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Dermabrasion
Also Called Surgical Skin Planning
Dermabrasion removes the top layers of the skin by sanding down to lower layers of skin. The area to be sanded is numbed first (local anesthesia) to lessen pain.
Dermabrasion is a type of surgery that can remove surface scars and reduce the depth of deep scars. Dermabrasion uses a surgical technique to "scrape" the upper layer of skin off the face.
Dermabrasion involves the controlled abrasion (wearing away) of the upper layers of the dead and flaking skin cells with sandpaper or other mechanical means. The new skin that forms to replace the old layer is smoother than the old, and scars are less visible.
Purpose of Dermabrasion
The purpose of dermabrasion is to smooth the skin and, in the process, remove small scars from acne, moles (nevi), tattoos or fine wrinkles, scars from accidents or previous surgery, precancerous growths (keratoses), scars from chicken pox or other causes. For many of these conditions other treatments are available.
Dermabrasion Prognosis and Recovery
Your doctor will likely give you antibiotics to prevent severe cold sores from forming.
The skin may be treated with ointment and a wet or waxy dressing. After surgery, your skin will be quite red and swollen. Eating and talking may be difficult. You may have some aching, tingling, or burning for a while after surgery. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help control any pain.
Swelling usually goes away within 2 to 3 weeks. New skin starts to itch as is grows. If you had freckles, they may temporarily disappear.
For about 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, your skin will turn red when you drink alcohol.
If the treated skin remains red and swollen after healing has started, this may be a sign that abnormal scars are beginning to form. Talk to your doctor. Treatment may be available.
Doctors recommend that men who have this procedure avoid shaving for a while, and to use an electric razor when shaving can begin again.
The new layer of skin will be a little swollen, sensitive, and bright pink for several weeks. Most people can go back to normal activities in about 2 weeks. You should avoid any activity that could cause injury to the treated area. Avoid sports that involve balls, such as baseball, for 4 to 6 weeks.
Keep your face out of chlorinated water (such as that used in swimming pools) for at least 4 weeks.
Protect the skin from the sun for 6 to 12 months until your skin coloring has returned to normal.
Hypo-allergenic makeup may be worn to conceal any discoloring. When full color occurs, it should closely match the surrounding skin, making the procedure virtually undetectable.
Possible Side Effects and Risks of Dermabrasion
- Permanent skin discoloration, either lighter, darker, or pinker.
- You may have enlarged pores or whiteheads after the skin-smoothing surgery, but they eventually go away.
- Possible formation of a scar (keloid or hypertrophic scars), usually treated with injection of steroid medications to soften the scar.
- Infection
- The risks for any anesthesia are reactions to medications, and/or infrequent but potentially severe heart or breathing problems.
- The risks for any surgery are bleeding, infection, and/or scarring.
Dermabrasion is normally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced board-certified physician. Note that all surgeries carry some form of risk and uncertainty. Always discuss full details with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Cost of Dermabrasion
Costs can vary depending on where you live. Approximately $2,000 to $4000 and up. Prices may not include other miscellaneous costs.
Always discuss full details of this procedure with a qualified, experienced board-certified physician / plastic surgeon.
References:
MedlinePlus
United States National Library of Medicine
April 2007
http://medlineplus.gov/
United States Department of Health and Human Services
January 2005
www.4women.gov/