MICRODERMABRASION
Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.
What is Microdermabrasion?
It is a quick, safe, effective form of exfoliation for all skin types and colours with no downtime and no pain or discomfort. It has been available in Europe since the late 1980’s. It uses inert corundum aluminum oxide mineral microcrystals to remove dead or damaged skin cells. Skin will appear softer, smoother, brighter, clearer, fresher and younger looking.
Microdermabrasion is NOT the same as dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a much more aggressive procedure, whereas microdermabrasion is much more gentle.
Who can benefit from Microdermabrasion?
Everyone - men and women of any skin type or colour. Skin that is aging, congested, flaky, dry, devitalized, thickened, blemished, dull and sun damaged can be rejuvenated and refreshed. Blotchiness, uneven skin tones and texture will also be improved. Even normal skin can be made to look fresher with a warm glow.
What areas can be treated?
The most common areas that are treated are the face and neck. In addition we can treat the chest, shoulders, back, hands, knees and elbows. Any body area can be treated.
Why does the skin benefit from Microdermabrasion?
Approximately every 28 days we create a new layer of skin. As new cells form they push their way to the surface and then dead cells settle on the surface. This can cause enlarged pores, clogged pores, a bumpy uneven texture, and a dull appearance. As we age this process slows down leading to the appearance of older skin with less radiance.
How does it work?
Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliation that is performed with a jet of fine mineral crystals passing over the skin’s surface by creating a gentle vacuum. The crystals lay on the skin along with the dead and damaged skin cells. The crystals gently exfoliate approximately 20-25 microns of dead skin cells of the outermost layer (stratum corneum). Once removed, it reveals one’s own fresher, younger looking skin beneath. One Microdermabrasion is equal to three 30% glycolic peels or one 70% peel.
Is Microdermabrasion the same as Dermabrasion?
No, Microdermabrasion is NOT the same as Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a much more aggressive procedure which has to be done in an operating room, whereas Microdermabrasion is much gentler and can be performed in the office.
How many treatments do you need?
This treatment is meant to be progressive not aggressive. Generally results are more noticeable after the third treatment. After the first session the skin will appear fresher, cleaner, smoother and softer for some clients. Usually treatments are performed every 4 weeks, but can be done more frequently. A typical course of treatment is a series of six Microdermabrasion sessions. Maintenance treatments are suggested once every one to one and a half months.
How long does it take?
The actual treatment usually takes 30-40 minutes, depending on the body area.
What are the side effects?
- One may experience a slight tingling, and afterward the skin may feel tighter, as if exposed to the wind or sun.
- The skin may appear slightly flushed and this generally fades in 12-24 hours.
Cautions:
- If you suffer with cold sores, you should be cold sore free prior to a treatment to avoid the risk of them spreading.
- You need to discuss with the technician if you have any of these conditions: rosacea, dermatitis, skin cancers, easy bruising, Hepatitis C, AIDS, or are on blood thinners or Accutane.
- If you use Retin A products or any skin care products that irritate the skin you should stop them for at least 2-3 days before and do not restart until 2-3 days after a treatment.
- Even though there is no danger if you are pregnant, we do not treat pregnant women. There is no danger if you are nursing.
- For One week before and after your treatment please STOP using the following treatments and products:
- Electrolysis, waxing, depilatories, masks, other Glycolic or Lactic Treatments or Dermabrasion.
- Hair dyes, permanent wave or straightening treatments.
- Tretinoin (Vitamin A Acid creams) and Glycolic Acids.
- Loofa or other types of sponges.
- Be sure to inform your doctor of:
- Allergies.
- History of sensitive skin, eczema, lupus or other autoimmune disease.
- Current medications.
- History of sun sensitivity.
- If you are planning to have Botox, laser hair removal, it is recommended to have those 24 hours apart from a Microdermabrasion.
What happens during a Microdermabrasion treatment?
- At your first visit a Microdermabrasion technician will provide a free consultation. During the consultation she will discuss the benefits of Microdermabrasion, explain the procedure and benefits to you and answer any questions that you may have. Furthermore she will explain how the procedure works and how many treatments you will need, and provide you with a price quote. She will also ask you a series of questions to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and to determine your skin type and sensitivity.
- After your FREE consultation the technician will call in Dr. Vignjevic. He will assess your skin type and whether Microdermabrasion would be suitable for you. In addition, he will answer any further questions that you may have. You cannot be treated by the technician unless you are assessed by Dr. Vignjevic first.
