MICRODERMABRASION:
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
We realize that
choosing a microdermabrasion system for your practice can be difficult.
Having placed systems in multiple practices, we have been able
to put together some of the most commonly asked questions and
the answers that may help you decide on: 1.) whether you should
do microdermabrasion, and 2.) why you should choose our system.
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.
We offer a comprehensive training program that includes on-site
training, follow-up, and we have extensive three and five day
training courses available as well.
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 hyperpigment post-op. Lower pressures
are used on follow-up treatments.
5. How frequently,
and in what time intervals, must these treatments be provided?
Optimally, every 10-14 days to allow skin to heal. Treatments
should be provided with the patients realistic outcome in mind.
Because it is a cumulative treatment, normally a package of 5
or more is suggested for retainable, tangible results.
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.
7. Describe
the protective attire that should be worn by the provider
Normally latex gloves and an OSHA approved facemask are sufficient.
8. How many
passes are recommended for the face?
Normally two (not in the same direction) in a direction that respects
lymphatic drainage.
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.
10. Describe
the clean up for the patient following the procedure.
Because our system uses fewer crystals on the face than all other
competitors, we rarely have to do anything other than a light
washing of the face. Other systems leave a large amount of crystals
on the face and require that you brush them away with a make-up
brush.
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. Standard sterilization protocol for
hands, disposing of gloves into red bag, etc.
12. Describe
your hand piece (e.g. glass, plastic)
We have nylon 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. Describe
the ergonomic structure of the hand piece
The hand piece is the same size as a ball point pen. Highly ergonomic.
14. How many
treatments can be done before refilling the crystal cannister?
Approximately 10 to 12 peels
15. What is
the cost of treatment with your system?
Approximately $2.50 per patient. This includes crystals, tips,
and filters. We offer the lowest cost per treatment than any other
manufacturer. Compare this with the crystal cost alone in other
systems that range between $10 and $15 per treatment. It adds
up quickly when you do a thousand peels ($2500 vs. $10,000).
16. How much
time does it take to refill your crystal canister?
Less than a minute
17. Is your
system portable?
Yes, it weighs nineteen pounds.
18. Do you
provide patient education materials and consent forms?
Yes, patient questionnaire, informed consent forms and magnified
microdermabrasion visuals are provided with each purchase.
19. Do you
provide marketing assistance with your product?
Yes, we have a quick start marketing guide, which includes television
and print media relations and publicity, photo ready ad slicks,
cross-marketing options, office display poster and brochures.
One of the things that sets us apart from other manufacturers
is that we care about whether your business is successful. We
can help you develop a marketing plan that will make you different
than anyone else in your area.
20. How do
you deal with clogs?
With our newly engineered design, we have not yet experienced
a clog with the Nue Skin, EVER! You can even use it in the same
room as your steamer.
