When it comes to oral surgery, there are a few things you really should avoid before your procedure. The first is eating or drinking anything. This is because you need to be as empty as possible in your stomach and mouth for the procedure, so you don’t have any obstruction that could interfere with the surgery itself. You should also avoid smoking for at least one hour before oral surgery—the smoke can irritate your mouth and throat, making you more uncomfortable during the procedure.
You should also avoid using mouthwash or toothpaste that contains alcohol or other ingredients that can dry out your mouth—your surgeon will use these products during the actual surgery itself. Finally, if you’re going to have a local anesthetic administered right before your procedure (which many patients do), you should also avoid taking any aspirin or ibuprofen within 24 hours of this injection. This can increase bleeding risks during and after your surgery!
Read on to learn about What Not To Do Before Oral Surgery, What To Expect After Microdermabrasion and What Are the Types of Microdermabrasion?
What Not To Do Before Oral Surgery
If you’re having oral surgery, there are a few things you will need to do prior to your procedure. Be sure to follow these ten easy steps when gearing up for the big day!
1. Carefully read your pre-op instructions.
If your dentist provides you with any instructions prior to your surgery, make sure you read them! This will give you information regarding your anesthesia and how to prepare for it. It will also list any special instructions that are particularly pertinent to your specific procedure.
2. Pick up your medication in advance.
Once you’ve had your surgery, you will need to be in full recovery mode. Therefore, you won’t be able to leave the house for medication. Be sure to head to the pharmacy before your procedure to pick up any medications you will need during your recovery process.
3. Ask a family member or friend for a ride.
After anesthesia, you will not be able to drive a car or get home by yourself. Therefore, be sure to ask a family member or friend to take you to your visit and bring you home. If no one is available to bring you, you will need to wait at the dentist’s office for a while until it is safe for you to call a cab.
4. Head to the grocery store.
You will have a pretty strict diet after your oral surgery. Therefore, be certain to pick up the right foods to help you through recovery! When you’re shopping, stick to only healthy beverages like water, tea, milk, protein drinks. You’ll also need to stick to softer foods for a few days. Avoid any acidic or spicy foods, as well as any beverage that would require a straw.
5. Fast.
If you’re going to have anesthesia, your dentist will recommend that you do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to your surgery. If you need to take medication, only use a small sip of water if necessary. Doing so will help you to avoid any risk of aspiration during surgery.
6. Select the right clothing.
You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing for your procedure. Avoid wearing any shirts with sleeves, as nurses will need your arms to be available for taking your vital signs, giving an IV, or monitoring your blood pressure.
7. Do not smoke.
You should not smoke tobacco products for at least 12 hours prior to your surgery, and for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
8. Arrive early.
Make sure you plan to arrive at your appointment about 20 minutes early. This will give you time to fill out any necessary last-minute paper work and ask any lingering questions you might have.
9. Get a good night’s sleep.
It is always important to get a good night’s sleep prior to your procedure. Ask your dentist if there are any sleeping positions they recommend in order to avoid placing pressure on your mouth (if it is relevant to your particular procedure).
10. Ask any outstanding questions.
If you have any questions about your procedure, your recovery, or even the risks and benefits, be sure to ask! At Olympia Fields Dental Associates, we want our patients to feel well-informed and confident before any oral surgery.
What To Expect After Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is an immensely popular skin treatment that can be done at the salon, skin spa, or at your dermatologist’s office. If you’ve never had one before, you’re probably wondering what happens during a microdermabrasion treatment. Like, how long does a treatment last? And, does it hurt?
This article gives answers to the most-asked questions about microdermabrasion. This can help you know what to expect during your first treatment.
What Are the Types of Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a professional procedure that can be done by both dermatologists and estheticians alike. There are two main types of microdermabrasion procedures—crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion. Both are used to thoroughly exfoliate the skin.
During crystal microdermabrasion, microfine crystals are shot from a small tube onto your skin and simultaneously vacuumed back up. Think of this as working like a high-powered scrub.
Diamond microdermabrasion is a crystal-free version that uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate instead.
