells shedding. Do not pick at it; use extra moisturizer and let it slough off naturally.

No, put the scrubbing brushes away for at least a week. Your skin has already been thoroughly exfoliated. Using a mechanical brush on top of microdermabrasion can cause raw, irritated, and over-exfoliated skin. Use your hands and a gentle cleanser.

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