FAQ’s

 

frequently asked questions

WHAT IS A HYDROFACIAL?

The HydroFacial 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 micro-crystals blasted onto the surface of the skin. However the primary difference between microdermabrasion is that with the HydroFacial 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 moisturise the skin differentiates the HydroFacial from other forms of skin rejuvenating and microdermabrasion procedures. The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating and immediately effective.

IS A HYDROFACIAL 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 Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), have been carried out by Physicians.

One study in America, used 20 volunteers being split into two groups, with one group having 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 were gathered two weeks after the final treatment and these 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 HydroFacial 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 A HYDROFACIAL 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 ageing. The HydroFacial is a hydrating and non-irritating treatment.

WHAT DOES THE HYDROFACIAL ACHIEVE?

The HydroFacial treatment removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities within the skin, while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturising serums. Hydrofacial 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 HYDROFACIAL MACHINE CONSIST OF?
The HydroFacial 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 SERUMS CAN BE USED DURING THE HYDROFACIAL?
The serums used within the facial contain amongst other products, glucosamine, lactic acid, and active botanicals for cleansing and hydrating all skin types. Some serums also contain mild concentrations of salicylic acid, used for cleansing and hydrating oily and acne prone skin. Our 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 device is also used to apply Tissue Nutrient Solution Serum which contains 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.

WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT AND HOW MANY FACIALS WILL I NEED?
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 HYDROFACIAL TAKE?
The HydroFacial treatment is a fast, efficient treatment that takes between 40 – 60 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 THE HYDROFACIAL HURT AND IS THERE ANY RECOVERY TIME?

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 SUITABLE FOR A HYDROFACIAL TREATMENT?
Even the most sensitive skin usually tolerates the Hydrofacial treatment. The HydroFacial 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. Please let us know if you suffer with allergies to shellfish or nuts as some serums we use may contain these products.

Following assessment, specific treatment serums will be used for the treatment of your unique skin condition and needs. The HydroFacial 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.

IS A HYDROFACIAL SUITABLE POST FACELIFT?
Yes. HydroFacial treatments are routinely recommended after Facelift surgery. This is because it is very useful in clearing any debris, dead skin cells that have arisen in the first few weeks after this type of surgery. In addition it also helps in infuse moisturising serums which give the skin a healthy glow. It is usually best to do this approximately 6 weeks after this type of surgery.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COME IN FOR A 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.

The tip of the HydroFacial 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 I DO AFTER A 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 pigment changes.

Additionally, when you leave the clinic after a HydroFacial 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. You will be advised on the appropriate way to reduce this.

HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS LAST?
The smooth results and hydration may last 8 to 10 days or even longer. A series of 6 treatments are usually recommended 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 HydroFacial treatment every month.
HYDROFACIAL SOUNDS GREAT IS IT A MIRACLE CURE?

The short answer is no. Hydradermabrasion using the HydroFacial 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. HydroFacial 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).