What is DermaSound?

DermaSound is a three-stage skin treatment that uses ultrasonic vibrations to exfoliate, cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. The FDA-approved DermaSound device offers a safe and effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, acne and other skin problems, and it can even be used on very sensitive skin types. Patients with rosacea can receive a DermaSound treatment, as can those with psoriasis in some cases.

How does DermaSound work?

A DermaSound treatment will happen in three distinct stages: peeling, infusion and micro-current. The first stage uses a process called cavitation, which exfoliates the skin and removes oil, debris and other acne-causing problems. The second stage infuses the skin with antioxidant skin care products, and the final stage applies a small electrical charge to the surface of the skin. The process overall will stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin, helping it to look cleaner and younger. The patient usually receives three back-to-back weekly treatments to start off the process, and then a follow-up treatment is needed once per month after that.

What is DermaSound used for?

DermaSound can be used to help erode the signs of aging on the skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. The process rehydrates the skin and causes it to "plump up," which fills in wrinkles and smaller lines. Collagen stimulation will also make the skin look younger and rejuvenated.

It's also very effective for cases of acne. Skin problems like acne can develop when bacteria forms in the dirt, oil and other debris that naturally builds up on our skin. DermaSound's ultrasonic vibrations break these materials up, and the purified water used in the first stage helps to remove those particles. This takes away the breeding grounds where bacteria can form, and it kills any bacteria that are present.

A handful of case studies indicate that DermaSound can help clear up cases of psoriasis, when used in conjunction with other treatments. The process is gentle enough that patients with rosacea, sensitive skin and other types of skin problems can use it without any discomfort.

What areas of the body does DermaSound treat?

Most skin care centers that offer DermaSound provide it as a facial treatment. The device has been approved by the FDA for that purpose. Some specialists have also used it to treat skin conditions on the hands and other parts of the body, although this is not as common.

What are the advantages of DermaSound over similar treatments?

DermaSound offers a lot of customization that isn't available with similar treatments. For example, microdermabrasion is not a good fit for some people with sensitive skin or rosacea. DermaSound is extremely gentle, which makes it a perfect fit for these people. A variety of different skin care products can be used for the infusion phase, which offers additional customization. Many treatments require several weeks of at-home care prior to coming in for the office visit. With DermaSound, all of that preparatory work is unnecessary. You just schedule the appointment and come in for the treatment.

Who is a good candidate for DermaSound?

The vast majority of people are good candidates for DermaSound. No matter your skin type, complexion or skin sensitivity, there's probably a good customizable option for DermaSound to benefit you. There are a few types of people who are excluded from the treatment, mainly because of the third stage which involves the micro-current therapy. Pregnant women should not receive DermaSound because of potential adverse risks to the baby. Treatment should be delayed until after the birth. Anyone who has a pacemaker device or a metal prosthetic implant will also be excluded.

How is DermaSound performed?

A DermaSound treatment starts off with a peeling. This process takes off almost half of the stratum corneum, which is the outer layer of your skin (the body constantly sheds this, so you won't miss it). Water and a moisturizing treatment are applied to the face. The DermaSound skin scrubbing device has a small paddle attached to it, which delivers the ultrasound vibrations. This paddle is moved over the skin. The vibrations cause cavitation to happen, which is a temporary phase shift in the water. This is very effective in peeling the skin and removing dirt, debris and oil. It also rehydrates the skin.

The next part of the process is the infusion. A generous application of antioxidant product will be spread on the skin. The DermaSound paddle is then moved over the skin again. This time, a process called sonophoresis happens. Skin care products can't normally pass between your cells and get deeper into the skin. The ultrasonic vibrations actually push the cells apart so the product can move in deeper. This allows it to facilitate healing and regrowth deeper within your skin.

The final phase of DermaSound involves a very small electrical current. The micro-current is applied to the skin with the DermaSound device. Your skin cells have a naturally-occurring electrical charge that can grow weaker over time. This process will recharge your cells, which in turn stimulates the growth of more collagen for healthy skin.

What is the recovery like?

DermaSound is a noninvasive treatment, so there's no real recovery time to speak of. Your skin will be sensitive for a few days afterwards, so be sure to apply sunscreen when you go outdoors. Follow your doctor's advice carefully. Sometimes a patient's skin will develop a little bit of redness after the treatment, but this resolves very quickly.

What will the results of DermaSound be like?

DermaSound will result in smoother and healthier looking skin. It will also create a more youthful appearance. The skin can plump up after a treatment, which fills in fine lines and wrinkles. The results are usually immediate and very noticeable. However, there is no one-time fix for skin problems. DermaSound has to be performed on a regular basis--typically once a month--in order to maintain the results. Each treatment will cost you somewhere between $100 and $200.

Are there any risks to DermaSound treatments?

There are no risks to a DermaSound treatment. However, some people are excluded from the treatment including pregnant women and people with pacemakers or metal prosthetics.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.

By OnlineSurgery Staff
Updated: April 18, 2013