Dermabrasion

What Is Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a medical skin-smoothing procedure used in cosmetically improving skin surface by basically “sanding” off the outer layer to reveal underlying fresh and smoother skin. It is prescribed for people with keloid facial scars caused by acne, fine wrinkles, shallow furrows and precancerous skin growths or keratosis. It can also be prescribed for skin abnormalities caused by accidents or a previous surgery. It works best with protruding scar tissues rather than depressed ones.

How It Works?

Classic conventional dermabrasion is generally a painful process requiring local anesthesia to numb the area to be abraded. In severe skin conditions, general anesthesia may be needed. A special device under an instrument category called a dermabrader is used to carefully "sand" off the offending scar tissue down to a fresh underlying skin.

After the procedure, the resulting skin is red and raw as it is now a subdural skin exposed which when treated with petroleum jelly and antibiotic creams to reduce crusting, will heal to become younger looking skin.

In the past, a small sterilized electric sander is used in the process but over the last decade, chemical peels and Erbium:YAG laser therapies have become more popular among dermatologists to achieve the same ablative results with better control and a more bloodless result compared to classic dermabrasion.

Candidates For Treatment

Patients suffering from any acne scarring at any all levels of severity can benefit from dermabrasion but is best recommended for people with light complexion as the skin exposed with the outer layer sanded off is lighter and may not look well on patients with darker complexion. The effect is similar to a potent chemical peel and should first tested on the patient’s skin before treatment commences.

Costs, Results And Side Effects

As of 2009, the average surgeon’s fee for dermabrasion has been observed to cost around $1,600. This does not include the cost of surgical faculties and other post process prescription medication. Dermabrasion usually takes 7-14 weeks to heal depending on the person’s healing response. After the process, patients are advised not to imbibe alcohol for 48 hours and no aspirin or any medication that contains aspirin or ibuprofen for one week. Smoking is discouraged as it can slow the healing process. You will be asked for an evaluative visit after a few weeks. Exposure to the sun is discouraged for a few weeks.

The new skin will be red and swollen and requires ointment and a waxy or wet dressing. For moderate dermabrasion on the cheeks, talking and eating that moves the facial muscles may be painful if not difficult. There could be some facial aching or burning as well and your doctor will know what medication to prescribe.

Skin swelling subsides in 2 - 3 weeks and your new skin may start to itch as it grows. If the healed skin remains reddish or swollen, this may indicate the start of abnormal scarring and you will need to have it checked with your doctor for any further treatment. The new skin layer may exhibit hypersensitivity with a pinkish glow like that of a baby’s skin for a few more weeks. Most patients can return to normal activity after about 2 weeks but any activity that could injure the affected area should be avoided like engaging in tennis or baseball until after 6 weeks.

The process when done be competent dermatologist or doctors rarely ever get complications but the risk is always there since this is basically a surgical process. The new underlying skin exposed is like a wound that can attract bacteria. After it heals, there could be uneven color changes and skin darkening which can be temporary as well as formation of scar. But all these can be managed with the right topical medication the doctor will prescribe.

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