Patients who have surface irregularities in their facial skin may benefit from undergoing dermabrasion treatment in order to create a smoother appearance. This technique "refinishes" the top layers of the skin through a method of controlled surgical scraping. Dermabrasion is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office and usually does not require general anesthetic or a hospital stay. Used to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles and acne, dermabrasion can be performed as a single procedure, or combined with a facelift, chemical peel, or dermaplaning.
To determine candidacy for dermabrasion, the physician will take into account the skin type, coloring, and medical history of the prospective patient. Not all individuals will have the same outcomes after dermabrasion. For instance, people with dark complexions may find that their skin becomes permanently discolored or blotchy following their dermabrasions. Individuals who easily develop allergic rashes or other skin reactions, or who are prone to cold sores or fever blisters may experience flare-ups after treatment. Dermabrasion can also permanently remove freckles in treated areas. Other possible side effects include permanent darkening of the skin due to sun exposure soon after treatment, the development of whiteheads, and in rare cases, scarring.
Dermabrasion treatment is performed under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to help the patient relax. Depending upon the size of the area to be treated, a dermabrasion can take a few minutes or up to an hour and a half. In some cases, the dermabrasion will be performed more than once, or will be done in stages, especially in the case of deep scarring or a large treatment area. During the dermabrasion, the surgeon will use a rough wire brush or a motorized burr with diamond particles to scrape the scar or wrinkle away.
Immediately after the dermabrasion, the treated skin will be very red and swollen, and it may be difficult to eat or talk. Any pain associated with the dermabrasion should respond readily to pain medication and the swelling should subside within a few days to a week. A layer of tight, pink skin will form and there may be some itching as the new skin begins to grow. For the first several weeks after dermabrasion, the skin will be sensitive and bright pink. You can slowly begin resuming normal activities, but need to take great care with the treated area. Dermabrasion patients can expect to return to work after two weeks, and will be able to resume active sports in four to six weeks. Following a dermabrasion, the most crucial thing to do is to keep the treated skin from sun exposure until the pigment has completely returned-which can take as long as a full year after the dermabrasion.
A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to meet with you to analyze your skin type and discuss whether or not dermabrasion is a suitable treatment for your problems.