Q & A on Laser Hair Removal and Microdermabrasion

Q: What is the operational mechanism behind microdermabrasion?

A: A closed vacuum system delivers aluminum oxide crystals through a tube and handpiece creating a vacuum when the handpiece is against the skin. The particle flow begins when the handpiece is sealed against the skin; particles flow out of the accelerator impacting the skin and, combined with skin debris, are suctioned back through the handpiece and tubing into the waste canister. The particle flow and suctioning stops once the seal is broken.

Q: Is aluminum oxide safe?

A: Yes. It is the material recognized as the appropriate abradant for the microdermabrasion procedure. Also, the Material Safety Data Sheet indicates that AI2O3, (in various forms known as Corundum, White Fused Alumina or Bauxite), is non-toxic for ingestion, is not associated with adverse skin contact reactions and is not a known carcinogen.

The aluminum oxide used in the SkinScape system has been melted and recrystallized for 99% purity (e.g. silica-free) but otherwise remains identical in chemical and physical properties to the native corundum ore. Inhalation of aluminum oxide is considered a low health risk. Aluminum is the third most abundant element on earth and is present in innumerable products of daily living. It is, however, prudent to adhere to the standard precaution of wearing a facial mask because cumulative exposure to large amounts of any type of fine particulate (e.g., nail dust) may cause irritation, coughing or shortness of breath. In addition, the SkinScape equipment is a "closed system" designed to minimize exposure to ambient dust: the design of the handpiece ensures that recovery of the crystals from the skin is quite thorough; the media comes in prepackaged and sealed containers; and both the crystal and waste canisters are disposable.

Q: Are there any contraindications for microdermabrasion?

A: It is up to each physician to determine what he or she considers to be a contraindication for microdermabrasion. However, the following situations are reported in the medical literature:

• Patients are asked to cease use of certain topical agents such as glycolic acids, alpha-hydroxy acids and Retin-A for a few days before microdermabrasion treatment.

• Patients who present with certain facial skin disorders may be advised not to pursue treatment, e.g. acne rosacea or even facial telangiectasia.

• If a patient experiences red streaking from the treatment because of over intense strokes or very sensitive skin, the patient should cease further treatments until the erythema has fully subsided.

• Patients with any signs of a sunburn should not be treated.