What Conditions Are Treated With Dermabrasion?

: Admin : 2022-01-07

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion, also known as surgical skin planing, is a process in which a dermatologist or plastic surgeon "sands" the skin using a specialized device. As it scrapes away top layers of skin to reveal smooth new skin, this abrasive or planing action enhances skin shape.

Dermabrasion is an option if you want smoother skin. Many individuals who have fine lines from sun exposure, wrinkles, melasma, acne scars (and other skin abnormalities) notice significant improvement. However, before you decide whether dermabrasion is correct for you, you should be aware of the hazards as well as the benefits.

If you have fair skin, dermabrasion may provide excellent results. Scarring and discolouration are more common in darker skin tones. Alternative skin resurfacing methods may provide greater results if your skin is darker.

What conditions are treated with dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion was first used to reduce acne scars and pox marks. It is being used to treat wrinkles and fine lines, erase tattoos, and reverse sun damage. Dermabrasion will not help every skin issue, but it will help many.

Who is the right candidate for Dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion may be performed on people of all ages, including children. However, if you are elderly, take in mind that you may mend more slowly than predicted.

Skin type and medical history are two variables that may exclude you from becoming eligible. 

You may have a flare-up if you have medical disorders such as allergic rashes, skin responses, fever blisters, or cold sores. Furthermore, dermabrasion is not an option if your acne is persistent due to the risk of infection. Infection is also a possibility if you've had a serious burn, a chemical peel, or radiation treatments. Another concern is that your freckles could fade if your skin is scratched.

Is dermabrasion performed as an outpatient or as an inpatient procedure?

Dermabrasion is a non-invasive process that may be performed in the comfort outpatient procedure.   If you have major work that has to be monitored, you may be admitted to the hospital in rare situations.

Is it possible to do dermabrasion on me at home?

Dermabrasion should only be performed by a skilled dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Make certain that you get a knowledgeable specialist.

What is the difference between dermabrasion and other skin resurfacing procedures such as microdermabrasion?

Other skin resurfacing treatments may be appropriate for you based on your skin type, condition, and objectives. Consult with your dermatologist to determine which choice is best for you.

Consider the following options for skin resurfacing:

Chemical peels break down the top layers of skin on all skin types by using chemicals.

Only fair skin types may benefit from laser skin resurfacing, which uses a laser to eliminate wrinkles and scars.

Microneedling is a technique that employs a physical device to remove wrinkles and scars on all skin types.

Microdermabrasion softens all skin types by spraying them with microscopic abrasive particles. It is a less invasive process than dermabrasion and will not treat deep skin concerns such as stretch marks, scars, or wrinkles. It does not need anaesthetic, and your skin will heal within 24 hours.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

What occurs prior to the dermabrasion procedure?

Before the surgery, you will visit with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss your objectives and expectations. During the appointment, your plastic surgeon or dermatologist will explain the kind of anaesthetic, the surgery, and the realistic outcomes you may anticipate. A 50% improvement in the state of your skin is regarded as a satisfactory outcome.

To be considered a suitable candidate for dermabrasion, you must be mentally prepared for how you will seem as your skin heals. Without adequate post-procedural care, your skin will be extremely pink and raw; a scab-like crust may develop, possibly delaying healing and deteriorating the result. Your skin may leak, and it will be covered with a wet bandage for the first day after surgery before you begin wound care at home. It is crucial to avoid exposure to the sun throughout the healing process so that the new skin heals uniformly and does not get discoloured. You should take at least two weeks off from work to allow your skin to recover properly. The entire findings may not be available for many months.

Dermabrasion is often done as an outpatient operation in the office of your healthcare practitioner when your skin is numbed with a local anaesthetic. However, if you're having additional cosmetic operations done at the same time (such as a facelift), your treatment may be performed in an inpatient surgical facility under general anaesthesia. Your healthcare professional will also describe the risks and issues that may arise, and images will be taken before and after the treatment to assess your outcomes.

Prepare to discuss the following topics with your healthcare professional during the consultation:

Your medical problems.

Allergies to drugs

Previous medical procedures, including surgery.

Current medications.

Vitamins and other supplements.

Tobacco, drug, and alcohol use.

