Dermabrasion

What can Dermabrasion do for you?

Dermabrasion refines and refinishes the skin and is often used to improve the look of facial skin scarred by accidents or previous surgeries. Dermabrasion is also used to smooth out acne scars, wrinkles and lines in the face and is sometimes used medically to address Rosacea and to remove pre-cancerous growths. This is done with a method of controlled surgical scraping using one or more specialized tools that abrade and plane the top layers of skin.

Dermabrasion can be performed on small areas of skin or on the entire face. A Dermabrasion procedure can be performed on its own, but is also used in conjunction with other procedures. The amount of depth in the resurfacing is determined by the application of the surgical tools and the conditions and features of a patient’s skin.

What to Discuss with Your Doctor?

You should discuss your expectations with your doctor, and ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. Your surgeon or dermatologist should explain the factors that could influence the procedure and the results.

Your doctor will discuss your medical history. You may not be a candidate for Dermabrasion if you have had a recent facelift or brow lift, a history of abnormal scarring, if you have a skin or immune disorder or if you have an active herpes or skin infection. Prior to the procedure, your doctor will conduct a routine examination, and take photographs of your skin and face. During the consultation, your doctor will also explain the procedure in detail, along with its risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs. Dermabrasion when performed to remove precancerous skin growths or extensive scars may be covered by insurance.

What happens after your Dermabrasion consultation?

On the day of the procedure, the area to be treated will be cleaned and a local anesthetic applied to the skin before treatment. Ice packs are often applied to the skin for up to 30 minutes.

In the case of deeper Dermabrasion procedures, a cryogenic spray may sometimes be used to harden the skin if the skin is not firm enough.

During the procedure, a rotating burr or brush is used to take off the top layers of skin and gauze is used to stop any bleeding. At the end of the procedure, the area will be covered with a clean dressing or ointment. Dermabrasion is typically performed in your doctor's office or at a surgical outpatient facility

What to expect after Dermabrasion?

The recovery time following Dermabrasion depends on the size and depth of the area treated. Regrowth of skin commonly occurs within a week. This new skin will be pink or red in color. This coloration usually fades within 6 to 12 weeks. During the healing period, the treated area can be matched to surrounding skin tones using makeup. Most patients will be able to resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure, but depending on the extent of the Dermabrasion, pain relievers may be required and a prescription corticosteroid may be given to control swelling and inflammation. In some cases, an antiviral drug may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.

It is vital to follow the doctor’s post-op instructions, including regular cleansing of the area and the changing of dressings as required. The new skin will be especially susceptible to damage from sun exposure, so a recommended sunscreen should be used every day following healing. In addition, you may need to regularly follow-up with your doctor to monitor your progress.