Micro Ablation For Skin Rejuvenation

Treatments for age-related skin disorders have been used for decades. Many of them are based on the principle of skin regeneration after the removal of its outer layer (the epidermis).

There are several ways to achieve skin resurfacing. The four primary therapeutic options are:

1. dermabrasion -- mechanical removal of the surface cells.
2. chemical peeling -- using various acid compounds to burn out the skin cells.
3. laser resurfacing techniques -- vaporizing the outer layer cells.
4. A new dermatological technique for skin resurfacing is micro ablation, also known as coblation (derived from cold ablation) or radiant visage peel.

What Is Micro Ablation?

Micro ablation is an electro-surgical procedure meant to improve the appearance of age damaged or rough textured skin using radio frequency waves. Bipolar waves are driven into a saline solution, causing it to ionize (dissociating relatively stable compounds into higher energy ions).

The device used for this procedure is equipped with a wand with an electrode tip. This attracts the ions to the surface of the solution forming a "plasma" layer. The highly charged particles of the plasma are accelerated to the skin and this breaks molecular bonds, eventually dissociating cells from each other.

The old cells are easily wiped away with a saline-soaked gauze. Thus, this technique leads to outer layer removal, which triggers the growing of a new, healthier epidermis.

In addition to smoothening the skin, micro ablation strengthens the collagen fibers, which is visible for months after the procedure. The outcome is a pleasant, rejuvenated skin.

Who Can Benefit?

Skin resurfacing is suited for the treatment of areas with fine wrinkles and imperfections, such as pigmented or discoloured spots, scars, or acne depression. It is recommended for dry and rough textured skin as well. 

Comparison Of Skin Resurfacing Procedures

Chemical peels are widely used procedures, but they are less effective on deeper lesions. Moreover, the chemical compounds used don't get absorbed uniformly into the skin, therefore they produce an uneven ablation.

Dermabrasion, a mechanical removal of the surface skin cells, causes blood and tissues to remain "open gates" for various infective agents.

Laser rejuvenating appears to have better surfacing results than peeling or dermabrasion, but its use is associated with side effects, due to the high temperature used.

Micro ablation uses lower temperatures than laser resurfacing techniques and it requires less tissue destruction. In addition, by its indirect means of action on the skin and a less deep penetration than lasers, it is supposed to produce less collateral damage, such as hyperpigmentation, depigmentation or scars and bleeding.

Moreover, micro ablation has proven to be efficient, without leaving pigmented skin spots on African American patients.

Limitations Or Side Effects To Micro Ablation

If you have received prior X-ray treatments, have scleroderma or a predisposition to forming keloid scars, it is contraindicated to undergo micro ablation. Other factors that should be taken into account are: active skin infections, the type of skin, smoking habits, and various prior treatments.

It is important to know that this therapeutic method may be applied either with local anaesthesia and oral sedative or with intravenous sedation and anaesthesia, depending on the scope of the problem area.

After the procedure you might feel some swellings in the area, which can be diminished by applying cold packs locally. Scabs may form in the removed skin area and it would take about 10 days for them to heal.

Like any resurfacing technique, micro ablation is followed by a reddish appearance of the treated skin which disappears in about two weeks, after which you are permitted to use make-up.