Tag Archives: microdermabrasion

What is the Difference Between Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels?

Dr. Mariano Busso - Miami Cosmetic Dermatologist, Aesthetic Dermatology Posted on by

What is the Difference Between Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels?They say that as we go through life, all of us accumulate a lot of “baggage.” Usually, that term is used to describe the collective impact of our life experiences on our personalities, emotions, or perspectives. But the unwanted baggage we find ourselves carrying as we get older can take other forms, including layers of dead and damaged skin.

These top layers of our skin cells bear the brunt of years of sun, pollutants, harsh cosmetics, and other negative influences. Getting rid of this “baggage” can do wonders for our appearance, revealing skin that looks smoother and more youthful, with fewer wrinkles and other imperfections.

At Dr. Mariano Busso’s Miami-Coconut Grove aesthetic dermatology clinic, we offer two non-invasive, safe, convenient, and fantastically effective ways to remove dead and damaged cells so you can restore the natural beauty of your skin: chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

What Are Chemical Peels?

During a chemical peel treatment session, the doctor or technician will apply a chemical solution to the targeted skin. The solution is designed to exfoliate and peel off the dead skin cells, leaving behind smoother and less wrinkled skin. Suddenly finding itself exposed to the elements, the new top layer of skin will be temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

We use three different types of chemical peels depending on the nature and extent of skin damage as well as the patient’s goals for the treatment:

  • Alpha-hydroxy acid is used in a mild chemical peel that only penetrates that outer layer of skin and gently exfoliates it. We use this peel to improve the appearance of minor skin discoloration and rough skin.
  • Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid goes a bit deeper and offers a more thorough exfoliation than alpha-hydroxy acid. We apply this peel to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells and reduce the appearance and visibility of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. We also use this peel to smooth rough skin.
  • Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is used only on the face and can only be used once. It deeply penetrates the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells and is effective at treating moderate lines, age spots, freckles, and shallow scars. TCA peels can also be very effective rejuvenating the skin below the eyes and reducing the prominence of dark circles that sometimes appear under our eyes as we get older.


What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is also focused on removing dead and damaged layers of skin, but the way it does so is very different from a chemical peel.

During a microdermabrasion treatment session, the doctor uses a handheld device that gently directs a stream of tiny crystal particles on to targeted areas of the skin. These particles exfoliate the outer layer of skin, which once removed is suctioned away with a vacuum tool.

Since it is a comfortable, painless, and spa-like procedure, microdermabrasion requires no anesthesia, and you can return to work and all of your regular activities immediately after you’re done. You may notice some mild redness for about an hour after the treatment, but this almost always goes away on its own. Most patients can achieve noticeable results after a series of five to ten treatment sessions spaced one to two weeks apart.

Contact Dr. Busso Today to Schedule Your Chemical Peel or Microdermabrasion Treatment

If you’re ready to get rid of the “baggage” of damaged skin to reveal smoother, more vibrant skin, Dr. Mariano Busso is ready to help you. A widely published and highly acclaimed physician and leader in his field, Dr. Busso has the skill, knowledge, and expertise to oversee your next chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment to ensure beautiful, long-lasting results.

To schedule an appointment in Miami, call our office at 305-857-0144.

How to Spring Clean Your Skin Care Routine

Dr. Mariano Busso - Miami Cosmetic Dermatologist, Aesthetic Dermatology Posted on by

skin care routineSpring has officially sprung. As part of your annual commitment to spring cleaning, you’ve likely added a few extra housekeeping tasks to your monthly to-dos. Why not carry this tradition to your skin care routine? Not only does your body’s largest organ need extra TLC after the winter, but skin has a different set of priorities when the temperatures shift.

Consider the following seasonal skin care routine transition tips:

Light Moisturizer

Dehydrated winter skin can be soothed with heavy moisturizers, like body butters, heavy creams, oils and serums. For warmer weather, lighten up moisturizers in your skin care routine to allow skin to breathe. You should also boost your sun and ultraviolet (UV) protection in spring and summer. Consider swapping out your winter SPF 30 for a face moisturizer with at least SPF 50, depending on the climate you live in or how much time you spend outdoors. For the body, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection to shield skin against damage, skin cancer and premature aging. Remember to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you head outside. Don’t forget to protect your lips with a balm containing SPF 15 or higher.

Professional Exfoliation

Your skin is not fully recuperated from parched indoor heating and low outdoor humidity just yet. To remove the dull or flaky cells resting on your skin’s surface, treat yourself to a professional microdermabrasion treatment. Microdermabrasion is a minimally-invasive spa treatment that does not require anesthesia or recovery time. Unlike mild scrubs that you might use in your at-home skin care routine, professional exfoliation is medical-grade. The treatment is done in two steps. First, a handheld device disperses tiny particles across your target area and to scrape off dead or damaged cells. Then, the particles and dead skin are suctioned off with a vacuum tool. Patients are left with a refreshed and renewed complexion.

