Microdermabrasion in Fresno CA
Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed today. Over time, factors such as aging, genetic factors, sun damage, acne, scarring, and enlarged pores can contribute to the formation of facial wrinkles and a rough skin texture on the face. Most commonly used to treat the face and neck, microdermabrasion can successfully reduce the appearance of superficial wrinkles and scars, large pores, acne, and age spots, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Before you learn how microdermabrasion can rejuvenate your skin, you need to understand what makes up your skin. Your skin consists of two layers known as the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, acts as the skin’s primary defense against the environment, and sustains the most damage from the sun. The effects of sun damage are what cause the skin to have a rough appearance. Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, or innermost layer of the skin, which provides structure and support.
The dermis is comprised primarily of connective tissue, which is made mostly of collagen and elastin fibers. These fibers form a network that provides the skin with structure, support, and elasticity. Over time, the aging process and sun damage cause a decrease in the amount of collagen and elastin fibers. As this network of fibers breaks down, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes more lax. Together, aging, sun damage, and other factors contribute to wrinkle formation and other changes in appearance.
During microdermabrasion, fine crystals usually remove the superficial or uppermost layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum. Depending on the extent of skin damage, deeper treatment may be necessary; however, treatment rarely extends beyond the epidermis. As a result, microdermabrasion is not appropriate for the treatment of deeper wrinkles and scars, or extensive discoloration as these conditions likely extend into the dermis. In these instances chemical peels and laser resurfacing may achieve more desirable results. As microdermabrasion only causes superficial injury to the skin, the risk of scarring and pigmentation anomalies following microdermabrasion is extremely low, when compared with other resurfacing techniques. Therefore, microdermabrasion can be safely and effectively used on individuals of all skin types.
A microdermabrasion procedure may last approximately thirty to forty five minutes. Unlike certain chemical peels and laser resurfacing, the procedure is relatively painless; therefore anesthesia is not typically required. Prior to your procedure, your physician may recommend that you treat your skin with products containing alphahydroxy acid or retinoic acid, among others, which may increase the effects and longevity of your treatment. Before the treatment, your face will be thoroughly cleansed, usually using an alcohol-based cleanser. Your physician may also provide you with goggles to protect your eyes during the procedure.
During the procedure, the physician uses a device which emits pressurized crystals on to the surface of the skin. Using single strokes, the physician will guide the device over the treatment area to remove damaged skin layers.
The hand piece releases fine, pressurized crystals, which much like sandblasting exfoliate the stratum corneum, or the skin’s outermost layer. In areas with more damage, the physician may increase the amount of pressure exerted by the device or the number of passes made in the area. This will cause the treatment, or amount of injury, to extend deeper into the skin. A vacuum sucks the used crystals and exfoliated skin particles back into the device, so that they can be removed and discarded.
Following your microdermabrasion procedure, you may experience some redness for the first few hours, but you will be able to return to your normal routine immediately after your treatment. Your physician may apply a cream or ointment to the treatment areas to keep them moist as they heal. It is important that you continue to use these products as directed by your physician, as your skin may continue to exfoliate following the procedure. Your skin may appear as if you have a minor sunburn for two to three days and will be more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is important that you use sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater as your skin heals.
As the new skin cells are revealed, your skin will have an improved texture and overall appearance. It is important to realize that in order to maintain the results from a microdermabrasion procedure, you will likely have to undergo approximately five to ten treatments, depending on the severity of skin damage. Initially, you may receive treatments every one to two weeks. However, over time the frequency of treatment may decrease to once a month, and later to twice a year. Although multiple treatments are required, microdermabrasion is a simple, fast, effective method of reducing superficial skin damage to restore a refreshed and youthful appearance.
More Fresno info...
Fresno Get around As in virtually every city in the western United States, a car is pretty much a necessity to get around. There is a modest bus system, Fresno Area Express (FAX), but a car would be advised. Traffic congestion in Fresno is not as bad as larger places in California, but Shaw and Herndon avenues can get quite crowded, especially since there is no east-west freeway through the north side. CA-99 runs along the west side of the city, becoming semi-rural before exiting Fresno County on the northwest side of Fresno. CA-41 runs down the middle of the city. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s these were the only freeways in Fresno, but a surge in growth has spurred the development of the CA-180 and CA-168 freeways.
Fresno Buy As long as you're right in the middle of California's agricultural heartland, try the local produce. Fresno State's Farm Market, at the corner of Chestnut and Barstow, sells the produce grown by the university's agriculture department, plus fresh cheese, ice cream and wine. If you're looking for a souvenir of the San Joaquin Valley, try the Sierra Nut House, for dried fruit, nuts, jams & jellies, and coffees & teas.
The Vineyard Farmer's Market at Shaw and Blackstone (Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons) is the largest and most extensive of the farmer's markets in the area. During summer, there is also one in Old Town Clovis every Friday evening.
The Bentley's Live Music, Farmer's Market and Family night This Farmer's Market is set underneath large umbrellas, trees and with Live Jazz playing on the Courtyard. Courtyard Picture (Thursday evenings from 6 - 9 pm)
Plastic Surgery News...
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Anti-inflammatory properties of a liposomal hydrogel with povidone-iodine (Repithel((R))) for wound healing in vitro.
Burns. 2008 Mar 29;
Authors: Beukelman CJ, van den Berg AJ, Hoekstra MJ, Uhl R, Reimer K, Mueller S
A liposomal hydrogel with 3% povidone-iodine (PVP-ILH, Repithel((R))) has shown clinical benefit in settings where inflammation and/or reactive oxygen species are thought to impede wound healing (e.g., burns, chronic wounds and in smokers). This in vitro study investigated whether PVP-ILH is able to reduce inflammatory events responsible for the impairment of the wound healing process in such patients. Therefore, the following assays were conducted with PVP-ILH (and derived control hydrogels to identify the component responsible for the effect): inhibition of reactive oxygen species production by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and in a cell-free system, oxygen consumption assay of PMNs (prior to oxidative burst), inhibition of human complement (limiting the generation of complement factors), mast cell degranulation, nitric oxide production by murine macrophages and TNF-alpha production by human monocytes/macrophages. Where toxicity could cause cell inhibition, cell viability was assessed. PVP-ILH and its components interacted in our series of bioassays at various stages in the inflammation cascade. Scavenging of superoxide anions was the most pronounced effect. Furthermore, povidone-iodine inhibited PMN production of reactive oxygen species (inhibition of oxygen consumption) and a mast cell inhibitory (stabilising) activity was observed. Based on these results, the clinically observed, beneficial wound healing effects of PVP-ILH may also be attributed to an impediment of inflammatory activity, mainly by iodine's free radical scavenging. Controlling oxidative stress in the wound may be of great importance, especially since further reactions as, e.g., the formation of peroxynitrite from NO and ROS are prevented.
PMID: 18378399 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
(Source: Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries)
- Whether you are looking for a long-term relationship or just a one-night stand may be written on your face for others to read, say researchers from Durham University (England), St. Andrews University (Scotland) and Aberdeen University (Scotland). You can read about this study in Evolution and Human Behaviour.