Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a combination of “ derm ” meaning skin, and “abrasion” meaning scraping. So, Dermabrasion is a procedure where a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a special instrument to “sand” the skin. This abrasive action can improve the skin’s contours because it removes the top layer of skin to reveal smoother new skin.
This procedure is a great option if you want smooth skin. Especially for skin conditions with fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, acne scars, and more. However, it is important to understand the risks and benefits before deciding to undergo dermabrasion.
Benefits of Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion has the benefit of removing the outer layer of damaged skin. This way, a new, younger, smoother layer of skin can be seen.
In addition to giving your skin a more youthful appearance, dermabrasion can also help with:
- Acne scars.
- Age spots.
- Fine wrinkles.
- Precancerous skin patches.
- Rhinophyma, or redness and thick skin on the nose.
- Scars from surgery or injury.
- Sun damage.
- Uneven skin tone.
Who Can and Cannot Have Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is suitable for people who want a smoother skin appearance. Especially those who have skin conditions as explained earlier. However, not everyone can undergo this procedure.
Your doctor may not allow you to undergo a dermabrasion procedure if:
- Have been taking oral acne medication isotretinoin for the past year.
- Having a condition of excessive scar tissue growth (keloids).
- Have acne or other purulent skin conditions.
- Experiencing frequent or severe cold sores.
- Have burn scars or damaged skin from radiation treatment.
Before Dermabrasion
Before undergoing dermabrasion, your doctor will likely:
- Review your medical history, including asking about medications you are taking and any cosmetic procedures you have had.
- Perform a physical examination of the skin that will receive treatment.
- Explain the possible outcomes and the risks of side effects that may occur.
In addition, there are other things you also need to do before undergoing dermabrasion, namely:
- Stop using certain medications as instructed by your doctor. For example, blood thinners.
- Quit smoking for at least one or two weeks before and after dermabrasion.
- Take antiviral medications if prescribed by your doctor.
- Take oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, usually if you have acne.
- Getting an injection of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox). Usually, three days before the procedure can help achieve better results.
- Using a retinoid cream for a few weeks before the procedure. This is usually prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure.
- Arrange for travel home after the procedure. If you will be sedated or have a general anesthetic during the procedure, arrange who will pick you up or how you will travel home.
Dermabrasion Procedure
During a dermabrasion procedure, your doctor will move a small motorized device across your skin with constant, gentle pressure. The device has an abrasive wheel or brush on the end, which removes the outer layer of skin.
Dermabrasion can take a few minutes to over an hour, depending on how much skin is being treated. If you have deep scarring or have had a lot of skin treatments, you may need dermabrasion more than once or in stages.
After Dermabrasion
After the dermabrasion procedure, the treated skin will be covered with a moist, non-stick dressing. You will receive self-care instructions to follow at home, and your doctor may prescribe pain medication.
Your doctor will also tell you when you can start cleaning the treated area regularly and applying any prescribed ointments. Self-care instructions will vary depending on the extent of the procedure.
Try to stay home during the healing period of dermabrasion. Usually, you can return to your normal activities after two weeks.
Keep the treated area away from chlorinated pool water for at least four weeks. Your doctor may recommend avoiding vigorous sports, especially those involving balls, for four to six weeks.
Once the new skin has completely covered the treated area, you can use cosmetics to hide the redness of the skin. However, if the skin seems to be getting worse, becoming redder, raised, and itchy after it has started to heal, contact your doctor immediately.
Dermabrasion Side Effects Risks
Dermabrasion procedures can cause side effects, including:
- Redness and Swelling. The swelling will begin to go down within a few days to a week but may persist for weeks or even months.
- Acne. You may notice small white bumps (milia) on the treated skin. These usually go away on their own.
- Enlarged Pores. Dermabrasion can cause pores to appear larger.
- Skin Discoloration. Dermabrasion often causes the treated skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation), lighter than normal (hyperpigmentation), or blotchy. These problems are more common in people with brown or black skin.
- Infection. In rare cases, dermabrasion can cause bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, such as the spread of herpes, the virus that causes cold sores.
- Scarring. Dermabrasion that is done too deeply can cause scarring. Steroid medications can be used to soften the appearance of these scars.
- Other Skin Reactions. If you frequently experience allergic skin rashes or other skin reactions, dermabrasion may cause these reactions to flare up.
