Hydrodermabrasion (Hydrafacial)

What is Hydrodermabrasion (Hydrafacial) Treatment?

Hydrodermabrasion is a gentle, non-invasive skin treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. It uses a vacuum and specialized treatment head to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil, while simultaneously infusing nourishing topical solutions tailored to your skin type.

This treatment is ideal for improving the appearance of fine wrinkles and lines, blackheads and whiteheads, sun-damaged skin and age spots, oily or congested skin, uneven skin texture, and dullness.

How Does It Work?

A vacuum suction increases blood flow and removes impurities.
The treatment head gently exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells.
Simultaneously, a customized serum may be infused into the skin to hydrate, brighten, or soothe depending on treatment selection.
The process stimulates collagen and fibrin production, promoting skin renewal and a radiant complexion.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
Discontinue topical retinoids or exfoliating products as directed by your provider.
Inform your provider of all medications, supplements, and skin treatments you are currently using.
Avoid waxing or other facial hair removal treatments for at least 48 hours prior.
Tell your provider if you have a history of cold sores, active herpes simplex, autoimmune disease, recent facial surgery, pigmentation disorders, keloid scarring, or current skin irritation.
Arrive with clean skin when possible and notify your provider of any allergies or sensitivities to skincare ingredients.

What to Expect During Treatment

The procedure is comfortable and typically lasts 30-60 minutes.
You may feel a gentle suction and cooling sensation on your skin.
Your provider may cleanse, exfoliate, extract, hydrate, and infuse topical solutions, use LED Light Therapy or Lymphatic Drainage based on your skin needs and treatment selections.
There is no downtime, and most patients resume normal activities immediately.
Mild redness, tightness, or sensitivity may occur after treatment.

Post-Treatment Care and Expectations

Expect some redness or swelling; apply cool compresses if needed.
Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers.
Avoid direct sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
Do not pick, scratch, or peel your skin.
Stay hydrated to support skin healing.
Notify your provider immediately if you experience severe pain, prolonged redness, blistering, or signs of infection.

What to Avoid

Avoid harsh exfoliants, chemical peels, or laser treatments for at least 7 days after or as directed by your provider.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, and irritating products until cleared by your provider.
Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, excessive heat, saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms if the skin feels sensitive.
Avoid waxing, threading, or aggressive hair removal on the treated area until the skin has calmed.
Avoid picking at blemishes, blackheads, extraction sites, or areas of irritation.

Skin Care

Use gentle cleanser and moisturizer after treatment.
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and harsh products until your provider says they are appropriate.
Keep the skin hydrated and avoid over-exfoliation.
Ask your provider which pharmaceutical-grade skincare products are appropriate for your skin type and treatment plan.

Additional Recommendations

Follow your provider’s recommendations for ongoing skin care to maintain results.
Schedule follow-up appointments or maintenance treatments to monitor skin progress and address concerns.
Stay hydrated before and after treatment to support skin hydration.
Maintain consistent sunscreen use to protect your results.
Notify your provider before treatment if you have had recent injectables, lasers, peels, surgery, or a skin reaction.

Integrative Therapy Options

Dermaplaning may be recommended before or with a Hydrafacial when appropriate to enhance smoothness and remove surface buildup.
LED Light Therapy may be recommended to calm visible redness and support post-treatment comfort.
A Haus Ritual Facial or Hydrafacial may be recommended as a maintenance treatment between lasers, peels, injectables, or more corrective procedures.
Chemical peels, MOXI, BBL HEROic, or other corrective treatments may be discussed if pigmentation, acne, texture, or sun damage require a stronger treatment plan.
Pharmaceutical-grade skincare may be recommended to support your in-office results at home.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

While hydrodermabrasion and Hydrafacial treatments are generally well tolerated when performed by qualified providers, side effects may include but are not limited to:

Temporary redness or mild swelling lasting from a few hours up to several days.
Mild skin irritation, itching, dryness, tightness, or sensitivity.
Temporary bruising or spots of lighter or darker pigmentation.
Mild peeling, flaking, or breakout/purging as skin renews.
Rarely, activation of cold sores or mild infection.
Very rarely, scarring or lasting pigmentation changes.

Results vary individually and cannot be guaranteed.

When to Contact Your Provider

Please call our office if you experience:

Severe pain, prolonged redness, worsening swelling, blistering, crusting, or open areas.
Signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, pus, or fever.
A cold sore outbreak or symptoms of herpes simplex activation.
A rash, hives, significant itching, or suspected product reaction.
Any other concerning or unexpected symptoms following treatment.

Seek Immediate or Emergency Care If

You experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
You develop swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face.
You experience severe hives, dizziness, fainting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
You develop rapidly worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, or symptoms that feel urgent.

Follow-Up Care

Results are cumulative and may require multiple sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
Follow your provider’s recommendations for ongoing skin care to maintain results.
Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor skin progress and address concerns.
Maintenance treatments may be recommended monthly or as directed based on your skin goals and treatment plan.
Discuss additional treatments or alternative options with your provider if you are seeking correction of pigmentation, acne, texture, or signs of aging.

FAQ

Q: Is there downtime after hydrodermabrasion or Hydrafacial?

A: There is typically little to no downtime. Mild redness, tightness, or sensitivity can occur and usually improves quickly.

Q: How soon will I see results?

A: Many patients notice smoother, more hydrated, brighter-looking skin immediately, though results vary by individual skin condition and treatment plan.

Q: How often should I schedule treatment?

A: Results are cumulative and may require multiple sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance as recommended by your provider.

Q: Can it be combined with other treatments?

A: Yes, when appropriate. Your provider may recommend combining or alternating with dermaplaning, Haus Ritual Facial, chemical peels, LED, or pharmaceutical-grade skincare.

Q: Is hydrodermabrasion safe for sensitive skin?

A: It can be appropriate for many skin types, but treatment should be adjusted or postponed if you have active rash, sunburn, infection, severe irritation, or certain medical conditions.

Summary

Hydrodermabrasion and Hydrafacial treatments can be helpful options for cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and refreshing the skin when performed for the right candidate with proper preparation, realistic expectations, and appropriate follow-up care.

If you have any questions or concerns before or after your treatment, please contact our office.