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Skin Dermabrasion or dermaplaning are surgical methods used to
"refinish" the skin's top layers through a method of controlled
surgical scraping, and/or "sand blasting" These treatments soften,
the edges of surface irregularities, giving the skin a smoother
appearance.
Dermabrasion can be used to improve the look of facial skin which has
been scarred by accidents or a previous surgery, or to smooth out fine
facial wrinkles. Dermaplaning is commonly used to treat deep acne
scars.
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can be performed on small areas of skin
or on the entire face. Each procedure can be used alone, or in
conjunction with other procedures such as facelift, scar removal or
revision, or chemical peels.
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning is
performed quickly, and. the procedures usually take from a few minutes
to an hour and a half, depending on how large an area of skin is
involved. It's more common then not for these procedure to be performed
more than once, or in stages, especially when scarring is deep or a
large area of skin is involved.
Side-effects and risks are a change in skin pigmentation,
permanent darkening of the skin that is usually caused by exposure to
the sun in the days or months following surgery or treatments.
Other undesirable effects may be due to ethnicity, and an experienced
surgeon will be able to tell you what if any those may be. It is
advisable to keep your exposure to UV rays to a minimum for several
months, and to use a sun screen at all times when outside. It is
advisable to use a sun screen anyway as the sun is the number one cause
of skin aging.
Other effects you may develop are tiny whiteheads after surgery.
These usually disappear on their own, or with the use of an abrasive
pad or soap, and sometimes the surgeon may have to remove them. You may
also develop enlarged skin pores but usually shrink to near normal size
once the swelling has subsided.
While infection and scarring are rare with skin-refinishing
treatments, they are possible, but can be treated with the application
or injection of steroid medications to soften the scar.
Right after the procedure, your skin will be quite red and swollen,
and eating and talking may be difficult. The feelings of tingling,
burning, or aching or any pain you feel can be controlled with
medications prescribed by your surgeon. The swelling will begin to
subside in a few days to a week.
As with acid peels, and laser peels a scab or crust will form over
the treated area as it begins to heal. This will fall off as a new
layer of tight, pink skin forms underneath. Your face may itch as new
skin starts to grow, but there are many ointments to make you more
comfortable. If ointments are applied immediately after surgery,
scabbing will be less severe.
Back to work: 2 weeks. More strenuous activities: 4 to 6 weeks.
Fading of redness: about 3 months. Return of pigmentation/sun exposure:
6 to 12 months.
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