What is Dermabrasion?
By: BonebrakeTotal Views: 181, Word Count: 600,
Dermabrasion, more commonly known as surgical skin planing, is a procedure used to "refinish" the skin to give it a smooth appearance and remove any irregularities from it. In this, the skin is frozen and a specialized instrument is used to sand or finish it. Through this abrasive or planing action, the contour of the skin gets improved and a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. This new skin, hence, has a smoother appearance.
Why is Dermabrasion Used?
Dermabrasion was basically developed to improve scars that result due to acne, pox, accidents or disease. However, nowadays it is commonly used to treat other skin issues like tattoo scars, age spots, wrinkles and skin lesions. While it is very effective for these types of scars, it can not treat congenital skin defects, moles, pigmented birthmarks or scars caused due to burns.
Preparing for Dermabrasion Procedure
Since the procedure is performed by a specialist dermatologic surgeon, he will describe the procedure, type of anesthesia that will be used and what results should be expected after it. He will also explain all the possible risks and complications that may occur. To evaluate the amount of improvement, photographs are taken before and after the surgery. Just like any other surgery, preoperative and postoperative instructions are given to the patient.
How is Dermabrasion Performed?
Dermabrasion can be performed on an outpatient basis or in the dermatologic surgeon's office. Sometimes, medications are given before the surgery to relax the patient. The procedure of Dermabrasion is quite simple. First, the area to be treated is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent, and then the doctor applies a special spray that freezes the skin. After this, a high-speed rotary instrument having an abrasive wheel or brush is used to remove the outer, scarred layers of the skin and improve the irregularities of the skin surface. To stop bleeding, if any, gauze is used and the area is covered with a clean dressing or ointment.
Post surgery, your skin will feel as if it has been severely burned by continuous rubbing with a brush. Certain medications are prescribed to help reduce any discomfort and pain you may have. It takes about seven to ten days for complete healing.
It takes about six to eight weeks for the newly formed, pink colored skin to develop a normal color. Make sure to use makeup only when the skin has healed completely.
Generally, normal activities can be resumed by most people in seven to 14 days after the surgery. Patients are instructed to avoid unnecessary sunlight for at last three to six months after the procedure and also to use sunscreen on a regular basis whenever they are outdoors.
Complications with Dermabrasion
As with every surgery, this surgery also has complications and risks, although uncommon. The most common side effects are:
- Uneven temporary or permanent changes in skin color
- Temporary or permanent darkening of the skin
- Scar formation
- Infection
Care after the Surgery
There are certain points that you must remember if you are going for Dermabrasion:
1. Do not consume alcohol for 48 hours post surgery.
2. Do not take aspirin or products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for about a week after the surgery.
- Avoid smoking for some days.
Dermabrasion is one of the simple and easier ways to get rid of the nasty scars that make you feel conscious and have a cleaner and much smoother skin.
About the Author
Bone brake is a well known allergist. His practice encompasses naturopathy, herbal medicine and nutrition. Skin conditions treated include eczema, psoriasis and acne. He explored the treatment of allergies and allergic based conditions such as asthma, eczema and hayfever are by using different diets and techniques such as blood type diet, rotation diet, exclusion diet and kinesiology.
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