VibraDermabrasion

Pros

• The treatment takes less than an hour, and downtime is minimal.
• You’ll see results like smoother, brighter skin immediately. 
• This is a noninvasive, safe procedure. You won’t need anesthesia or a numbing agent.
• It’s safe for most skin colors and types. 

Cons

• You’ll need more than one session for optimal results—and even then, the effect may be subtle. If you’re looking for more dramatic skin rejuvenation, consider a chemical peel, laser resurfacing, or microneedling with radiofrequency.
• Side effects are rare, but you might experience some swelling, tenderness, or redness for a few hours after your treatment. 
• In the hands of an inexperienced provider, the crystals can get in your eyes or lungs. Goggles will help protect your eyes.

Most people are good candidates for VibraDermabrasion. It’s not an invasive procedure and is typically gentle. 

However, people with rosacea or who are prone to broken blood vessels should avoid this treatment and consider a light chemical peel instead.

It’s also not recommended for people with active cystic acne.  If you have red bumps or deeper cysts, you may experience some irritation or flaring of your acne.

If you’ve recently had a facial laser treatment or completed an isotretinoin regimen (or are still on it), hold off on VibraDermabrasion for a few months. It can aggravate already sensitive skin.

While VibraDermabrasion is gentle, there are some steps you should take to make sure your skin is prepped for the treatment.

• Don’t use Retin-A or exfoliators for three days before your treatment.
• Avoid sun tanning or using tanning creams/sprays during the week beforehand.
• Wait two to three weeks after getting injectables (including fillers and neurotoxins).
• Refrain from waxing or tanning the treatment area for a few weeks prior to VibraDermabrasion.
• Wash your face and neck with a nonoily, non-soap-based cleanser before your treatment.
• If you get red welts or hives when scratched (called dermatographism), you may have a similar reaction after VibraDermabrasion. Take an oral histamine before your appointment to alleviate it.

Before your aesthetician or provider begins the VibraDermabrasion session, they’ll cleanse and steam your face, to soften skin and open up the pores. Then, working counterclockwise, they’ll begin the exfoliating process.

As you’re being treated, your skin may feel a little itchy or tingly, but you’ll quickly acclimate to the sensation. 

Afterward, any excess crystals or residue will be removed with a warm towel, and your provider will apply a moisturizer and sunscreen.

It’s normal for skin to be dry and tight following a VibraDermabrasion procedure, and some people say their skin was flushed pink. These side effects should subside over the next day, with the use of a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. 

To get the maximum effect of the treatment, avoid anything that overheats your body—including showers, a sauna, steam rooms, and exercise—for the first 24 hours. 

You can somewhat resume your regular skin-care routine after 48 hours, but you should avoid topical anti-aging, exfoliating, or anti-acne products that contain salicylic acid, AHA/BHA acids, retinols, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide, for seven days due to prevent possible irritation.  

In the next few weeks, your skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure, so it’s important to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Aestheticians recommend monthly sessions because your skin cells naturally turn over every 28 days.