- If you decide to go ahead with a treatment, photographs will be taken of the treatment area. These photographs are strictly for your chart and will not be released or used without your permission. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.
- You will be asked to wash your face and to remove any makeup. It is not necessary to remove mascara, lip stick or lip liner.
- The technician will place a surgical cap over your hair and ears to prevent crystals from going into those areas.
- You will lie down on your back on a treatment bed.
- The technician will place a fresh, sterilized tip onto the tubing of the Microdermabrasion machine. The machine is then turned on and its setting will be adjusted for your skin type.
- The technician moves the small sterilized hand piece over your skin in short sweeping motions. This is done in up to 4 directions on each part of the face. Extra treatment may be done to stubborn areas.
- You may feel a gentle suction on your skin and a gritty feeling as the granules remove a thin layer of dead skin cells.
- There is no bleeding, pain, needles or cutting with this procedure.
- After the Microdermabrasion is completed she uses a soft brush to remove any residual crystals.
- Finally, Anthelios 60 sunscreen is applied, and the treatment is complete.
- You will be provided with a booklet of after-care instructions and the technician will recommend specific products to take care of your skin after the treatment.
What Skin Care Regimen does Dr. Vignjevic recommend for the FIRST 72 HOURS after Microdermabrasion?
Morning
- Wash with:
- Effaclar cleanser if you have acne or oily skin.
- Toleriane cleanser if you have dry, normal or sensitive skin.
- Gently mist La Roche Posay Eau Thermale (Thermal water) on the treated area. The antioxidant and anti-irritant properties of the water will help calm redness and promote healing.
- Apply Anthelios 60 sunscreen.
- Apply foundation/makeup
Evening
- Wash your face with:
- Effaclar cleanser if you have acne or oily skin.
- Toleriane cleanser if you have dry, normal or sensitive skin
- Mist with Eau Thermale.
- Apply:
- Toleriane moisturizer for normal skin types.
- Toleriane Riche for dry skin
Other Important Points for the first 3 days:
- You may apply makeup 3 to 4 hours after the peel.
- Avoid abrasive sponges for 1 week after the peel.
- Avoid sun exposure.
- DO NOT pick, peel, scrape, scratch or wax your skin.
- If your skin is dry use Toleriane moisturizer as many times a day as you like.
- If you develop a cold sore, let Dr. Vignjevic know this immediately as it could spread into the area of the glycolic acid peel.
- It is very important NOT to EXERCISE for 24 hours after a treatment. Perspiration will produce a stinging sensation on newly treated skin which can take several hours to dissipate.
What is the Skin Care Regimen that Dr. Vignjevic recommends 72 HOURS AFTER your Microdermabrasion treatment?
Morning
- Wash with:
- Effaclar cleanser if you have acne or oily skin.
- Toleriane cleanser if you have dry, normal or sensitive skin - Mist with Eau Thermale.
- Apply
- Reversa 8% toner if you have acne-prone or oily skin.
- Rosaliac if you have rosacea.
- Reversa 8% cream if you have mature skin, sun damage or melasma (excess pigmentation)
- Apply prescription product (if prescribed).
- Apply makeup (if desired)
Evening
- Wash with:
- Effaclar cleanser if you have acne or oily skin.
- Toleriane cleanser if you have dry, normal or sensitive skin.
- Mist with Eau Thermale.
- Apply prescription (if given).
- Apply:
- Effaclar K moisturizer if you have acne.
- Active C if you have sensitive skin, melasma or sun damage – under age 40.
- Redermic if you have sensitive skin, melasma or sun damage – over age 40
What other techniques can be used to make Microdermabrasion even more effective?
Microdermabrasion can be combined with a new treatment called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) - also known as Fotofacials. IPL treats broken blood vessels, background red skin tones, brown freckling, shrinks pores, improves sun damage and increases collagen in the skin. All of these lead to smoother, younger looking skin and reduced redness at the same time. To learn more about IPL click here.
What is the cost?
The usual cost is $125 per treatment but we currently offer several promotions.
The first treatment is 50% off ($62.50 plus GST) so that you can try the procedure to see if you like it.
A package of 6 treatments may be purchased for $600 plus GST ( a savings of $150).
Do I need to get a doctor's referral to set up an appointment?
No, a referral is not necessary. You can phone the office directly to set up a free consultation with one of our staff members. Book now to take advantage of our current promotional prices!
 Pigmentation - Before and After |
 Wrinkles - Before and After |
 Acne - Before and After |
 Sun Damage - Before and After |