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Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is also known as dermaplaning or surgical skin planing, is a cosmetic skin treatment used to diminish the appearance of scars, acne scarring, facial spots, wrinkles, or tattoos. It may also be used to remove precancerous cells on the face. Through a careful method of surgical scraping, the outer layers of skin are removed, resulting in new, smoother skin after a brief period of healing. The best candidates for dermabrasion are individuals with badly damaged skin from acne scarring, accidents, or surgery.
The most complicated issue surrounding dermabrasion is not the procedure, but determining if an individual scar is best suited to dermabrasion or to some other procedure. As a rule, scars improve no more than 50 percent with the first dermabrasion. A subsequent dermabrasion of six months or more after the first surgery may improve the scars slightly more, but at the risk of pigmentation changes.
Dermabrasion is also used cosmetically to smooth rough-textured skin, remove superficial pigmentation and blemishes, and soften certain wrinkles caused by photoaging. A chemical peel may also be an alternative to dermabrasion. The difference is that dermabrasion is performed with surgical instruments, but a chemical peel is done with a chemical solution. It is possible to combine both treatments depending on patient individual needs. The procedure is done comfortably in the office, utilizing nerve blocks and local anesthesia. The skin to be treated is prepped with a surgical soap, dried, and then a quick burst of cryogen is applied immediately prior to dermabrasion. A topical bandage is applied, which is removed 24-48 hours later and then the skin is cleansed with soap and water and a soothing ointment.
The dermatologic surgeon describes the type of anesthesia to be used in the procedure and results might realistically be expected. The doctor also explains the possible risks and complications that may occur. Side effects are uncommon but they do occur. The most common side effects include uneven changes in skin color, darkening of the skin, and formation of a scar and infection.
Medication to relax the patient may be given prior to surgery. The affected area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent and then doctor will apply a special spray to numb the skin.
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