HydraFacial MD®

The Hydrafacial™ or Hydradermabrasion treatment as its technically known, is a relatively new procedure in aesthetic technology. It is 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 microdermabrasion is that with the Hydrafacial there is a lack of any crystals used to assist in the exfoliation process, and uses instead a specially shaped spiral tip which exfoliates and removes impurities along with applying various serums that cleanse, hydrate and provide antioxidant infusion during the treatment process. This is therefore 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 differentiaties the HydraFacial from other forms of skin rejuvenating and microdermabrasion procedures.

The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating and immediately effective.

Clínica Privé is the 1st Aesthetic Clinic in PORTUGAL to offer the world renound HydraFacial MD®

 

Hydrafacial Treatment FAQs

Is it clinically proven to work?

Yes. A number of clinical trials 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, such as LASER and Light Procedures.

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 fibres and increased levels of antioxidants in the skin. Fine lines, pore size and hyperpigmentation were also decreased following treatment. 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 of antioxidants 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 hydrating 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 colour 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 around 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, whilst 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 salicyclic 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 moisturise the skin.

The Hydrafacial™ device can also be used to apply the TNS® (Tissue Nutrient Solution) Serum which contains NouriCel MD™, a proprietary mix of human growth factors, cytokines, soluble collagen, antioxidants and matrix proteins, discovered through more than a decade of wound-healing research. Growth factors and cytokines are proteins that the body produces for regular growth and repair of tissue. The proteins are believed to work in concert with each other to produce the desired effects of reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage. A home use kit is often recommended following the Hydrafacial™ TNS® Serum treatment to enhance and maintain the results.

Are there any other treatment options available on the Hydrafacial which help?

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 and the stronger Aggressive Glysal™ Peel.

Finally red and blue LED light (Light Emitting Diode) handpieces can be applied to the Hydrafacial™ treated skin to aid skin rejuvenation and acne treatment respectively.

The energy delivered by red LED light has been shown to enhance cellular metabolism, accelerate the repair and renewal of damaged skin cells, as well as stimulate the production of collagen leading to improved skin texture and firmness. Unlike more powerful laser and IPL 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 handpiece 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 (UV) light, which was 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 is better targeted at the acne prone skin layers beneath.

 

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 and 7 days, and sometimes longer, making it an ideal one off treatment for a special occasion or a 'freshen-up'. Others with more marked skin texture changes, may however require a second or even third session to see a noticeable improvements.

In general, for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and oily skin or areas of colour patchiness, we usually advise a series of six treatments, with ongoing maintenance treatments every 2 to 8 weeks. A treatment programme incorporating the various serums, growth factors, peel products and LED light will of course be customised on a per patient basis, depending on the individual skin requirements.

How long does the treatment take?

The HydraFacial treatment is a fast, efficient treatment that takes between 15 - 30 minutes, depending on the additional options used during treatment, e.g., 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 doesn't irritate the skin greatly. The treatment is often described as a feeling like "a cool paintbrush moving over the face". All patients will experience some slight tightness(we like some tightness!) and redness of the skin afterwards, which may last for a couple of hours following 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, ageing,dry or oily skin as well as ethnic coloured skins; however those individuals who have been treated with isotretinoin for severe acne within the last 12 months, those with active skin infections, such as herpes simplex (cold sores), or with a history of problems associated with skin healing are not suitable candidates for treatment.

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 colour 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 hydradermabrasion 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 are designed for nurses' or doctors' use only.

What happens when I come in for treatment?

Your first discussion with our practitioner should clearly set out your expectations and what they think 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 shouldn't have the treatment, and you would normally be asked to sign a consent form at this time which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with hydradermabrasion.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner, as a "before and after" comparison at a later date.

If you have a history of herpes simplex infections (cold sores), an anti-viral drug may be prescribed as a precaution for the course of the treatment.

The tip of the Hydrafacial™ device is passed over the surface of the skin in smooth, stroking movements, whilst 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 per patient.

What should you do after treatment?

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

Additionally, when you leave a clinic after a hydrafacial treatment you are likely to suffer from varying degrees of redness for a short period of time depending on the depth of the abrasion and use of peel products, which may not be the most attractive face that you wish to present to the public as you walk down the street. There is however a solution.

Heliocare® are the first truly breathable, completely safe camouflage and concealer products that oxygenate skin at the cellular level, and are suitable for immediate use after cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion. Doctors, skin specialists, aestheticians and beauty therapists use Heliocare® Camouflage & Concealer, because it is the only sunscrean that has the ability to promote the healing of damaged or post procedural skin and can be used on the skin immediately following treatment, allowing you to face the world without a red face.

How long do the results last?

The smooth results and hydration may last 5 to 7 days or even longer. A series of 6 treatments are usually recommened 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 endeavour to set your expectations accordingly.

Hydrafacial treatment is normally indicated for the improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, congested and enlarged pores (e.g., blackheads), oily or acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation (i.e. dark areas of the skin, such as brown age spots).

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 conjuction with these above treatments as well to compliment the results.