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Dermabrasion

Home / Procedures / Skin & Hair / Dermabrasion
What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that removes the outer layers of your skin using a rotating instrument. It’s like sanding down the surface of your skin to reveal smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.

Here are some reasons why people get dermabrasion:

  • Reduce wrinkles and fine lines
  • Improve the appearance of acne scars
  • Minimize sun damage
  • Even out skin tone
How is dermabrasion performed, and what are my options?

The Dermabrasion Procedure:

  1. Numbing Up: Local anesthesia or sedation might be used depending on the extent of the treatment area.

  2. Buffing Away: A handheld device with a rotating abrasive tip or a diamond-fraised head is used to precisely remove the outer layers of your skin.

  3. Targeting Areas: The doctor carefully controls the depth and location of the abrasion to achieve the desired results.

  4. Healing Ointment: Afterward, an antibiotic ointment or dressing is applied to the treated area to promote healing.

How can I select a trustworthy surgeon?

When choosing an aesthetic plastic surgeon, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

  1. Qualifications: Does the surgeon possess the necessary education, training, and certification?

  2. Experience: Does the surgeon have extensive experience performing ear surgery?

  3. Pediatric Experience: If the patient is a child, does the surgeon have experience operating on pediatric patients?

  4. Results: Do you find the surgeon’s before-and-after photos satisfactory?

  5. Comfort Level: Are you comfortable with the surgeon and their approach to your procedure?

  6. Membership: Is the surgeon a member of The Aesthetic Society?

After finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in ear surgery, you’ll need to schedule a consultation.

What to expect during a consultation?

Typically, there may be a consultation fee due to the comprehensive nature of the appointment. During the consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals. The surgeon will assess your suitability for ear surgery and evaluate the shape, size, and position of your ears. They may also take photographs for further analysis. Be prepared to provide your complete medical history, including past surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, and current medications.

Questions to ask your surgeon: It’s crucial to be proactive during your consultation. Here are some questions to consider asking:

  • Am I a suitable candidate for ear surgery?
  • Are my desired outcomes realistic?
  • Can I see before-and-after photos of previous ear surgeries?
  • How many ear surgeries have you performed?
  • Which surgical approach is best suited to my needs?
  • Where will the incisions be made, and will they be visible?
  • What type of anesthesia do you recommend?
  • What is the expected cost of the procedure?
  • What can I do to ensure optimal results?
  • What is the anticipated recovery period?
  • What are the potential risks and complications?

After the consultation: Following the consultation, your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations and information, including:

  • Proposed surgical approach
  • Expected outcomes
  • Financial considerations
  • Risks and complications
  • Anesthesia options
  • Preoperative preparation
  • Postoperative care instructions
  • Similar case studies
  • Answers to any additional questions

With thorough research and consultation, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision regarding your surgery and surgeon. If uncertainties persist, don’t hesitate to seek further clarification or explore consultations with other surgeons.

How do I prepare for dermabrasion?

Consultation is Key:

  • Schedule a consultation with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon experienced in dermabrasion.

  • Open Communication: Discuss your desired cosmetic goals openly and honestly. Be specific about the areas that bother you most (wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage).

  • Medical History Disclosure: Providing a complete medical history is essential. This includes any pre-existing medical conditions, current medications, allergies, and history of herpes outbreaks (important as dermabrasion can trigger outbreaks).

  • Realistic Expectations: The doctor will evaluate your skin, explain how dermabrasion works, and what kind of results you can realistically expect. They will also discuss potential side effects and risks associated with the treatment.

  • Informed Consent: After addressing any questions you have, you’ll be asked to sign an informed consent form acknowledging the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Prepping for the Procedure:

  • Stop Smoking (if applicable): Smoking can hinder healing and compromise results. Quitting smoking well in advance is generally recommended.

  • Adjust Medications (if necessary): Certain medications, like blood thinners, might increase bleeding risks. Discuss with your doctor if you need to temporarily stop taking them before the procedure.

