Rapidly becoming one of the world’s most popular skin rejuvenation treatments, the HydraFacial combines several techniques to smooth, soften, hydrate, and firm up the facial skin. The number of problems adults experience with their skin is too long to mention here, but the most common concerns are wrinkling, brittleness, dullness, and clogged pores. Blemishes become more prominent, and skin dryness is an ongoing problem.
If you’re tired of superficial treatments that don’t bring about the results you expect, consider the HydraFacial procedure. This multi-step treatment addresses multiple concerns in a single, hour-long procedure that results in smooth, glowing skin that breathes properly and which is moisture- and nutrient-balanced. Below, we go through the treatment steps so that you’ll get a good idea of what the procedure involves. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us to set up a no-obligation consultation.
Multi-Step Skin Treatment
You know about dermabrasion, light therapy, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels. Most of these treatments address a single skin concern. The HydraFacial is different. The steps in the procedure are sequenced in such a manner as to make the most efficient use of the instruments involved. Basically, the treatment lifts away dead and damaged skin cells, exfoliates the epidermal and dermal layers, extracts dirt and other foreign material from clogged pores, and infuses vital nutrients right into the skin layers.
Even as you leave the clinic or office where the procedure is performed, you’ll enjoy a more youthful countenance, a glowing appearance to the skin, and a higher level of confidence. The results of the treatment last for months, and even after the procedure is complete, your facial skin continues the rejuvenation process for quite some time.
What Does It Treat?
The procedure is designed to improve the texture of the skin by promoting healthy new epidermal growth. This means fewer visible wrinkles and a smoother surface that doesn’t appear brittle or dry. Enlarged pores are unclogged, and this allows the skin to breathe more easily. Moisture imbalance is corrected via the infusion of a mix of water and nutrients.
The improvement in skin texture also means less prominent blemishes such as age spots, liver spots, freckles, and scarring. Injury and acne scars are diminished as a result of this revolutionary treatment.
Step One: Exfoliation
We use a special set of instruments to perform the HydraFacial treatment. These are connected by hoses and cords to a monitor. The monitor is programmed to deliver the correct amount of water and air pressure to the instruments. The main instrument is filled with a predetermined mix of nutrients.
First, we use a rotary tool to gently brush and lift away dead and damaged superficial skin cells. This gets the surface exposed properly so that we can efficiently extract material from the skin pores. The sensation is a bit tickly, but it’s also somewhat relaxing. The scouring head is made up of fine, brushy hairs made of a polymer. A slight suction into the instrument ensures that all of the unwanted dead and damaged tissue is lifted away.
Step Two: Ablation
We don’t actually remove any skin by force. What we do is apply a mild acid to the skin surface. We can use one of the handheld instruments to do this. The tool tip applies the acid to the skin, and the acid quickly cauterizes and dries out the upper portion of the epidermis. After a few minutes, the solution is washed away with a special solvent. The skin is now prepared for the combined step of extraction and infusion.
Unlike most chemical peel treatments that don’t dry the skin immediately, our special peel job can be immediately followed by the extraction procedure. The dermal layer isn’t affected by the mild acid, so there’s no waiting or healing period.
Step Three: Extraction and Exfoliation
This is the real magic of the HydraFacial treatment. A special tool is used to simultaneously suck out material from the skin pores and deliver the nutrients into the skin. The tip of the instrument has a series of holes through which air gets sucked into. This is where the oils, tiny dirt particles, grime, and other unwanted stuff goes after it gets pulled out of the pores. This gets sent to a collection jar, and after treatment, you get to see just what was in your skin. You’ll be amazed at the amount of gunk we sucked out of your skin.
At the same time, other holes in the instrument tip are delivering a combination of nutrients under water pressure, hence the name of the treatment. As we move the tip of the instrument over the surface of your face, both extraction and infusion occur at the same time. The infusion mix contains peptides, antioxidants including Vitamin E, and other natural extracts.