What will my pre-procedure dermabrasion self-care routine involve?

Your healthcare practitioner will provide you with preoperative instructions after you have booked your dermabrasion surgery. Your healthcare practitioner may urge you to do the following to prepare for your procedure:

Keep away from the sun. Your healthcare professional will most likely inform you that recent sun exposure before your operation might cause your skin to darken permanently the following dermabrasion.

You should discontinue the use of certain medicines. Ask your doctor how long you should wait before discontinuing blood thinners or other drugs that cause skin darkening (hyperpigmentation).

Don’t smoke. Stop for at least two weeks before your treatment since it reduces blood flow and delays recovery.

What takes place throughout the procedure?

Your skin will be washed with an antiseptic, and your healthcare practitioner may provide any or all of the following to make you more comfortable during the dermabrasion procedure:

Numbing spray.

Gel anaesthetic for the skin.

Injection of a local anaesthetic.

After the numbing drug has worn off, your medical doctor will use high-speed rotary equipment with an abrasive diamond wheel or wire brush to scrape away the outer layers of skin, revealing the new layers underneath. After the surgery, your healthcare professional will apply a wet dressing to your skin to protect it while it recovers.

How long will the treatment take?

The duration of the procedure is determined by how much of the skin is dermabraded. It might take a few minutes or more than 90 minutes.

Will I be able to fall asleep throughout the procedure?

During the process, you will be awake, but the area will be numbed. General anaesthesia is sometimes required.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Before you leave the doctor's office, you'll be given instructions on when to return for a follow-up appointment and how to change the dressing. To assist you to prevent infections, your doctor will prescribe an antiviral and an antibiotic. This vitamin A therapy might help to rejuvenate the skin.

To prevent complications after dermabrasion, you must perform the following:

Cleanse your skin at least twice a day. This will reduce the crusting created by the natural healing process and aid in the prevention of infection.

Change the ointment or dressing on a frequent basis to keep the area moist and aid in the healing process.

Sun exposure should be avoided. (Also, when you've healed, use sunscreen every day.)

You will be required to attend one or more follow-up appointments so that your healthcare practitioner can monitor your condition. They will want to ensure that you are recovering properly and that there are no symptoms of infection.

Is dermabrasion permanent?

Tattoos may be permanently removed by dermabrasion.

BENEFITS / RISKS

What are the disadvantages of dermabrasion?

Some medical conditions and drugs may exclude you from being a suitable candidate for dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is not recommended if you have:

Rosacea is dangerous because it puts you at risk of infection.

Disorders of the blood, immune system, or skin that impede the healing process.

A recent brow lift or facelift operations

Burn scars will not react to dermabrasion.

Dark skin increases the likelihood of persistent discolouration or scarring.

Herpes simplex may cause recovery by causing infection and cold sores that scar.

Scarring is caused by keloid disorders.

Drugs for acne used in the preceding months,  thin your skin or blood thinners that raise your risk of bleeding.

Skin that is sensitive to cold.

Are there any risks or consequences associated with dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion side effects are infrequent, however, they may occur. The following are the most prevalent complications:

Flare-ups of acne. Acne rosacea patients may notice little white spots (milia), which will fade as the skin heals.

Uneven changes in skin colour that might be temporary or permanent.

Skin darkening, either temporary or permanent, is induced by sun exposure in the days and months after surgery.

Pores that are enlarged (usually temporary).

Scarring.

Swelling.

Infection.

Is dermabrasion a painful procedure?

During the process, your skin will be numbed with a local anaesthetic or a freezing spray to prevent discomfort. You may feel as though you had a horrible sunburn after the operation. If the stinging sensation is extreme, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of dermabrasion vs chemical peels?

There are several advantages to dermabrasion that a chemical peel does not provide. The following are the advantages of dermabrasion over chemical peels:

Improves collagen production: According to studies, dermabrasion increases collagen formation in your skin, which boosts rejuvenation benefits and results in younger-looking skin. A chemical peel does not produce as much collagen as it should.

Better for medium skin tones: Dermatologists indicate that dermabrasion is less likely to cause discolouration in medium skin tones than chemical peels.

Deep scar reduction: Studies demonstrate that dermabrasion is more effective than chemical peels at removing deeper acne scars.