Refreshment of the Facial Skin Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a method of controlled surgical scraping. This method softens
the sharp edges of surface irregularities of the skin, providing a smoother
appearance. Dermabrasion can be performed on certain areas of skin
or on the entire face. It can be used alone, or in conjunction with other
procedures such as scar removal or revision, or chemical peeling.
If you're considering surface repairs on your face, you may also be considering
chemical
peeling, which is another method used for removing the top layer of skin.
The difference is in dermabrasion, surgical instruments are used to remove
the affected skin layers, whereas in chemical peeling some chemical agents
are used. In some patients, both methods are also used according to the
extend of the irregularity of the skin. Mostly, chemical peeling is used
more often to treat fine wrinkles, and dermabrasion for deeper imperfections
such as acne scars.
Dermabrasion enhances your appearance and your self-confidence, but it may
not remove all the scars or prevent aging. After the operation, the age
of the skin does not change so before deciding to have such a treatment,
you should think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with
your doctor. Dermabrasion can be performed on anybody of all ages. However
older people is expected to heal more slowly. Also during the active stages
of acne, this procedure is postponed, because of a greater risk of infection.
In case of radiation treatments or skin burn, this procedurs carries some
risks.
Dermabrasion
is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. The
most common risk is skin pigmentation. Permanent darkening of the skin,
usually caused by exposure to the sun in the days or months following surgery,
may occur in some patients or inversely some skin areas may remain a little
lighter in color. You may develop tiny whiteheads after surgery. These usually
disappear on their own, if not the surgeon may have to remove them. Another
risk is, infection and scarring of the skin. Some patients may develop excessive
scar tissue which are usually treated with steroid medications.
Avoid aspirin and other medications that affect blood clotting. If you smoke,
please stop for a week or two before and after surgery, since smoking decreases
blood circulation in the skin and impedes healing. While you are making
preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your
surgery, and to help you out for a day or two if needed. Dermabrasion may
be performed under local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you
drowsy. Or, in more severe cases, general anesthesia may be preferred, in
which case you will sleep through the procedure. Dermabrasion can be performed
fairly quickly. 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 is not
uncommon for the procedure to be performed more than once, or in stages,
especially when scarring is deep or a large area of skin is involved. In
dermabrasion, the surgeon scrapes away the top layers of skin using an electrically
operated instrument with a rough wire brush or diamond-impregnated burr.
In dermaplaning, the surgeon uses a hand-held instrument called a dermatome.
Resembling an electric razor, the dermatome has an oscillating blade that
moves back and forth to evenly "skim" off the surface layers of skin that
surround the craters or other facial defects. This skimming continues until
the lowest point of the acne scar becomes more even with the surrounding
skin. 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.
After the procedure, the skin will be quite red and swollen, eating and
talking may be difficult. The swelling will begin to subside in a few days
to a week. A scab or crust will form over the treated area as it begins
to heal. In any case, you 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. If you notice the treated
area beginning to get worse instead of better-for example, if it becomes
increasingly red, raised, and itchy after it has started to heal-it may
be a sign that abnormal scars are beginning to form. Call your surgeon as
soon as possible, so that treatment can begin early.
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 your to avoid any activity that could cause a bump to your
face for at least two weeks. Above all, it is important to protect your
skin from the sun until the pigment has completely returned to your skin-
as long as six to twelve months. The pinkness of your skin will take about
three months to fade.
