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Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is like laser skin resurfacing in that it can treat deeper wrinkles and improve the appearance of acne scars or skin discolorations and remove pre-cancerous keratoses. In addition, this treatment is useful in treating unwanted tattoos and scarring caused by chicken pox or injuries. Dermaplaning is a similar treatment but involves deeper planing of skin, which is used for crater-like scars.
Dermabrasion penetrates much deeper than chemical peels and the skimming of the outer layers of skin to the dermis layer causes the skin to produce collagen. Dermabrasion is also performed in conjunction with more extensive procedures like a facelift, brow lift or eyelid lift.
What does it cost?
The different treatments vary in cost according to the area treated, the individual physician and where he or she practices. Generally, dermabrasion ranges from $1000 to $2000.
What happens during the procedure?
Dermabrasion is usually performed in a physician’s office or in an outpatient surgical center, either operated by your physician or a hospital facility. If you are having another procedure, such as a facelift or eyelid lift at the same time, then overnight hospitalization may be required. Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are fairly quick procedures, but depending on the extent of the treatment it can take a few minutes to an hour or more. It is not unusual for your physician to recommend that the procedure be repeated or done in stages, especially when treating deep scars or a large area of skin.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with a sedative to relax you and make you drowsy. First, the skin is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic and may be sprayed with a topical anesthetic to numb it. The physician then uses a high speed rotating abrasive brush or diamond-impregnated burr (like a mini-sander) to remove the outermost layers of damaged skin.
The physician controls the depth to which the treatment will penetrate the skin layers depending on the degree of wrinkling or scarring. This abrading action reveals a new layer of smoother skin. At the completion of the procedure, your skin may be dressed with a soothing ointment, a wet or waxy dressing or some combination of these.
In Dermaplaning, an instrument with an oscillating blade called a dermatome is used to evenly skim off layers of skin to make the scarred area more even with the surrounding skin. Dermaplaning is often combined with dermabrasion, chemical peel or a surgical procedures such as facelift.
Are there risks or potential side effects?
As with all elective procedures, there is always a possibility of complications including infection, scarring, temporary or permanent color change in the skin and uneven pigment changes. Any skin resurfacing treatment carries the risk of cold sores in persons who have a history of recurring fever blisters or herpes simplex. Before you undergo dermabrasion, tell your physician if you have a history of cold sores, a tendency to scar unusually.
It is important to note that Asians and people of colour tend to have a darker skin tone than Caucasians, and as a result, have a different set of complications caused by any skin resurfacing treatment like permanent discoloration or blotchiness. Those of Asian, African and Latin origins are at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation of the skin (darkening of the skin). It is recommended that these individuals make sure that they see an experienced physician who has performed dermabrasion on darker skins, and who is aware of how to treat such skin types.
Although age is not a limiting factor in most cases, it is important to recognize that older people heal more slowly. Acne sufferers may not be able to undergo the procedure if their acne is in an active stage due to a greater risk of infection. Be sure to ask your physician about all of the risks associated with the procedure you are considering before you make any decision.
What to expect post-procedure?
For a few days following dermabrasion or dermaplaning, your skin will look and feel like you’ve experienced a bad sunburn. It may be uncomfortable to move the muscles of your face (talking, eating). Your physician may recommend a soft diet and suggest that you take it easy and try not to talk too much for a few days.
A mild pain medication may also be prescribed. Swelling and crusting of the skin are to be expected. You may be given an ointment to apply to your skin for seven to 10 days following the peel to keep it supple and to help in healing.
In one to two weeks after surgery, the newly formed skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal appearance. In most cases, the pinkness will largely fade by eight to 12 weeks.
How soon does normal life resume?
You can expect to be back at work in about two weeks or less in some cases. You can use makeup as soon as the skin has healed. Strenuous activity that might result in a bump to your face should be avoided for at least six weeks. You should not swim in chlorinated water for a month or more.
Your skin will appear lighter for weeks or even months after the procedure, but as the pigment is restored, your skin color will look more normal. To protect this delicate new skin, sunscreen must be used at all times so you do not end up with blotchy, unevenly colored skin. Daily use of a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection is essential. We all know that the sun damage and ages skin prematurely, even more so when a new layer of skin is exposed to it.
