Risks and Side Effects to Know Before Getting a HydraFacial Treatment

Side Effects of HydraFacial

HydraFacial treatments utilize hydradermabrasion with vacuum suction to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin. However, like most skincare procedures, the popular HydraFacial is not without potential side effects and risks.

What is HydraFacial?

HydraFacial uses a special tip device that combines:

• Cleansing and exfoliating with serums
• Vacuum suction over the skin
• Painless extractions
• Intense moisturizing masks and hydrating serums

Its designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, mild acne, and congested pores. Many spas and dermatology offices now offer these high-tech facial treatments.

Understanding Potential Side Effects

While HydraFacials rarely cause complications for most patients, understanding the possible side effects ahead of time allows consumers to adequately assess if the rewards outweigh any risks.

Common Minor Side Effects

Some temporary but relatively minor side effects occur commonly either during or shortly after HydraFacial procedures. These include:

• Redness Some facial redness is expected after any resurfacing procedure.
• Sensitive skin Patients report increased facial sensitivity for several hours post-treatment.
• Dry, tight skin HydraFacial extracts fluids which may leave skin feeling dry and tight right after.
• Mild irritation or stinging The vacuum suction and hydraulic tip spraying serums can irritate very sensitive skin.

Generally these discomforts wear off in a few hours as the skin calms down. They are not cause for concern as long as they resolve quickly.

Potential Severe Side Effects

Serious negative side effects from HydraFacial remain quite uncommon. However, they have been documented. Seek prompt medical care if you experience:

• Damage to skin barrier HydraFacial may strip the skin excessively, impairing its protective abilities and immunity.
• Severe irritation and burning Some patients report intense stinging, tightness, throbbing or burning during or after HydraFacial.
• Allergic reactions While rare, some individuals react to specific solutions used, like hyaluronic acid or the antioxidant solutions.
• Acne breakouts Improperly sanitized tips or over-exfoliation can clog pores and instigate breakouts in acne-prone skin.
• Cold sore activation HydraFacial may spur an oral or nasal herpes simplex outbreak in susceptible individuals several days later.
• Hyperpigmentation Inflamed, sensitive skin post-treatment is at greater risk for excess melanin production and dark spots if not protected from sun.

Those with highly sensitive skin, damaged skin barriers from conditions like eczema or rosacea, or a history of allergies or cold sores should discuss risks and benefits thoroughly with providers before booking this treatment.

Results Depend Heavily on The Provider

Unlike more intensive resurfacing laser facials which rely on precise machines to remodel skin tissues, results from HydraFacial depend strongly on the skill level and technique of the esthetician performing it.

Many providers lack sufficient training and can inadvertently damage client skin by overdoing extractions or tip pressure, raising the likelihood of negative side effects.

Only visit licensed, reputable establishments with highly experienced staff and stay within recommended treatment intervals to minimize undesirable outcomes.

Who Should Not Have HydraFacial Treatments?

With an in-depth consultation beforehand, most patients make good candidates for HydraFacial treatments. But certain individuals may want to exercise caution or avoid it altogether due to higher risk profiles.

Those Who Should Exercise Caution with HydraFacial

You'll want to carefully weigh up benefits against potential unwanted side effects if you have:

• Very sensitive skin
• A compromised moisture barrier - dry, damaged skin
• An impaired immune system or take immunosuppressant drugs
• Active skin infections like impetigo or warts
• Dermatitis, eczema or rosacea
• Allergy history to skincare/salon ingredients
• History of recurrent cold sores
• Severe acne or tendency for cystic acne lesions

For these higher-risk patient populations, patch testing serums first and spacing out sessions further makes prudent sense.

Those Who Should Avoid HydraFacial

HydraFacial remains inadvisable currently if you have:

• Accutane use within past year
• Radiation therapy skin damage
• Active skin cancer or pre-cancer diagnosis
• Vascular lesions like spider veins on the face
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• A pacemaker or internal defibrillator

For most contraindications, you'll need written approval from your physician first since compromised skin risks becoming eroded, scarred or infected from abrasion.

How to Minimize Risk of Side Effects

You can help reduce adverse reactions by taking a few smart precautions:

Pre-Treatment:

• Give a complete health history including allergies, skin conditions, medications, past reactions
• Follow pre-care instructions carefully like avoiding irritating active ingredients
• Ensure you trust the credentials, skill and sanitation practices of your chosen HydraFacial technician
• Realize results take multiple treatments; don't overdo sessions frequency

During Treatment:

• Speak up if procedure feels excessively uncomfortable so technician can adjust
• Avoid getting extractions or dwelling too long over any one area

Post-Treatment Care Tips:

• Use only very gentle cleansers as directed for several days
• Do not scrub, pick, wax or use irritants on the treated skin
• Apply provided soothing balms and serums as recommended
• Wear broad spectrum SPF 30+ daily
• Follow instructions if oral antivirals given to prevent cold sore activation

While most tolerate HydraFacial without issues following proper aftercare, promptly contact the office if signs of infection, weeping or exaggerated swelling arise.

The Bottom Line on HydraFacial Side Effects

When performed correctly at licensed establishments, HydraFacials prove safe for most patients and serious side effects remain very uncommon.

However, improperly sanitized equipment, overly aggressive technicians, or failing to heed aftercare may increase the risk of negative skin reactions.

Using prudent judgment on treatment settings and intervals while closely following pre- and post-procedure guidelines minimizes likelihood of undesirable HydraFacial complexion complications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.