Saturday, July 21, 2012

Vibradermabrasion

We happen to be working with Plum District this month (July 2012)—the online deal purveyor “for moms, by moms who know”; so watch our FaceBook page and be on the lookout for our emails ‘cause we’ll let you know when our special is running.  We are offering an introductory Vibradermabrasion treatment at 50% the normal pricing, so I thought I would write a little about what Vibradermabrasion is and what it does for your skin.

Vibradermabrasion is considered to be a type of microdermabrasion, but it is so radically different from other types of microdermabrasion as to be almost a totally different treatment.  All microdermabrasion treatments are exfoliating, and the older, more dated versions exist in two forms.  Either they are performed by a sort of dremel like tool that is used on all comers (after a dunk in some disinfectant, at best) or by a sort of sand blasting of aluminum crystals against the skin.  The obvious problem with the dremel type tool is that it is very porous and users are likely sharing some DNA with the previously treated users.  The problems with the sandblasting tool are many; the crystals often get in the eyes and up the nose of users and have been shown to become embedded in the skin, which makes it impossible to follow the treatment with any sort of laser or IPL treatment, difficult to follow with a facial, infusion or mask and allows aluminum, a known neurotoxin, to effect the brain of users.  Another problem with both of these tools is that because the surface area of the treatment device is small, the treatment often takes a fairly long time, it can be uncomfortable, and it often leaves the skin with “streaks” of treated areas, which results in a clawed look. 

Vibradermabrasion uses neither of these two imperfect technologies.  Instead, each user has their own dedicated paddle that is made of surgical steel, which is inert and will not leave deposits in the skin.  No other person uses that same paddle; everyone has their own.  Vibradermabrasion achieves exfoliation by the polishing motion of this paddle against the skin, and the surface area of the paddle is large enough that the treatment is relatively quick and efficient, never looks streaky and leaves the skin looking smooth and polished, both to the naked eye and microscopically.  The strength of the treatment is adjustable, so that the experience is customized for each individual user; and the treatment is pleasant and relaxing.  Other treatments such as laser, IPL, facials, etc. can be performed immediately following Vibradermabrasion; and, in fact, are enhanced by preceding the treatment with Vibradermabrasion.

What, exactly, makes exfoliation such a desirable treatment?  First of all, it removes the dull, coarse layer of dead skin at the surface of the skin; so immediately the skin looks brighter and more luminous.  This action also stimulates new skin cells to be created and increases skin cell turnover.  New skin cells are desirable because they are younger and healthier, which will be reflected in their appearance; and they are better at most functions such as producing collagen (more on this in a minute) and protecting you from sunburn and skin cancer.  Studies have shown that regular exfoliation reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.  Exfoliation also has a sort of deep cleaning type effect on the pores of the skin, and so is often helpful for controlling acne breakouts.  Its exfoliation effects also make Vibradermabrasion a great treatment for keratosis pilaris (red bumps on the upper arms or thighs).

All of this is great, but the genius and unique part, the really cool part of vibradermabrasion is, in addition to the exfoliative effects of the treatment, vibrational energy in the 80-180 Hz range is applied to the skin throughout the treatment. This results in an immediate documented increase in blood flow to the skin, which allows greater oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin and a delayed documented increase in the collagen content of the skin.  Why would you want more collagen in the skin?  Many of the unwanted changes of aging and photodamage (damage from sun exposure) such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and draping result from a decrease in collagen, so an increase in collagen in the skin is always part of the anti aging strategy. 

Vibradermabrasion can be performed on any area of the body.  It is commonly used in the areas of the face, neck and chest—a series of treatments is transformative and can be followed by regular maintenance treatments. 

Below I have included a list of FAQs.

What is Vibradermabrasion?
Vibradermabrasion is an advanced form of dermabrasion or microdermabrasion that also offers an infusion system to enhance absorption of topical treatments.  The Vibraderm system uses a set of paddles that are unique to each patient, so there is no shared surface between patients.  The paddles are made of stainless steel and plastic.  There is a gentle scrubbing motion that provides a complete and uniform removal of the stratum corneum (the top “dead” layer of skin) while at the same time delivering vibration, which enhances the circulation and oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin.  The system is also capable of Vibrafusion, an enhanced delivery of topical compounds into the skin; deeper into the skin, at a faster rate, with increased absorption.  The absorption of topical compounds is increased by an estimated 500% using Vibrafusion.
What can Vibradermabrasion treat?
Vibradermabrasion is used as an in-office exfoliation technique that increases cell turnover, collagen production, and skin circulation/oxygenation that ultimately results in smoother, healthier more polished looking skin.  It is also used for Vibrafusion to drive beneficial topical compounds deep into the skin where they can have a greater effect.
How does Vibradermabrasion work?
Vibradermabrasion works by the use of an abrasive stainless steel paddle that “scrubs” the skin in a gentle back-and-forth motion in combination with vibration.  Each patient has their own steel paddle, which can be used many times.  Each paddle also has a pebbled plastic side that is used in the same fashion for Vibrafusion (infusion of topical compounds.)

Indications for treatment with Vibradermabrasion:
Vibradermabrasion is used cosmetically for the treatment of variations in skin pigment, scarring from acne or other injury, coarse or dull skin, enlarged pores, thinning of the layers of the skin, fine lines and wrinkles, loss of collagen and elastin and other evidence of sun damage.  Vibradermabrasion increases results from laser and IPL treatments, chemical peels, facials, and levulan treatments.  Vibradermabrasion is also a valuable tool in preventing acne breakouts and in eliminating keratosis pilaris.
Indications for Vibrafusion:
Vibrafusion is used to enhance the absorption of compounds such as hydrating compounds, moisturizing compounds, hydroquinone for pigment correction, collagen stimulating compounds, and many others.
Who should not have treatment with Vibradermabrasion or Vibrafusion?
Vibradermabrasion is gentle enough to be performed on almost everyone.  It should not be performed in an area with an open wound or a recently healed wound.  Any restrictions that apply for topical compounds would also apply when used with Vibrafusion.  For example, pregnancy would contraindicate the use of tretinoin topically with or without Vibrafusion.
What is treatment with Vibradermabrasion like?
The treatment is performed in the office, and is quick and comfortable.  There is an enjoyable and gentle massaging or “buzzing” sensation as the treatment is performed.  The strength of the treatment is adjustable, and so is customized for the comfort of each individual.   Vibradermabrasion can be performed on any area of the body, but is commonly performed on the face, neck and chest areas.
Will there be restrictions after treatment with the Vibraderm system?
There are no special restrictions after treatment with the Vibraderm system.  Restrictions that apply for topical compounds would also apply when used with Vibrafusion.  For example, use of tretinoin topically is photosensitizing and precludes sun exposure with or without Vibrafusion.  It is fine to exercise or wear make-up immediately following treatments.
How quickly will I see results?
There is an immediate, more smooth and polished look to the skin.  Within 2 to 6 weeks, the skin will show evidence of increased collagen production.  A good skin care program at home will enhance the results.
Are the results permanent?
Typically, a series of 6-10 treatments are performed every 1-4 weeks for maximum improvement, and results last 3-6 months.  Maintenance treatments are usually performed once every 1-3 months following the completion of the initial series.  It is safe and gentle enough to be performed every week for the rest of your life! 
What are the risks, potential complications and side effects of Vibradermabrasion?

·         Mild swelling or redness of the skin immediately following the treatment, but generally no downtime
·         Hypersensitivity to the treatment or to a topical compound
·         Allergic reaction to a topical compound
·         Tickling sensation or sneezing with treatment of the nose


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