What is the Hydrafacial™?

The Hydrafacial™ or hydradermabrasion treatment as its technically known, is a relatively new procedure in aesthetic technology. It evolved from its older cousin Microdermabrasion which is a non-surgical process of removing the face's outer layer of dead or damaged skin using a stream of microcrystals blasted onto the surface of the skin. However the primary difference between Hydrafacial™ and microdermabrasion is that with the Hydrafacial™ there are no crystals used to assist in the exfoliation process. Instead, Hydrafacial™ uses a specially shaped spiral tip which exfoliates and removes impurities. In addition, Hydrafacial™ applies various serums that cleanse, hydrate and provide antioxidant infusion during the treatment process. Therefore, Hydrafacial™ is less harsh than the microdermabrasion yet even more efficient. It takes its name from the root word Hydrate; "to cause to take up moisture". This ability to moisturize the skin differentiates the Hydrafacial™ from other forms of skin rejuvenating and microdermabrasion procedures. The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating and immediately effective.

Is it clinically proven to work?

Yes. A number of successful clinical trials which looked into the use of hydradermabrasion and the associated application of antioxidant serums, both as a stand-alone treatment and in conjunction with other non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures, have been carried out by American physicians.

A study by Dr. Freedman involved 20 volunteers being split into two groups, one group had six hydradermabrasion treatments using the mechanically applied antioxidant serum, spaced 7-10 days apart, and the other group simply had the serum applied manually, again for six treatments spaced 7-10 days apart. Results gathered two weeks after the final treatment showed that the group treated with hydradermabrasion demonstrated increased thickness in the skin layers, with the deposition of new collagen fibers and increased levels of antioxidants in the skin. Fine lines, pore size and hyperpigmentation were also decreased following the treatments. The other group showed no change in skin structure, clinical attributes (such as wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, etc.) or antioxidant levels. It was therefore concluded the Hydrafacial™ treatment effectively improved skin quality and increased the antioxidant levels present in the skin, whilst the lack of an abrasion element and a manual application did not result in detectable skin changes.

Why would Hydrafacial™ be good for my skin?

Hydration is the foundation of any healthy, radiant skin. Irritation and dehydration of the skin has been proven to increase signs of aging. The Hydrafacial™ is a hydration and non-irritating treatment.

In simple terms what does the Hydrafacial™ achieve?

The Hydrafacial™ treatment removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities within the skin, while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing serums. Hydrafacial™ effectively and safely improves skin quality by increasing its thickness, repairing the dermal matrix and delivering beneficial antioxidants. Clinical improvements include better facial tone and texture, less skin color patchiness and fewer fine lines. The procedure is ideally suited for those desiring non-invasive facial rejuvenation with minimal recovery.

What does the Hydrafacial™ device consist of?

The Hydrafacial™ is a multi-platformed device that allows a range of different skin application treatments depending on your needs. Its efficiency does however center on the special tip, which is the unique part of the device, and is known as the Hydropeel™ Tip. The treatment works differently from traditional microdermabrasion due to the spiral shape of the tip, which has multiple abrasive edges, meaning that the skin is exfoliated several times as the tip is moved over it in a planing motion, while the serums applied soften the skin and sebum (skin oils) making it much easier to extract away impurities. What types of Serums are used with the Hydrafacial™ Device?

The serums used within the Hydrafacial™ MD range, and which are delivered direct to the skin’s surface via the Hydropeel™ Tip contain, amongst other products, glucosamine, lactic acid, and active botanicals for cleansing and hydrating all skin types. Some serums also contain mild concentrations of salicylic acid, used for cleansing and hydrating oily and acne prone skin. Our antiox-6 antioxidant treatment serum for all skin types, containing hyaluronic acid, vitamins A and E and white tea extract is designed to combat the damage created by free radicals within the environment, and deeply moisturize the skin. A home use kit is often recommended following the Hydrafacial™ treatment to enhance and maintain the results.

Are there any other treatment options available using the Hydrafacial™ which can help my skin?

The Hydrafacial™ system also offers a chemical peeling treatment in conjunction with the hydradermabrasion procedure. There are three Glysal™ peel strengths available, ranging from the Mild Glysal™ Prep which is suitable for most skin types as a pre-peel or preparation product, the Moderate Glysal™ Peel for oily, acne prone skin and to target fine lines and hyperpigmentation there is the stronger Aggressive Glysal™ Peel.

The Hydrafacial™ system also offers a serum specifically designed for fine lines and wrinkles. The DermaBuilder™ is a complex of protein peptides that help to repair and improve the structure of the Dermal-Epidermal Junction by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin proteins which are often depleted in aged, sun-damaged skin.

Lymphatic drainage can be performed prior to the Hydrafacial™ treatment. Lymphatic drainage helps to clear areas of congestion such has puffy eyes and sinusitis. It also encourages the lymphatic system to eliminate metabolic waste products, excess fluid and bacteria.

