Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure used to resurface the skin. It is done to remove wrinkles or scars and improve the appearance of the skin. It uses a tool that removes the top layers of the skin. As the wound heals, new skin grows to replace the damaged skin.
This article will discuss all aspects of dermabrasion. Its purpose, how and recovery. It will also cover the risks and contraindications (reasons to avoid) of the procedure.
GregorBister/Getty Images
What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is an external cosmetic procedure that uses a tool to remove the outer layers of the skin. It is performed to improve the appearance of the skin. On the face, it is usually done to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
Not everyone is a good candidate for dermabrasion and results will vary.
Who is it for?
A plastic surgeon or dermatologist will examine your skin and review your health history to determine if your skin concerns can be helped with dermabrasion therapy.
Dermabrasion vs microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are cosmetic procedures that offer similar but distinct results.
Microdermabrasion is a less invasive form of dermabrasion. It uses a tool that removes the top layer of skin. It can treat:
- Discoloration
- Sun damage
- Streaks
- Light scars
Dermabrasion is more invasive and uses a tool that removes more than one layer of skin. It causes significant trauma to the skin to remove scars and wrinkles.
Contradictions
Dermabrasion is an important procedure that is not for everyone. While almost anyone can undergo skin scraping, there are a few contraindications to consider. They are:
- Active infections: Anyone with an active skin infection such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) should wait until their infection is dormant (inactive) for six to eight weeks before undergoing skin scraping.
- Claravis (isotretinoin): People who are taking isotretinoin or have used it in the past six months should not skin scrape. It can increase healing time and increase the chance of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
- Active acne: Dermabrasion in people with active acne can cause infection after the procedure.
- Dark skin: People with darker skin tones are more likely to experience hypopigmentation (decreased pigmentation) or hyperpigmentation (increased pigmentation) after dermabrasion.
Although these contraindications may cause unwanted effects, they may not completely preclude someone from taking the procedure. Consult a health care provider for an individualized evaluation.
Potential risks
Dermabrasion is generally considered a safe procedure, but with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks. Risks surrounding dermabrasion include the post-operative healing period. The risks are:
Purpose of Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is an optional cosmetic procedure. It is done to smooth or improve the appearance of the skin.
Dermabrasion can be used to improve scars from acne, accidents or previous surgery. It is also used to smooth wrinkles or remove keratoses (non-cancerous skin growths).
An alternative to dermabrasion is chemical peeling. This option may be better for someone who wants to smooth the surface of their skin but doesn’t have deep scars.
How to prepare
Some steps must be taken to properly prepare for skin scraping. They are listed below.
Location
Dermabrasion is an outpatient procedure that can be done in a surgery center, health care provider’s office, or hospital. An overnight stay is usually not necessary.
Food and beverage
The level of sedation used for the procedure will determine what one can eat and drink before the dermabrasion procedure.
In many cases, the patient will receive local anesthesia along with sedative medication, less likely general anesthesia will be used. These patients should fast for eight hours before their procedure.
A numbing spray can be used instead of local anesthesia. When used, there are no food or drink restrictions.
Medicines
Before a dermabrasion procedure, a healthcare provider will review your current medications. They will look for blood thinners such as aspirin and may ask the patient to stop taking them in preparation for the procedure.
What should I bring?
Going into a surgery can be nerve wracking. Make a list of the items you need to bring so that on the morning of the procedure, everything is ready. Carry any pre-operative documents with you.
If sedation or general anesthesia is to be used, arrange a ride home in advance. Some surgery centers and hospitals will not begin surgery unless a return home has been secured.
Lifestyle changes before the operation
The two important pre-surgery lifestyle changes that should be made prior to dermabrasion are:
- Keeping sunlight off the skin
- Stop smoking
For two months before dermabrasion, patients should keep the skin that will receive the procedure away from sunlight. This is to reduce the risk of skin color changes.
Smoking reduces blood circulation to the skin and prevents healing. Stop smoking for one to two weeks before and after surgery.
What to expect on the day of surgery
The day of the procedure will include preparations by the hospital staff and health care providers. This may include questions, vital signs and training about the procedure.
Before the Surgery
Once a person arrives, the staff will greet them and ask them a few questions. Questions may include:
For patients who will be sedated or under general anesthesia, vital signs will be checked and an intravenous (IV) line will be placed. An anesthesiologist and surgeon can contact the patient before the procedure to answer any questions.
During the process
The procedure begins with the anesthetist making sure the patient is comfortable. This is achieved with numbing medicine to the face, local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia. The patient should not feel pain during the procedure.
Dermabrasion is performed by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. They may have an assistant to keep the skin taut.
The process can take anywhere from a few minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the area. Dermabrasion may be done only once or may occur in several stages if significant scarring is present.
Once the patient is comfortable, the procedure can begin. The surgeon cleans the skin and then uses a rough wire brush or bur with small diamond pieces attached to a motorized tool. The skin will be scraped with the tool until the desired depth is reached.
The surgeon will then apply an ointment and a bandage to the skin.
After the Process
After dermabrasion, the skin will be red and swollen. Eating and speaking can be difficult. There will be burning or pain. The swelling will go down in a few days to a week. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
If general anesthesia or sedation is used during the procedure, there will be a short period of monitoring while the patient is awake.
Recovery
After a dermabrasion procedure, patients can expect to return to work in about two weeks. They should avoid activities that could cause them to bump or hit their face for two weeks. Sports should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Avoid the sun until the skin pigment is completely restored. This can be for six to 12 months. Failure to do so may cause skin color changes, either lighter or darker.
Pharmaceutical
The surgeon will give detailed instructions on how to care for the skin after the procedure. The instructions will describe dressing changes, ointments and changes to expect in your skin.
When an area starts to get worse after it has improved, call your health care provider. This could be a sign that abnormal scarring is forming.
Long-term care
After the dermabrasion heals, the skin will turn pink and may remain that color for about three months. If you wear makeup, choose non-allergenic brands.
Summary
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic surgery performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to improve the appearance of the skin. It can reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles by removing the top layers of skin and allowing new skin to grow back. It is an outpatient procedure that can take several weeks for a full recovery.