Both forms of microdermabrasion have many benefits. Just one microdermabrasion treatment leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth and looking radiant. A series of treatments can improve skin’s texture and tone. It can also reduce fine wrinkles, sun damage, acne/acne scars, enlarged pores, and even stretch marks.1
Recap
Crystal microdermabrasion uses microfine crystals and diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate your skin.
The Two Types of Microdermabrasion
How Long Does a Treatment Take?
The actual microdermabrasion procedure is quick—it takes just 15 to 30 minutes. Your technician will lead you to the treatment room, where you’ll change into a gown and lie down on the bed.
Your technician will cleanse your face to prep your skin before doing the microdermabrasion procedure. After crystal microdermabrasion, they’ll cleanse your face again to clean away any stray crystals. Follow up with an application of moisturizer and sunscreen, and you’re done.
Many salons, day spas, and medi-spas will also incorporate microdermabrasion into a complete facial treatment. In this case, you’ll also be treated to a mask and facial massage. For this, expect to spend about 60 to 90 minutes in the treatment chair.
Recap
A microdermabrasion procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you’re also getting a complete facial treatment, it will likely take about 60 to 90 minutes.
How Much Does It Cost?
Depending on where you live and where you have your treatment done, the cost can range from $75 to upwards of $300 per treatment. If you go to a posh salon in an affluent area and opt for the works facial treatment, expect to pay a premium for your microdermabrasion.
If instead, you opt for no-frills microdermabrasion at the local salon, your cost will be on the lower end of the scale. Shop around. The highest-price treatment isn’t necessarily the best, but bargain-basement-priced procedures should be looked into skeptically.
Recap
Microdermabrasion usually costs about $75 to $300 per treatment.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
How many treatments you will need is completely dependent on what your end goal is. Are you on vacation and treating yourself to a day at the spa? Just one treatment will leave your skin looking bright and feeling buttery soft.
But if you’re looking for improvement of a specific skin problem, you really need a series of treatments to see any positive effects. The results you get from microdermabrasion are cumulative.2
Generally, six to 10 treatments are scheduled seven to 14 days apart. The number and frequency of treatments vary depending on your skin’s needs and your skincare goals. The technician doing your procedure will let you know the best treatment schedule for your specific situation.
Recap
If you’re getting a series of microdermabrasion treatments, you’ll usually schedule six to 10 sessions that are one to two weeks apart.
Does Microdermabrasion Hurt?
The thought of having crystals blasted onto your skin or a diamond-tipped wand dragged across your face seems brutal. But it really isn’t as bad as it sounds. Some people liken the feeling to the rough lick of a cat’s tongue. Others describe it as a gritty facial massage or report feeling just minor tugging on the skin.
However it’s described, you needn’t worry. Because it works on just the surface layers of the skin, microdermabrasion isn’t painful.
If your technician is being a bit heavy-handed for your liking, let them know. Your microdermabrasion treatment should not be uncomfortable.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Because it works on the very surface of the skin, there are few issues in terms of microdermabrasion side effects. However, tenderness, swelling, or minor bruising can occur.2 Typically after treatment, your skin will be a bit pink. This usually fades within a few hours.
For a day or so afterward, it might feel like you have a minor sunburn. Otherwise, you’ll be able to go about your day right after your treatment without anyone any wiser about what you’ve had done.
Acne treatments, toners, and medicated cleansers will probably burn or sting if you apply them right after a microdermabrasion treatment. You may want to hold off using them for a day.
Makeup, moisturizers, and non-medicated cleansers can usually be used right after treatment with no problems.
You’ll definitely need to use sunscreen. You’ll be a bit more susceptible to sun damage after treatment. (But you’re already using sunscreen daily, right?)
Recap
After microdermabrasion, your skin will be a little pink. You may have some minor tenderness and swelling. Remember to use sunscreen to protect your skin afterward.
Summary
Microdermabrasion can improve your skin’s appearance by gently removing the top layer of skin. It can be done with crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate your skin.
The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. It can cost between $75 to $300 per session. You may just have one session or up to 10 treatments scheduled a week or two weeks apart.