Clean Your Makeup Bag

The biggest hazard of using old makeup products is bacteria. Every time you swipe your lashes with mascara or dip your fingers into a foundation pot, you introduce bacteria into your products that you later re-apply to your face. This leads to inflammation, clogged pores, acne breakouts and dullness. As a rule, dispose of any products you’ve had for longer than a year at most. Mascara and liquid eyeliners are best replaced every three months, while lip gloss and lipstick can be swapped every six months. Foundations applied with a clean brush or sponge (and not double-dipped) can last about a year. Powders can last up to two years. Once you’ve cleaned out your makeup case, let makeup brushes soak in warm, soapy water to remove product and bacteria buildup. Clean tweezers and scissors with antibacterial soap, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

For more information on Dr. Busso’s recommended skin care products for spring, or to book a microdermabrasion appointment, call us at 305-857-0144.

4 Tips to Get Glowing Skin

Dr. Mariano Busso - Miami Cosmetic Dermatologist, Aesthetic Dermatology Posted on by

glowing skinEveryone wants glowing skin. Many face the constant battle against dryness, dullness and pesky breakouts. That fresh from the beach radiance doesn’t come easy, especially if you lack the proper tools and skin care insight needed to enhance your complexion. Many falsely believe a night cream or serum can revitalize their look, but glowing skin isn’t achieved with a single remedy. Rather, applying a multi-faceted approach is the key to a fresh and youthful face.

If you want to look more vibrant and boost your self-esteem, implement these four tips for glowing skin:

Glow from the Inside

Skin is the body’s largest organ, which means diet and nutrients have a major impact on your complexion. Skin needs hydration inside and out to stay supple and fresh. Drink at least 64 ounces of H20 everyday cleans out toxins that can otherwise cause blemishes and keep skin moisturized to prevent fine lines. Like dehydration, too much alcohol and/or caffeine dehydrates the skin and provokes inflammation. And, a high sugar diet deteriorates elastin and collagen more quickly, instigating premature aging and wrinkles. Upping your water intake while managing your booze, sugar and coffee consumption are the easiest ways to get glowing skin faster. Eating a well-rounded diet full of skin-enhancing nutrients – like Vitamin C, biotin and Vitamin D – minimizes free radical damage to encourage luminosity.

Exfoliate Regularly

Skin is continually regenerating itself, but as we age, the rejuvenation process slows down dramatically. Over time, dead skin cells on the surface start to accrue and elicit dullness. Unfortunately, dead skin cell build-up also clogs pores, putting you at a higher risk of blackhead and acne flare-ups. Clearing the skin and uncovering the youthful cells below the surface almost immediately creates a fresher appearance, but also helps your topical treatments reach their target easier. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, a mildly abrasive exfoliant used a few times per week effectively sloughs of dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin. For a deeper clean, microdermabrasion is a minimally-invasive treatment that uses tiny particles to renew and brighten appearances.

Wear Sunscreen Religiously

You might think you need the sun to attain glowing skin, but the opposite is true. Over time, the sun’s harmful rays do more damage than good. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays leads to wrinkles, sun spots and, potentially, life-threatening conditions like melanoma skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that in 2017, 87,110 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed with 9,730 being fatal. UVB rays damage the surface layer, causing painful and unpleasant sunburns, while UVA rays target the layers beneath the skin’s surface. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even when temperatures are cooler. Don’t forget to properly shield your lips with a sunscreen-infused balm. If you want summer-like glowing skin without sun damage and harmful side effects, use a sunless self-tanning cream or lotion.

Consider a PRP Facial

Platelet-rich plasma is derived from your own blood and concentrated down to create a power-packed formula for glowing skin. In a PRP facial procedure, Dr. Busso draws a small amount of blood from your arm and uses a processing centrifuge to extract platelets, white blood cells and growth factors. The PRP fluid is then placed into a micro-needle instrument which makes small punctures into your skin to fight fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring. After one to three treatments, patients can expect to notice a restored and revitalized complexion. Because this procedure is minimally-invasive, the typical side effects range from mild swelling or bruising.

By adopting a healthier lifestyle, proper hydration, sun protection and revitalizing skin care treatments, glowing skin is a realistic endeavor. To learn more about minimally invasive procedures that can reverse the signs of aging and counteract dullness, schedule an appointment with Dr. Busso at 305-857-0144.

3 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Skin

Dr. Mariano Busso - Miami Cosmetic Dermatologist, Aesthetic Dermatology Posted on by

new year's resolutionsWant to set yourself up for a healthy and happy New Year? Start by raising your beauty self-esteem with a few key skin care resolutions. Too many people over criticize their appearance, letting diminished self-confidence limit their career ambitions and life goals. Fortunately, everyone can spruce up their look and health with better self-care. After all, as your body’s largest organ, skin wellbeing is just as critical as shedding those extra pounds.

To jumpstart your journey toward a healthy and self-assured year ahead, consider the following three skin care New Year’s resolutions.

