Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionPurposePreparationWhat to ExpectDuring the ProcedureAfter the ProcedureRecoveryHealingLong-Term Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Purpose
Preparation
What to Expect
During the Procedure
After the Procedure
Recovery
Healing
Long-Term Care
Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure used to resurface the skin. It is done to removewrinklesorscarsand improve the appearance of the skin. It uses a tool that removes the upper layers of the skin. As the wound heals, new skin grows to replace the damaged skin.
This article will discuss all the aspects of dermabrasion. Its purpose, how it is done, and recovery. It will also cover the risks and contraindications of (reasons to avoid) the procedure.
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What Is Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is an outpatient cosmetic procedure that utilizes a tool to remove the outer layers of the skin. It is performed to improve the skin’s appearance. On the face, it is commonly done to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
Not everyone is a good candidate for dermabrasion, and results will vary.
Who Is It For?Aplastic surgeonor dermatologist will examine your skin and review your health history to determine if your skin concerns can be helped with dermabrasion treatment.
Who Is It For?
Aplastic surgeonor dermatologist will examine your skin and review your health history to determine if your skin concerns can be helped with dermabrasion treatment.
Dermabrasion vs. Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion andmicrodermabrasionare cosmetic procedures that offer similar yet distinct results.
Microdermabrasionis a less-invasive form of dermabrasion. It uses a tool that removes the top layer of the skin. It can treat:
Dermabrasion is more invasive and uses a tool that removes more than one layer of the skin. It causes significant injury to the skin to remove scarring and wrinkles.
Contradictions
Dermabrasion is a significant procedure that is not for everyone. While almost anyone can get dermabrasion, a few contraindications need to be considered. They are:
While these contraindications can cause undesired results, they may not entirely exclude someone from getting the procedure. Consult with a healthcare provider for an individualized assessment.
Potential Risks
Dermabrasion is generally considered a safe procedure, but with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks. The risks that surround dermabrasion involve the postoperative healing period. The risks are:
Purpose of Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is an elective 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 out wrinkles or removekeratoses(noncancerous skin growths).
An alternative to dermabrasion is achemical peel. This option may be better for someone who is looking to smooth out the surface of their skin but does not have deep scars.
How to Prepare
Some steps need to be done to properly prepare for dermabrasion. They are listed below.
Location
Dermabrasion is an outpatient procedure that can be done in asurgical center, a healthcare provider’s office, or ahospital. An overnight stay is typically not necessary.
Food and Drink
The sedation level used for the procedure will determine what someone can eat and drink before their dermabrasion procedure.
In many cases, the patient will receivelocal anesthesiaalong with sedative medication, less likelygeneral anesthesiawill be used.These patients should fast for eight hours before their procedure.
A numbing spray can be used instead of local anesthesia.When this is used, there are no restrictions on food or drink.
Medications
Before a dermabrasion procedure, a healthcare provider will review current medications. They will look forblood-thinningmedicines likeaspirinand may ask the patient to stop taking them in preparation for the procedure.
What to Bring
Going into a surgical procedure can be nerve-wracking. Make a list of items to bring so the morning of the procedure, everything is set. Bring any assigned preoperative paperwork.
If sedation orgeneral anesthesiais to be used, arrange for a ride home ahead of time. Some surgical centers and hospitals will not begin a surgical procedure if a ride home has not been secured.
Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes
The two major pre-op lifestyle changes that need to be made before dermabrasion are:
For two months before dermabrasion, patients should keep the skin that will receive the procedure out of sunlight. This is to reduce the risk of skin color changes.
Smokingdecreases blood circulation in the skin and hinders healing.Stop smokingfor one to two weeks before and after surgery.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Before the Surgery
For patients who will have sedation or general anesthesia, vital signs will be checked, and anintravenous line (IV)will be placed. An anesthesiologist and surgeon may check in with the patient before the procedure to answer any questions.
The procedure begins with theanesthesiologistensuring the patient is comfortable. This is accomplished with numbing medicine placed on the face, local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. The patient should not feel any pain during the procedure.
The procedure can take a few minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the area. Dermabrasion may be done only once or may happen in several stages if there is significant scarring.
Once the patient is comfortable, the procedure can begin. The surgeon cleans the skin, then uses a rough wire brush or a burr with small diamond pieces connected to a motorized tool. The skin will be scraped with the tool until the desired depth is achieved.
The surgeon will then apply an ointment and dressing to the skin.
If general anesthesia or sedation is used during the procedure, there will be a brief monitoring period while the patient wakes up.
After a dermabrasion procedure, patients can expect to return to work in about two weeks. They should avoid activities that could cause them to hit or bump their faces for two weeks. Sports should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Avoid the sun until theskin pigmenthas entirely returned. This can be for six to 12 months.Failure to do so can result in skin color changes, either lighter or darker.
The surgeon will give detailed instructions on how to care for the skinafter the procedure. The instructions will outline dressing changes, ointments, and changes expected to occur to your skin.
When an area begins to get worse after it has gotten better, call your healthcare provider. This could be a sign thatabnormal scarsare forming.
After dermabrasion has healed, the skin will be pink and can remain that color for about three months. If wearing makeup, choose nonallergenic brands.
Summary
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Dermabrasion and dermaplaning.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Microdermabrasion.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Dermabrasion.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of dermabrasion?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the steps of a dermabrasion procedure?Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting and the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration: application to healthy patients undergoing elective procedures.Anesthesiology. 2017;126(3):376-393. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000001452American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during my dermabrasion recovery?
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Dermabrasion and dermaplaning.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Microdermabrasion.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Dermabrasion.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of dermabrasion?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the steps of a dermabrasion procedure?Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting and the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration: application to healthy patients undergoing elective procedures.Anesthesiology. 2017;126(3):376-393. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000001452American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during my dermabrasion recovery?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Dermabrasion and dermaplaning.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Microdermabrasion.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Dermabrasion.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of dermabrasion?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the steps of a dermabrasion procedure?Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting and the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration: application to healthy patients undergoing elective procedures.Anesthesiology. 2017;126(3):376-393. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000001452American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during my dermabrasion recovery?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Dermabrasion and dermaplaning.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Microdermabrasion.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Dermabrasion.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of dermabrasion?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the steps of a dermabrasion procedure?
Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting and the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration: application to healthy patients undergoing elective procedures.Anesthesiology. 2017;126(3):376-393. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000001452
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What should I expect during my dermabrasion recovery?
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