What is HydraFacial?
The HydraFacial is a non-invasive hydradermabrasion facial: a treatment that combines, in a single device, deep cleansing, exfoliation, impurity extraction and the infusion of hydrating serums. It is performed with a vortex tip that delivers water and solution onto the skin while gently vacuuming away debris, all at once. It uses no needles, does not penetrate the skin and requires no downtime.
Unlike a traditional facial, which extracts pores by manual pressure, HydraFacial works with a controlled suction that lifts dead cells and sebum without damaging the skin barrier, and in the same step replenishes moisture with hyaluronic-acid and antioxidant serums. It is important to be clear about its scope: HydraFacial acts on the skin surface. It improves texture, glow, congested pores and hydration, but it does not correct sagging, does not fill deep wrinkles and does not replace surgical procedures such as a facelift. It is skincare, not surgery.
Techniques used by Dr. Arístides Arellano
HydraFacial is not a one-size protocol: it is tailored to the skin type, the goal and the state of the skin barrier. In this clinic it is indicated and supervised by a plastic surgeon, using these variants of the HydraFacial system itself:
- Cleanse and exfoliate (base step): the vortex tip removes dead cells and sebum with a gentle exfoliating solution, preparing the skin for the following steps. This is the phase that sets the immediate texture and glow.
- Suction extraction: instead of squeezing the pores, the tip vacuums impurities in a controlled way, useful for congested pores or blackhead-prone skin, without the irritation of manual extraction.
- Serum and booster infusion: in the same step, hyaluronic-acid, peptide and antioxidant serums are applied; boosters can be added according to the goal —hydration, oil control or glow— chosen at the consultation.
- Lymphatic drainage and LED light: attachments of the HydraFacial system itself that can be added to reduce congestion and support the effect on reactive skin. They are used only when they add value to the case.
How is it performed?
HydraFacial is performed in the office, without anaesthesia and without needles, in a session that usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The skin is assessed first to rule out contraindications —active inflammatory acne flares, rosacea in crisis, wounds or skin infections—. The vortex tip is then passed over the face in sequence: it first cleanses and exfoliates, then suctions impurities from the pores and, in the same motion, infuses the hydrating and antioxidant serums. The sensation is that of a light, moist massage, without pain. Afterwards the skin is clean, hydrated and immediately more luminous, and you can apply makeup and return to your activities the same day.
It helps to keep realistic expectations: HydraFacial gives an immediate result of glow and hydration, but that effect is maintained with regular sessions, not a permanent change. For sustained texture, pore and hydration improvement, a series of sessions followed by maintenance is usually recommended. Every medical treatment —topicals, peels and energy-based devices included— carries risk and requires a prior assessment. In darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI, the most common phototypes in Mexico) a poorly indicated procedure can darken the patch instead of lightening it. Results may vary according to each patient, their phototype and their individual triggers.
Who is a good candidate?
- People who want to improve skin texture, glow and hydration with a gentle treatment, no needles and no downtime.
- Skin with congested pores, dullness or blackheads that benefits from a deep cleanse with controlled extraction.
- Those who want to prep the skin before an event or as regular maintenance within a skincare routine.
- Patients who understand that HydraFacial treats the skin surface and does not correct sagging or deep wrinkles; other options are assessed in consultation for that.
Recommended aftercare treatments
After a HydraFacial there is no downtime: the skin may look slightly pink for a few hours and then appears more luminous. It is advisable to avoid aggressive exfoliation and direct sun for a day or two and to use sunscreen daily, which is what sustains any result on the skin. The plan can be combined with a cosmetic routine suited to your skin type and with maintenance sessions. See the full guide: Post-surgical recovery and care.
Before and after
Most patients want to see before-and-after photographs before deciding. Out of respect for each person’s privacy, Dr. Arístides Arellano shows real cases —always with documented consent— during your in-person consultation, where you can review results from patients with a starting point similar to yours. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Approximate price
Reference prices: sesión from $1,800 MXN and JLo Booster from $3,500 MXN, approximate, depending on the protocol indicated for your skin and the number of sessions. Approximate price — the definitive cost is set at your private consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano.
About Dr. Arístides Arellano
Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic surgeon holding a specialty licence: he practises under a Mexican medical licence (D.G.P. 1125959) and a specialty licence in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (0002008), both issued by the Directorate General of Professions (DGP), which reissued his certificate of professional standing in 2025. His career began before Mexico’s present-day specialty-board system existed: he belongs to the founding generation of plastic surgery in Puebla, the second generation of a surgical tradition started in 1971 by Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. Trust is verified, not promised: both licences are public and anyone can look them up in the DGP’s National Registry of Professionals.
Related patient guide
A facial treatment can be delivered by very different people, and it is worth knowing whom you trust with your skin. To understand what to look for before choosing, read How to choose a plastic surgeon in Puebla, written by Dr. Arístides Arellano.
Trust is verified, not promised. All 210 scanned documents —degree, licences, diplomas, publications and certificates, from 1977 to 2025— are open in Dr. Arístides Arellano’s credential archive, alongside an explanation of the difference between a specialty licence and a board certification.
Recovery · step by step
- Same dayNo downtime. The skin may look slightly pink for a few hours and is immediately more luminous and hydrated. You can wear makeup and resume your activities.
- Days 1–2Avoid aggressive exfoliation and direct sun. Use daily sunscreen. The skin looks fresh and clean.
- Week 1The improvement in texture and hydration holds. A good time to resume the indicated cosmetic routine.
- MaintenanceThe effect is sustained with periodic sessions; the interval is set in consultation according to your skin and goal.
Frequently asked questions
What is HydraFacial?
HydraFacial is a non-invasive hydradermabrasion facial that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts impurities and infuses hydrating serums in a single session, using a vortex tip and no needles. It acts on the skin surface to improve texture, glow and hydration; it is not surgery and does not correct sagging.
Does HydraFacial hurt?
No. It is performed without anaesthesia and without needles; the sensation is that of a light, moist massage while the vortex tip cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the skin. Most people describe it as relaxing, and afterwards the skin is clean and luminous without pain.
How long is the session and when can I wear makeup?
The session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes depending on the protocol. There is no downtime: you can wear makeup and return to your activities the same day. The skin may look slightly pink for a few hours and then appears more luminous and hydrated.
How often should I have a HydraFacial?
HydraFacial gives an immediate result of glow and hydration, but that effect is maintained with periodic sessions, not a permanent change. For sustained texture and hydration, a series of sessions followed by maintenance is usually recommended; the exact interval is set at the consultation according to your skin.
Does HydraFacial remove wrinkles or sagging?
No. HydraFacial treats the skin surface: it improves texture, pores, glow and hydration, but it does not fill deep wrinkles or correct sagging. For facial sagging, other options are assessed, including a facelift, which is a separate surgical procedure.
Who should not have a HydraFacial?
It is not advisable with active inflammatory acne flares, rosacea in crisis, wounds, recent sunburn or skin infections in the area to be treated. That is why the skin is assessed before each session. Results may vary from patient to patient.
The equipment used
Every case is different. Discuss yours in a personal consultation.
Book a consultation on WhatsAppEvery figure published on this site is approximate and is not a quote. Any procedure or treatment first requires a private assessment consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano —$800 MXN, charged separately— and it is at that consultation that the definitive cost of your case is determined.
Educational content; it does not replace a medical consultation. Results may vary from person to person.