Skin-refinishing treatment: Dermabrasion

• Wednesday October 11, 2006 | Posted in: Plastic Surgery Procedures

  The apperance of facial skin left scarred by accidents or previous surgery can be improved through Dermabrasion.  It is also sometimes used to remove the pre-cancerous growths called keratoses.  More commonly however, Dermabrasion is sought to treat deeper imperfections such as acne scars, remove freckles and to smoothen fine facial wrinkles, such as those around the mouth.

  The goal is to “refinish” the skin's top layers, which is achieved by softening the sharp edges of surface irregularities, giving the skin a smoother appearance.  Dermabrasion can be performed on small areas of skin or on the entire face.   

  Compared to Chemical Peel – a “surface repair” procedure that uses a caustic solution, Dermabrasion utilizes surgical instruments to remove the affected skin layers.  

  The process works through a method of controlled surgical scraping using a rough wire brush, or a burr containing diamond particles, attached to a motorized handle.  The scraping of the outermost layer of skin continues until the surgeon reaches the safest level that will make the scar or wrinkle less visible.

  Depending on how large an area of skin is covered, Dermabrasion can be performed fairly quickly usually from a few minutes to an hour and a half.  

  Dermabrasion can benefit men and women of all ages, from young people to older adults, although older people heal more slowly.  However, patients are advised that the treatment does not guarantee to remove all scars and flaws or prevent aging.
   
  Important factors such as skin type, coloring, and medical history are taken into consideration.  For one, dark complexions may become permanently discolored or blotchy after the treatment.  Caution is also given to individuals who develop allergic rashes or other skin reactions, or who get frequent fever blisters or cold sores as they may experience a flare-up.  Also, most surgeons are not likely to perform treatment during the active stages of acne, a bad skin burn or post-radiation treatments because of a greater risk of infection.  

  Normally, Dermabrasion is safe when it is performed by a qualified, experienced board-certified cosmetic surgeon.  A change in skin pigmentation is the most common risk.  Patients are advised to limit exposure to the sun in the days or months following surgery as this may result to permanent darkening of the skin.  Tiny whiteheads and enlarged skin pores may also develop after surgery but these usually disappear on their own once the swelling has subsided.  

  For cost containment and convenience, Dermabrasion may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility or an outpatient surgery center.  For those undergoing extensive work, a patient may be required to check-in a hospital care facility.  

  Depending on the severity of the facial problem, a plastic surgeon may recommend either Chemical Peel or Dermabrasion or a combination of the two procedures to suit the individual patient.  Dermabrasion can be performed alone, or in combination with other cosmetic enhancement procedures such as facelift or scar revision.

  Trackback URL for this post:

  http://www.plastic-surgeon-directory.com/blog/trackback/109
Post new comment
Name*

Robot-blocking Question*

What is 400 multiplied by 2?
E-mail*

(required, never displayed)
Website

Comment*