  • Sun Protection: Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before dermabrasion, as sunlight can make your skin more sensitive and increase the risk of pigmentation issues after treatment.

  • Antiviral Medication (if applicable): If you have a history of herpes outbreaks, your doctor might prescribe antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak around the treatment area.

  • Arrange Help for Recovery (optional): Depending on the extent of the procedure, you might consider arranging for someone to help you with childcare or transportation after the procedure.

How long does it take to recover from dermabrasion?

  • Immediately After: Expect some redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area. This is normal and typically peaks within the first 24-48 hours.

  • First Week: The treated area might scab and feel tight or itchy. Avoid picking or scratching, as this can lead to scarring. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to care for the treated skin.

  • Weeks 1-2: Redness and swelling gradually subside. Crusting and scabbing should resolve as well. You might start using gentle makeup to camouflage any residual redness.

  • Weeks 3-6: Pink or light red coloration might persist for several weeks or even months. This gradually fades as your new skin matures.

  • Sun Protection: Sun protection is crucial throughout healing and beyond. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to prevent pigmentation issues and protect your new skin.

Remember: Healing times can vary depending on the depth of the dermabrasion treatment. Deeper treatments will take longer to heal completely.

Here are some additional points to consider:

  • Minimize Strenuous Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that cause sweating for the first few days to a week, as this can irritate the treated skin.
  • Moisturize: Keeping the treated area well-moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or ointment is essential to promote healing and prevent dryness.
  • Follow Doctor’s Instructions: Strictly adhere to your doctor’s post-care instructions to optimize healing and minimize the risk of complications.
How long will my dermabrasion results last?

  • Visible Improvement: You’ll likely see noticeable improvement in your skin texture and tone within a few weeks of the procedure, as the treated area heals and the new, smoother skin takes center stage.

  • Gradual Fading: Over time, however, the effects of dermabrasion will gradually fade. Sun exposure, aging, and natural collagen loss all contribute to the return of wrinkles and other imperfections.

  • Longevity Range: The longevity of your dermabrasion results can vary depending on several factors, including:

    • Sun Protection: Consistent use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher significantly helps to extend the results by minimizing sun damage.
    • Skin Care Regimen: Following a good skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and using anti-aging products can promote healthy skin cell turnover and potentially slow down the reappearance of wrinkles.
    • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and excessive sun exposure can accelerate skin aging. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and adequate sleep can contribute to lasting results.

  • Repeat Procedures: To maintain smoother skin texture and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and scars, repeat dermabrasion sessions might be necessary every few years. However, the frequency will depend on your individual skin aging process and desired outcome.

What are the risks associated with dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is a generally safe procedure when performed by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. However, like any medical procedure, it carries some potential risks and side effects. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

  • Temporary Discomfort: Redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area are common after dermabrasion. This typically resolves within a few days.

  • Infection: There’s a slight risk of infection following dermabrasion, especially if proper post-care instructions aren’t followed.

  • Scarring: While uncommon, deeper dermabrasion treatments can increase the risk of scarring, especially for people with darker skin tones.

  • Pigmentation Changes: Uneven skin tone or changes in pigmentation (darkening or lightening) can occur after dermabrasion. Sun protection is crucial to minimize this risk.

  • Allergic Reaction (rare): In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the anesthetic or ointment used during the procedure can occur.

Minimizing Risks:

  • Choosing a qualified and experienced healthcare professional is paramount for safe and effective dermabrasion.

  • Open communication throughout the process is crucial. Discuss any medical conditions, allergies, and medications you take with your doctor during the consultation.

  • Following your doctor’s pre- and post-care instructions carefully is essential to minimize the risk of complications and optimize healing.

  • Realistic expectations are important. Dermabrasion is not a permanent solution, and some degree of temporary side effects is possible.

Source: Information adapted from theaestheticsociety.org