Microdermabrasion should just feel like a gritty face massage or minor tugging. If it’s uncomfortable, let your technician know. Afterward, you may have some tenderness, swelling, or minor bruising. Remember to wear sunscreen afterward to protect your new skin.
A Word From Verywell
Microdermabrasion is a very safe procedure for most people (although there are some people who should not have a microdermabrasion treatment). Microdermabrasion is a valuable skincare procedure, but it isn’t a miracle cure for all problems. It won’t treat deeper lines and wrinkles or acne scars.
Prior to treatment, talk about your skincare goals and expectations so that you and your technician are on the same page. This will ensure you walk away from your treatment happy with the results.
Microdermabrasion burn treatment
With dermabrasion, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon “sands” your skin with a special instrument. The procedure makes way for a new, smoother layer of skin to replace the skin that’s been treated.
Microdermabrasion uses tiny exfoliating crystals that are sprayed on the skin. It works best on problems such as dull skin, brown spots, and age spots.
When Is Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion Used?
Dermabrasion was developed to improve acne scars, pox marks, and scars from accidents or disease. It’s not effective in treating congenital skin defects, most moles, pigmented birthmarks, or scars caused by burns.
Dermabrasion is generally only safe for people with fair skin. For people with darker skin, dermabrasion can result in scarring or discoloration.
Microdermabrasionworks on all skin types and colors. It makes subtle changes, causing no skin color change or scarring. It is not effective for deeper problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, or deep acne scars.
With microdermabrasion, there is less down time than with dermabrasion. Skin is temporarily pink but fully recovers within 24 hours. It doesn’t require surgery or anesthetics. That may help people who cannot take “down time” for healing.
Before You Get Dermabrasion or Microdermabrasion
You’ll consult with the professional who’s doing the procedure.
In a dermabrasion consultation, you’ll discuss your goals, the procedure’s risks and benefits, and the type of anesthesia that will be used. You’ll also get instructions to follow before and after dermabrasion and perhaps have “before” photos taken to compare with your results later.
With microdermabrasion, the consultation is similar but with less talk about anesthetics and risks because it is a simpler procedure.
How Does Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Work?
Dermabrasion is done in the doctor’s office. You may get medication to relax you before the procedure starts. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and you’ll get shots of numbing medicine to anesthetize the area to be treated.
The doctor will use a high-speed instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush to remove the outer layers of your skin and improve any irregularities in your skin’s surface.
In microdermabrasion, tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin to gently remove the outer layer of your skin. This technique is less aggressive than dermabrasion, so you don’t need numbing medicine. It is basically an exfoliation and skin rejuvenation procedure that leaves skin looking softer and brighter.
What Happens After Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion?
After a dermabrasion procedure, your skin will feel as though it has been severely “brush-burned” for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe or recommend medications to ease any discomfort you may feel. Healing usually happens within seven to 10 days.
Your new skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal color. In most cases, the pinkness largely fades by six to eight weeks. You can use makeup as soon as the skin is healed.
Generally, most people can resume their normal activities in seven to 14 days after dermabrasion. You should avoid sunlight for a few weeks after the pink color has gone away. When outdoors, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
After microdermabrasion, your skin will be pink and feel dry and tight (like sunburn or windburn) for about 24 hours. Use moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen. Some types of makeup should not be applied for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Are There Side Effects and Complications With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion?
Dermabrasion side effects include:
- Uneven changes in skin color (temporary or permanent)
- Formation of a scar
- Swelling
- Infection
- Darkening of the skin (usually temporary but may be permanent); this is caused by sun exposure in the days and months following the procedure.
Microdermabrasion side effects include:
- Irritation from crystals getting into unprotected eyes
Care After Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion: You will have a follow-up appointment soon after your dermabrasion. Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after the procedure. Do not take aspirin or any products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for one week afterwards. Don’t smoke.. Avoid sun exposure as best you can for three to six months.
Microdermabrasion: Use moisturizers and sunscreens. Avoid sun exposure for a few days immediately after the procedure.