Finally red and blue LED light (Light Emitting Diode) hand-pieces can be applied to the Hydrafacial™ treated skin to aid in skin rejuvenation and acne treatment respectively. The energy delivered by red LED light has been shown to enhance cellular metabolism, accelerate the repair of damaged skin cells, as well as stimulate the production of collagen leading to improved skin texture and firmness. Unlike more powerful laser treatments, there is no pain associated with the delivery of the LED light to the skin. One particular interesting benefit of the Hydrafacial™ Device is with the use of the Del Sol blue light LED hand-piece for the control of acne. Blue light works by killing the acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes, and is being used to treat inflammatory acne vulgaris that has not responded to other acne therapies. The blue-light products of today however do not contain ultraviolet light, which has a staple of former light therapy used to treat acne. UV light can damage skin and is no longer used to treat acne. The combination of Hydrafacial™ as a pre-treatment to the blue LED light means that dead skin and debris is removed first so that the blue light can better target the deeper acne prone skin layers.

What results may be expected and how many treatments are needed to see results?
The results will depend on the condition of your skin. Many people report seeing visible skin refinement and an even, radiant skin tone after just one treatment with the results and skin hydration lasting between 5 to 7 days, sometimes longer. This makes Hydrafacial™ an ideal on and off treatment for special occasions or a ‘freshen-up’. Those with more marked skin texture changes may require a second or even third session to see a noticeable improvement.

In general, for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and oily skin or areas of color patchiness, we usually advise a series of six treatments, with ongoing maintenance treatments every 2 to 8 weeks. A treatment program will of course be customized on a per patient basis, depending on the individual’s skin requirements.

How long does the treatment take?

The Hydrafacial™ treatment is a fast, efficient treatment that takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the additional options used during treatment, e.g., lymphatic massage, LED light, etc. Most patients find that they can return to work and normal activities immediately after treatment since there is no downtime.

Does it hurt and what is the recovery like?

The treatment is usually painless and generally there in minimal, if any skin irritation. The treatment is often described as feeling like “a cool paintbrush moving over my face.” All patients will experience some slight tightness (we light tightness!) and redness of the skin afterwards, which may last for a couple of hours following the treatment. Treatments using peel products may however prolong any redness. You will of course be advised accordingly.

On rare occasions, redness may continue for a day or so and sensitive skin around the eyes can sometimes become swollen. If this does occur, cold compresses will help to get rid of this side effect. The risk of any scarring is exceedingly rare with this procedure.

Am I a candidate for this treatment?

Even the most sensitive skin easily tolerates the Hydrafacial™ treatment. The Hydrafacial™ treatment is designed for all skin types including thinning, aging, dry or oily skin as well as ethnic colored skins; however, those individuals who have been treated with Accutane for severe acne within the last 12 months, those with skin infections, such as herpes simplex (cold sores), or with a history of problems associated with skin healing are not suitable candidates for treatment. In addition, treatments cannot be performed within 10 days post laser treatments or waxing as well as within two weeks following any facial injections.

Following assessment, specific treatment serums will be used for the treatment of your unique skin condition and needs. The Hydrafacial™ treatment is very effective at improving the complexion of the skin. Of course for very deep lines, wrinkles and skin color changes, other more invasive treatments may be required. This will be assessed at the time of your consultation.

What sort of practitioner can perform hydradermabrasion?

As with microdermabrasion, there are some hydraderabrasion machines and treatments which can be found in beauty salons and spas and which can be used by trained beauticians. The Hydrafacial™ device used in our practice is medical grade and uses different tips and peels that can have a deeper effect on the skin and therefore designed for nurses, doctors, or medical aestheticians use only.

What happens when I come in for treatment?

Your first discussion with Dr. McMahan will help to set your expectations as to what he thinks will happen to your skin as a result of hydradermabrasion. A medical history will be taken, to ensure that there are no reasons why you should not have the treatment, and you would normally asked to sign a consent for at this time which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the hydradermabrasion. Photographs may also be taken as a “before and after” comparison at a later date. The tip of the Hydrafacial™ device is passed over the surface of the skin in smooth, stroking movements, while the proprietary serums and/or peel products are simultaneously directed onto it and then vacuumed away, along with loosened dead skin cells and other debris. All the waste is retained in a separate closed container to avoid any risk of contamination. A new treatment tip is always used for each patient to avoid any risk of contamination.

What should you do after treatment?

Use any post-treatment skincare products should include a sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun. Please contact us if you notice any signs of infection or pigment changes.

How long do the results last?

The smooth results and hydration may last 5 to 7 days or even longer. A series of 4 to 6 treatments are usually recommended for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne and oily skin on a weekly basis. After your first series of treatments, you may want to maintain your results with a Hydrafacial™ treatment every month.

Sounds Great! Is it a miracle cure then?

The short answer is no. Hydradermabrasion using the Hydrafacial™ device is generally a mild treatment causing minimal damage to the surface of the skin. Although results do indeed improve your complexion and skin texture, they are however more subtle than the more invasive treatments such as laser resurfacing. Of course, neither is it associated with the side effects and recovery of the more invasive lasers. We will therefore endeavor to set your expectations accordingly.

Hydrafacial™ treatment is normally indicated for the improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, congested and enlarged pores, oily or acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation. Hydradermabrasion in the main is not suitable for deep lines, wrinkles and scars, or deep hyperpigmentation problems and broken veins in the skin. These conditions often require more invasive techniques such as laser or deep chemical ablation or even surgery. The Hydrafacial™ procedure however can be used in combination or in conjunction with these above treatments as well to compliment the results.