That’s how the procedure works. You can relax and listen to music, daydream about your next globe-hopping vacation, or make your mental grocery list while we perform this amazing skin treatment.
When you leave, we’ll give you a set of at-home products for you to use as follow-up and maintenance care. These will include several topical creams and ointments containing vital skin nutrients.
The improvement in skin tone and texture continues for weeks after treatment. The removal of the upper epidermis signals replacement, and the body goes into overdrive producing healthy skin cells. Collagen remodeling also takes place, and this eventually results in firmer yet softer skin. The skin receives more air via the unclogged pores, and at the same time, the skin doesn’t dry out because of its increased moisture-retention ability.
Customizing the Treatment
This is an overview of the HydraFacial treatment, and most of our clients choose this three-step procedure to improve various problems with the facial skin. However, during a consultation we ask about specific concerns and can design a more individual and customized treatment.
The infusion mix can be altered to address certain problems. For example, we can choose a growth factor boost, a serum containing additional peptides and growth factors that help to restore overall skin health. There’s a dermabuilder boost that helps to minimize signs of aging skin. A patented combination of peptides nourishes the lower skin layers, and eventually this new, healthy material also becomes the new epidermal layer.
The brightening boost helps to diminish the prominence of dark spots. This is achieved via the infusion of alpha-arbutin and Vitamin C. We also offer the optional light treatment. A special LED light mask can be worn for a short period of time. The light destroys harmful bacteria, and certain wavelength combinations such as red and green actually help to kickstart skin rejuvenation, specifically the production of new skin cells that smooth the surface and fade away non-set wrinkles.
All Age Groups Welcome
This treatment was developed primarily for the mature adult population, but it’s rapidly becoming a preferred treatment for teenage acne. Adolescents often experience redness and blotching due to environmental and genetic factors, but these trouble spots can be improved with a customized facial treatment. Young adults struggling to hide or get rid of their acne scars will experience favorable results with a HydraFacial. Older adults with prominent pre-cancerous spots can also benefit from this facial treatment. Certain problems such as rosacea, active rashes, and skin cancers cannot be treated in this way, however. If you have questions about your eligibility for the treatment, don’t hesitate to ask us.
Advantages Over Other Treatments
Dermal fillers can plump the skin, but they don’t treat it. Whatever the cause of the problem is, it remains. Microneedling can effectively reduce wrinkling, but it can lead to infections because it is somewhat invasive. Stronger peel treatments can smooth the skin, but they can also result in bleaching, something that no one wants.
Dermabrasion can lift way damaged skin, but it can also result in uneven skin texture. Laser resurfacing is very costly, and there’s always the chance that some of the skin becomes overheated and damaged by mistake.
On the other hand, the HydraFacial is non-invasive, is suitable for all skin types and skin tones, and is completely customizable. The ability to alter the treatment and include additional nutrient infusion for targeting specific concerns is what sets this procedure apart from the rest.
Some Things to Remember
No facial treatment is going to change who you are. They don’t actually work as a time machine, sending you back to become a younger version of yourself. You must understand the realistic outcome predictions. One thing is for certain. Your facial skin will indeed be healthier by the time you leave our office. You’ll use less makeup and concealers, and you’ll find a new thrill in maintaining your healthy facial skin using the products we give you to use at home.
The effects of the treatment aren’t permanent. You’ll want to have the treatment repeated once or twice per year. Many of our clients get the full treatment to begin with and then come back for targeted maintenance treatments every few months.
Nothing Could Be More Beneficial
Your facial skin is like your car. Both need constant attention. Without maintenance, your car’s engine performs poorly, the tires go flat, and your hoses develop leaks. Without maintenance, your facial skin suffers the effects of environmental pollutants, changes in hormonal balance, and other age-related problems such as decreased collagen and other proteins. You can fight back, however, and it’s a pretty simple battle plan.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
The HydraFacial is the best maintenance program for your facial skin, and it takes only an hour of your time. To learn more, we warmly encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Old Town Med Spa. At our convenient locations in Chicago, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
