Dermabrasion
DERMABRASION
To soften the sharp
edges of skin surface irregularities, dermabrasion is performed
to give skin a smoother appearance. The procedure refinishes
the skin’s top layers
through controlled surgical scraping. It is often used to improve
the look of facial skin scarred by acne, accidents or previous
surgery, and to smooth out fine facial wrinkles, like those around
the mouth. Dermabrasion can be performed on a small area of skin
or the entire face.
Who is a candidate for dermabrasion?
- Both men and women of all ages can benefit from dermabrasion,
- Skin type, coloring and an individual’s
medical history can affect results of the procedure. Dark skin,
Asian skin and dark complexions can become discolored or blotchy
after treatment. Freckles may disappear in the treated areas
- People without allergies or other skin reactions, as well
as those who are not susceptible to cold sores and fever blisters
as these patients can develop flare-ups of their conditions.
- Patients without severe, active acne, sunburned or damaged
skin. Although rare, these conditions can put patients at a
higher risk of infection.
The Procedure
- Depending on how large an area the patient wishes to improve,
dermabrasion can be done in a few minutes or an hour. Some patients
may require secondary treatment if they have deeper areas of
scarring to address.
- Your surgeon will scrape away the outer layer of skin until
irregularities become less visible with a brush-like instrument
or a burr attached to a motorized handle.
How will I look and feel after the
procedure?
- Immediately after dermabrasion, your surgeon may treat the
skin with ointment and dressing. You will be very red and swollen.
Eating and talking may be difficult. Temporary tingling, burning
and aching are common and can be controlled with medication.
- Swelling will begin to subside after a few days to a week
following the procedure.
- You will have scabs and crust form as you heal. These scabs
will fall off as new layers begin forming underneath to reveal
a soft, pink skin surface.
- Your face may itch as the new skin begins to grow.
- The pinkness of your skin will take about three months to
fade.
When can I get back to my everyday
activities?
- Your new skin may be a bright pink, swollen and sensitive
for many weeks following surgery
- Patients may return to work within approximately two weeks
after the procedure. During that time, avoid activities that
could cause you to bump your face.
- More strenuous activity, such as sports and swimming, should
be avoided for four to six weeks.
- Protect your skin from the sun until your pigment has completely
returned to normal, which can take 6 to 12 months.
Dermabrasion can bring dramatic results to
many patients with facial imperfections. The pinkness of skin
can take three months to fade to a normal skin color. Final results
will reveal a softer, smoother skin surface that should match
the surrounding skin and make the procedure almost undetectable.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE
- There are risks associated with any surgical
procedure.
- The specific risks
and suitability of each procedure for a given individual can
only be determined at the time of consultation.
- Minor complications that do not affect
the outcome may occasionally occur.
- Major complications are rare.
- Your plastic surgeon will review any and
all risks and benefits with you during a private consultation.
