Dermabrasion
What Can Dermabrasion Do For You?
Dermabrasion helps to rejuvenate and smooth the skin's top layers through a method of controlled surgical sanding. The treatments soften the skin’s look by smoothing out fine lines, scars, discoloration, and imperfections.
Dermabrasion can be performed on small areas of skin and is frequently performed around the mouth or cheeks. This procedure can be used alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift, scar removal or revision, or a chemical peel. Dermabrasion is most commonly used to eliminate wrinkles around the mouth or to alleviate acne scarring. It is also useful for flattening or softening scars.
Dermabrasion Photos
These dermabrasion photos were taken of a patient in San Diego who received dermabrasion at Changes Plastic Surgery. Please see our complete photo gallery of facial dermabrasion examples.
Female patient with lines around mouth and face, dermabrasion to perioral region.
BEFORE
AFTER
Determining Your Candidacy
People of all ages can benefit from dermabrasion. The most important determinants of candidacy are skin type, coloring, and medical history. Light skin complexions are better suited for dermabrasion because of excellent healing. Darker complexions may have a tendency for uneven coloration following dermabrasion. People who develop allergic rashes or other skin reactions or who get frequent fever blisters or cold sores may experience a flare-up after a skin resurfacing treatment. If you have freckles, they may disappear in the treated area.
Potential Risks
Dermabrasion is usually safe when performed by a qualified, experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. All of the Changes surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons. The procedures are performed according to stringent safety protocols. These credentials help ensure the highest standards of care and your utmost safety.
The most common risk is a change in skin pigmentation. Permanent darkening of the skin may occur in some patients, usually caused by exposure to the sun in the days or months following surgery. Conversely, some patients find the treated skin remains a little lighter or blotchy in appearance.
Some patients may develop tiny whiteheads after surgery. These usually disappear on their own, or with the use of an abrasive pad or soap. You may also develop enlarged skin pores. These usually shrink to near normal size once the swelling has subsided.
While infection and scarring are rare with skin-refinishing treatments, they are possible. Some individuals may develop some scar tissue, which can usually be treated with the application or injection of steroid medications to soften the scar.
Pre-Procedure Care
In your one-on-one consultation, your surgeon will discuss your medical history and conduct a routine examination. He will explain the procedure in detail, along with its risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs. Insurance may cover the costs of dermabrasion when performed to remove precancerous skin growths or extensive scars. Check your policy or call your carrier to be sure.
In addition to your surgeon’s efforts, you play an important role in optimizing your outcome. Effective pre-operative skin care can expedite your recovery and enhance the procedure results. Skin heals better when it is properly cleaned and hydrated. The best time to begin pre-procedure skin care is when the decision has been made to perform the procedure.
Your surgeon will prescribe skin care products and a care regimen that will help prepare your skin by putting it in the best possible condition for healing. Additionally, pre and post-operative facials can help prepare the skin and expedite its healing after surgery.
Your surgeon may also give you specific instructions on eating and drinking, and on avoiding aspirin and other medications that affect blood clotting. If you smoke, you'll probably be asked to stop for a week or two before and after the procedure, since smoking decreases blood circulation in the skin and impedes healing.
You will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure. Each person’s healing process is different, but some people find it helpful to arrange to have help for a day or two after surgery, if needed.
Procedure Facility Options
Dermabrasion is usually performed in our outpatient surgery center, or in our office facility. If combining this procedure with more extensive surgical procedures, the procedures may be performed in a hospital.
Anesthesia Options
Dermabrasion is usually performed under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative. You'll be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort. Sometimes a numbing spray, such as Ethyl Chloride, is used along with or instead of local anesthesia. In cases involving more extensive coverage, your surgeon may prefer to use general anesthesia, in which case you'll sleep through the procedure.
Procedure Description
Dermabrasion can be performed fairly quickly and usually takes from a few minutes to an hour, depending on how large an area of skin is involved. It's not uncommon for the procedure to be performed more than once, or in stages, especially when wrinkles or acne scars are deep or a large area of skin is involved.
In dermabrasion, the surgeon sands away the outermost layer of skin with a rough wire brush, or a burr containing diamond particles, which is attached to a motorized handle. The sanding continues until the surgeon reaches the safest level that will make the scar or wrinkle less visible. The surgeon may then treat the skin in a number of ways, including ointment, a wet or waxy dressing, dry treatment, or some combination of these.
Post-Treatment
Right after the procedure, your skin will be red and swollen, and eating and talking may be difficult. There will probably be some tingling, burning, or aching, which can be controlled with medications. The swelling will begin to subside in a few days to a week.
As you heal, a scab or crust will form over the treated area. This is an important part of the healing process, but will fall off as a new layer of tight, pink skin forms underneath. Your face may itch as new skin starts to grow, and your surgeon may recommend an ointment to make you more comfortable.
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions to care for your skin after surgery. For men, this will include delaying shaving for a while, then using an electric razor at first. It's very important that you understand your doctor's instructions and follow them exactly, to ensure the best possible healing.
Returning to Normal
Your new skin will be a bit swollen, sensitive, and bright pink for several weeks. During this time, you can begin gradually resuming your normal activities.
You can expect to be back at work in about two weeks. Your surgeon will probably advise you to avoid any activity that could cause a bump to your face for at least two weeks. More active sports should be avoided for two to four weeks. Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools for at least four weeks. It will be at least three to four weeks before you can drink alcohol without experiencing a flush of redness.
It is critical to protect your skin from the sun until the pigment has completely returned to your skin, which may be as long as six to twelve months.
Your New Look
Refinishing treatments can offer dramatic improvements in the surface of your skin, but it will take some time before you see the final results.
The pinkness of your skin will take about three months to fade. In the meantime, you'll probably want to wear non-allergenic makeup when you go out. When your new skin is fully repigmented, the color should closely match the surrounding skin, making the procedure virtually undetectable.
Go to our dermabrasion photo gallery.
Patient Testimonial
"Thanks for turning back the clock. I’m getting way too many compliments for a woman of my age!! -Sincerely, Rita J."