Clean Makeup Brushes Regularly

Being in a hurry is no excuse to use a dirty makeup tool to get ready for the day. Makeup brushes are prone to bacteria buildup, which can lead to acne flare-ups, clogged pores, skin irritation, pink eye and possibly a staph infection. In addition, germs from grimy makeup brushes exposes the skin to free radicals, which disintegrates collagen and elastin more rapidly. After collagen and elastic break down, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging materialize. Commit to cleaning your brushes with cleanser and a scrubbing mat at least once a week, and your complexion and makeup application will be smoother than ever.

Wash Before Bed – Religiously

If there’s one bad habit to break in 2017, it’s hitting the hay without properly washing your face. Sleeping in makeup clogs pores, triggers unsightly breakouts and causes potential long-term skin damage. To test the importance of removal, a Daily Mail journalist slept in her makeup for one month straight and underwent 3-d image testing afterward to analyze the results. Aside from the itchy and swollen eyes, white cysts, flaky skin and dirty pillowcase throughout the one-month experiment, the subject’s 3-d imaging revealed 10-20 percent structural decline, a drop in moisture levels, deeper wrinkles, enlarged pores and substantial redness. Experts consulted said the research caused her skin to age 10 years during the short 30-day experiment.¹ This story alone provides enough motivation to wash habitually as part of your resolutions, even if you’re stuck using a makeup remover wipe in a pinch.

Visit the Dermatologist

Despite the do-it-yourself recipes and skin care promises from high-end retail brands, a personalized assessment of your skin care needs is pertinent. Dr. Mariano Busso, Miami’s renowned cosmetic dermatologist, provides patients services that rejuvenate the skin and promote sustainable self-confidence. With your initial consultation, Dr. Busso assesses the state of your skin, diagnoses possible disorders and attends to your concerns. Whether opting for a simple resurfacing treatment, such as microdermabrasion, or dermal fillers for youthful skin, Dr. Busso puts reliability, honest communication and patient satisfaction above all.

 

To achieve your New Year’s resolutions for healthier skin, call Dr. Busso’s office directly at 305-857-0144. Or, book your appointment online via our onsite form. We would like to wish all patients and readers a Happy New Year!

 

Cheers to better skin in 2017,

Dr. Mariano Busso & Team

 

[1] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2380419/What-sleeping-make-does-skin-Our-shocking-experiment-exposes-happens.html

Microdermabrasion for Fresh, Youthful Skin

Dr. Mariano Busso - Miami Cosmetic Dermatologist, Aesthetic Dermatology Posted on by

Tired, dull or damaged skin isn’t exactly the key to a confident appearance. While makeup can help, foundation can only go so far to conceal sun damage, scars, wrinkles and other skin ailments. When applied too thick, makeup appears cake-like and obvious to everyone, including interviewers, dates, friends, and family.

Instead of suffering from damaged skin or coating over it with layers of foundation, patients can undergo a minimally invasive procedure called microdermabrasion. This removes the damaged outer layer of skin, which leads to a clearer and brighter appearance. Microdermabrasion is commonly practiced in both dermatologist’s offices and spas.

How Microdermabrasion Works

First, a gentle stream of tiny particles is applied to the face or body. These exfoliate the epidermis and will help scrub away damaged or dead cells. During this process, your dermatologist will use a handheld device to scrape away dead skin cells. Then, the removed skin is suctioned off the face with a vacuum – revealing a fresh, more confident face.

Patients can expect to see results in anywhere from five to ten treatment sessions. To minimize sensitivity, treatments should be separated by at least one to two weeks. Mild irritation is common, and you might look slightly red immediately following the procedure.

Since the procedure only affects the surface of your skin, you don’t have to worry about pain or undergoing anesthesia. In fact, many patients use microdermabrasion alongside more intense wrinkle and sun-damage treatments like chemical peels or laser resurfacing. This combination allows for faster and more apparent results. For many patients, microdermabrasion restores the skin to its youthful appearance all on its own.

Miami aesthetic dermatologist Dr. Mariano Busso offers microdermabrasion for bright, even-toned results. To schedule a consultation to discuss microdermabrasion or other skin-smoothing treatments, contact our office at 305-857-0144 or schedule your appointment online.

Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical Peel

Dr. Mariano Busso - Miami Cosmetic Dermatologist, Aesthetic Dermatology Posted on by

Microdermabrasion vs. Chemical PeelAchieving a youthful, healthy glow is an important beauty goal. Your skin says a lot about your overall health; it can make or break a dazzling appearance, and using makeup only temporarily conceals dark spots and blemishes. It’s not surprising that most people—especially those involved in media, fashion, and other high profile professions—are interested in a more permanent solution to facial skin rejuvenation and enhancement.

The two most common ways to rejuvenate skin are microdermabrasion and chemical peel face treatment. Both of these processes target old or dead skin cells; bring new, younger cells to the epidermis; and help make skin look younger.

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