1. What is microdermabrasion?

It is a method of providing a peel to the epidermis. It uses a unique system composed of a compressor and a suction pump that work in unison to project sterile Aluminum Oxide crystals onto the skin with controllable intensity. The unit simultaneously vacuums the area and removes the exfoliated skin cells leaving the skin instantly smoother. The method of abrasion was derived from uses in general industry and was originally adapted for its medical use by physicians in Europe to treat skin irregularities. The old fashioned technique of dermabrasion required hospitalization and was performed by employing a rotating wire brush or diamond wheel to plane down or sand the irregular area. Problems often resulted due to heat generation on the tissue often causing burns and post-operative problems such as post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, uneven skin darkening, etc.

2. What conditions can be treated?

Conditions such as facial lines, (especially around the eyes and mouth), hyper-pigmentation, sun damage, acne scarring and bumpy skin can all benefit from microdermabrasion treatments. Clinical trials have been done regarding the effectiveness of dermabrasion for stretch marks. Our results have found that taking the color out of stretch marks allows them to become less noticeable, though it does not eliminate the stretch marks entirely. People who have been treated for stretch marks with microdermabrasion have been very pleased with the results.

3. Describe your training program.

Unfortunately, there is not an industry standard for post-purchase microdermabrasion training. The range of levels varies from: “none-just read the operators manual. You can do it, honey” to extensive state-mandated programs. You should look for a comprehensive training program that includes on-site training, follow-up. There are also continuing education courses such as Grace Medical Equipment advance treatments and esthetics course. Contact Grace Medical Equipment (866)446-0234.

4. What are the complications and contraindications for this type of procedure?

Undiagnosed lesions
Recent herpes outbreaks
Warts
Active, weeping acne (stages 3-4)
Active Rosacea
Unstable diabetes
Auto-immune system disorders
Some patients will experience redness following the procedure. Improper treatment results in streaking or red marks, especially on the neck area.

5. How frequently, and in what time intervals, must these treatments be provided?

Optimally, every 7-14 days to allow skin to heal, though most customers get involved in a series of treatments on a weekly basis. Treatments should be provided with a realistic outcome for the client in mind. Because it is a cumulative treatment, normally a package of 5 or more is suggested for retainable, tangible results. You should encourage your client to purchase as many procedures in a series as they can afford.

6. Can or should this system be used with other skin care treatments? (i.e. alpha hydroxy peels)

Yes, as long as the prescribed waiting times are observed. The extensive training courses that we offer teach you how to effectively combine these types of treatments to get a more beneficial result that you can guarantee for your client. Many clinics will alternate a microdermabrasion one week, with an AHA the following week until the desired results are obtained.

7. Describe the protective attire that should be worn by the provider.

Normally latex gloves and an OSHA approved facemask are sufficient. Though OSHA has no guidelines for operators, we recommend that eye protection, a mask and gloves be worn by the operator of the system.

8. How many passes are recommended for the face?

Normally two (not in the same direction), though you may increase the number of passes progressively as the client has subsequent treatments.

9. What is the average treatment time for the face?

Equipment run time is approximately 15 minutes, while a full procedure, including pre and post treatment protocols ends up to be 30-45 minutes plus. Adding pre and post treatment protocols can lead up to an hour’s treatment time. First time clients will take at least an hour to properly educate them and to process the client intake and informed consent.

10. Describe the clean up for the patient following the procedure.

There is a HUGE variation in the amount of crystals left behind following a procedure. This determines what the level of cleanup is following a procedure. Systems that use fewer crystals on the face rarely have to do anything other than a light brushing of the face with a powder brush. Other systems leave a large amount of crystals on the face and their clients complain of crystal residue in their ears, nose and eyes for days following a treatment. This may require another pass with the system while the crystals are turned off in order to vacuum up the waste. Some operators choose to wash the face yet another time following the treatment.

11. Describe the clean up for the provider following the procedure.

The equipment should be properly sterilized covering cross contamination points such as tips, etc. Tips should be disposed of after each procedure to prevent cross contamination. Crystal disposal may be disposed of in a biohazardous manner, though there are no OSHA guidelines in place for this at the present.

12. Describe the hand piece (e.g. glass, plastic).

There is a wide variation in this aspect of the equipment as well. Some systems use a glass handpiece (be careful of cost per handpiece, as glass will break, no matter what they tell you). Some systems use a casted aluminum handpiece. Your concern should be what is the cost of maintenance, i.e. what does it cost to replace one. Less expensive and lighter handpieces are made of nylon/teflon and use disposable tips in 5mm and 9mm spot sizes that come with the device. The tips cost less than $2 each. The hand piece projects the crystals at a 90 degree angle to the epidermis, thus providing a much cleaner and less painful cut of the stratum corneum compared to the 45 degree abrasion angle of many of the early developed units on the market.

13. How many treatments can be done before refilling the crystal canister?

This translates into labor in the refilling of the canister, as well as the amount of crystal that is wasted. Make sure that you evaluate the use of crystal on a low setting, medium, and high settings. While most clients are peeled for the first time on low settings, they quickly ask to have the system turned up on successive treatments

14. What is the cost of treatment with your system?

This includes crystals, tips, and filters. Compare and contrast all of the details, including whether you will have to buy your supplies from the manufacturer, or whether this “voids the warranty”. The crystal cost alone in many systems that range between $10 and $15 per treatment. It adds up quickly when you do a thousand peels, which is not too difficult to do if you know how to market the procedure correctly. There are a few systems on the market that don’t use as much in the disposable implements. Don’t believe the sales people either. They tell you what you want to hear. Talk to the people who are using the system.

15. Is the system portable?

There are systems on the market that weight over a hundred pounds. By putting wheels on a cart, the manufacturer labels them portable. Many times potential buyers forget to ask this question because the sales person is the one who brings the system in and sets it up. Try to relocate it and you will have a rude awakening.

16. Do you provide patient education materials and consent forms?

Patient questionnaire, informed consent forms and visual aids should be provided with a purchase. If your sales person doesn’t go over in detail with you how to market for your specific business, then you should walk away from it. Marketing is the key to making this procedure successful.

17. How do you deal with clogs?

Can even use it in the same room as your steamer? Most manufacturers will caution you against this practice for fear of clogging up their system. Have the sales person put it to the test in a real time situation to see if it clogs or not.