Dermabrasion is an exfoliating procedure to help people get smoother skin. If someone has scars due to surgery, accident, or acne, melisma, or patches, this technique helps to reveal youthful skin. It uses a rotating instrument to remove outer layers of skin, thus making a way for a new smoother layer of skin. It is popular among people who want to improve their skin appearance. It is used to treat sun damage, fine lines, age spots, wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. This procedure can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to get enhanced results or done alone. The skin treated will be sensitive for several weeks. It may take more than three months to get a normal skin tone.
Before Procedure
The doctor will review medical history and perform a physical examination along with a discussion on risks of the procedure. It is advised to inform the doctor about any medications you are taking, may it be supplements or other medicines. The doctor will advise on whether or not to stop taking them before the procedure.
The doctor will recommend stopping smoking to avoid dermabrasion before and after risks. Smoking will slow down the recovery process and decrease blood flow. You will also be advised to avoid sun exposure at least two months before the procedure. Moreover, the doctor may recommend taking:
01. Antiviral Medications - Take prescribed medicines to prevent dermabrasion before and after infections.
02. Oral Antibiotic - This prevents bacterial infection, especially for acne-prone skin.
03. Retinoid Cream - It helps promote healing
It is better to arrange for a ride to home post-procedure as it is unsafe to drive due to anesthesia.
During the Procedure
The skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic and the doctor will give numbing spray or local anesthetic injection. After that, the doctor will move a high-speed rotary device called a dermabrader on the skin. It is a small, motorized device with an abrasive diamond wheel or wire brush. Once the procedure is done, the doctor will apply moist dressing on the treated area. It will be changed on the follow-up appointment. The procedure may take a few minutes to more than 90 minutes.
The doctor will choose to do any of the procedures, depending on skin condition. It includes:
01. Hydro dermabrasion - It is a new procedure to exfoliate the skin. In this procedure, a saline solution and oxygen are used. A device used in this procedure sprays a supersonic jet of water droplets. This peels away the top layer of the skin. Hydro dermabrasion also boosts collagen production.
02. Diamond dermabrasion - It is a minimally invasive treatment to remove dead skin and uneven layers of skin. In diamond dermabrasion, a diamond-tipped instrument is used to exfoliate the top layers of skin.
After the Procedure
Before leaving the hospital, the patient will receive instructions about follow-up appointments and how to change the dressing. You will need to clean your skin several times a day to avoid any problems.
Patients need to stay at home in the recovery period which is usually 10 to 14 days. The new skin will be sensitive and red and will develop normal color within 3 months. Makeup can be used once the skin is healed. Most people can resume back work after two weeks. Here are few more recovery tips:
01. Avoid alcohol for 2-3 days after the procedure.
02. Keep the treated area away from chlorinated water or swimming pool for at least four weeks.
03. No vigorous activities for 4 to 6 weeks
04. A big no to smoking
05. Avoid direct sun exposure for 3 to 6 months and apply sunscreen every day.
Dermabrasion Purpose
Dermabrasion is an old technique to lessen acne scars and marks. The results are achieved by removing damaged outer layers of skin. It is being used to reduce:
01. Fine lines and wrinkles
02. Age spots
03. Acne scars
04. Sun damage
05. Tattoos
06. Uneven skin tone
07. Scars from injury or surgery
08. Rhinophyma
09. Precancerous skin patches
Candidates of Dermabrasion
There is no age limit to get dermabrasion, even children can benefit from this procedure. There are two main factors that decide your eligibility for this procedure – medical history and skin type. If you have a dark complexion or are Asian, this procedure can permanently discolor the skin.
If you have skin reactions, herpes flare-ups, allergic rashes, fever blisters, or cold sores then dermabrasion isn’t an option for you due to the risk of infection. Moreover, if you have had a chemical peel, radiation treatments, or bad burns, then also you have the risk of infection and may be unable to receive this procedure. You are not an ideal candidate if you have:
01. Rosacea
02. Blood or immune disorders
03. Any recent cosmetic procedure is done on the face, such as facelift or brow-lift
04. Severe burn scars
05. Keloid condition
06. Cold-sensitive skin
Dermabrasion Side Effects
There are several side effects associated with dermabrasion, including:
01. Swelling and Redness on the Face - Swelling from the face will begin to be eliminated after a few days to one week. It may also last for weeks or months. The new skin after the procedure will be sensitive and blotchy in the beginning but will return to normal in about three months.
02. Uneven Skin Color - The procedure causes treated skin to become darker or lighter. It can be temporary or permanent. This problem is common among people with dark skin. Moreover, it was also caused due to sun exposure later after the procedure.
03. Acne Outbreak - There may be small bumps on treated skin which disappear on their own.
04. Enlarged Pores - It may cause pores to become larger and more visible.
05. Infection - It is a rare condition that can lead to fungal or viral infection.
06. Scars - The procedure that is done too deeply can form scars. The doctor will recommend steroid medications to get rid of the scars.
Dermabrasion Treatment Results
The new skin will be smooth and radiant and results will keep improving for 3 months or so. The results of this procedure are not permanent. At one age, lines from smiling and squinting are obvious.
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