Who performs it?
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are usually administered by a plastic surgeon, a dermatologist or an otolaryngologist (ENT).
Are you a good candidate?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites, but if you want to reduce refine the texture and pigmentation of your skin without surgery, then a chemical peel may be appropriate, however:
- Your skin type and color, ethnic background and age will be factors in determining if this type of treatment is right for you.
- You must be free of active skin infections, including most kinds of acne and any type of cold sore, including herpes simplex.
- You must not have taken Accutane® for the previous 18 months at least.
- Darker skin poses special considerations due to increased risk of undesirable skin pigmentation changes. Black skin, Asian skin, and other dark complexions may become permanently discolored or blotchy after any skin-refinishing treatment.
- Make sure you are not prone to scarring problems such as keloids.
- Make sure your doctor is aware of any medical conditions or allergies you may have and any medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
- Make sure you have a good understanding of the limitations of the procedure.
How to prepare for this procedure?
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for the procedure. You may prescribed medications to take prior to the treatment to prevent a bacterial infection or fever blisters (herpes simplex) and topical medications to prepare your skin and decrease the risk of post-operative pigmentation changes. You will be asked to limit your sun exposure at least a month before the procedure. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- You should wear loose clothing that to put on over your head.
- You should refrain from wearing makeup, wearing any perfume, and shaving on the day of treatment.
- Avoid aspirin, any aspirin containing medication or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID), such as Motrin® or Advil®, for two weeks prior to treatment. Because aspirin thins the blood, it can interfere with normal blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Smoking inhibits the healing process, so stop smoking before your procedure and if you start again, make sure it is after you are completely healed. Besides, smoking increases muscle activity and can contribute significantly to wrinkles.
Are there alternatives to this procedure?
Alternatives to dermabrasion include chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and injectable fillers like collagen, etc. Although dermabrasion can have a rejuvenating effect on the skin only a surgical procedure like a facelift, eyelid lift or brow lift can actually tighten sagging skin. Finally, vitamin A, glycolic acid and other topical treatments, known as “skin polishers”, stimulate generation of new skin from underneath and promote filling in of wrinkles and depressed acne scars. These preparations are often used to pre-treat the skin before administering a skin resurfacing treatment.
Anything else you should know?
Microdermabrasion is not the same as dermabrasion. It is a more superficial treatment which does not produce the same results as dermabrasion. The treatment affects only the outer-most layer of skin, the epidermis, and causes the basal cell layer to increase production of skin cells. Microdermabrasion is not a solution for major acne scarring or tattoos or deep wrinkles. It will not treat the type of complaints that a chemical peel or laser resurfacing will. Results are subtle. Skin is usually described as being more radiant, and make-up goes on better because of the feeling of improved smoothness of the skin.
What happens during the procedure?
The skin is treated with a fine, pressurized stream of crystals, which loosen skin debris and are immediately suctioned away. The pressure at which the crystals are sprayed against the skin can be adjusted. There is minimal discomfort, and skin looks slightly pink. There is no healing time, and no need for dressings or obscuring make-up.
Goggles should be worn to protect the eyes from irritation from the crystals. If contact lenses should be removed. The treatment area is cleaned with water, and an alcohol pad is used to remove any residual dirt and makeup. The physician or assistant passes the wand of the microdermabrasion unit over the skin in smooth, stroking movements, being careful to anchor the skin at the end of the stroke with a finger to prevent the tissue from being drawn into the suction device. The intensity of the treatment can vary, either by varying the amount of crystals used, the pressure used, the length of the session or the equipment.
What to expect post-procedure?
Some redness, which last for an hour or two, will appear right after the treatment. Streaking may occur but usually disappears after one or two days. There can also be swelling in sensitive areas, such as underneath the eyes. Cold compresses will help alleviate it. Finally, the underlying skin color may change compared to untreated areas.
Are there risks or potential side effects?
Patients who are using any kind of exfoliant. particularly alpha-hydroxy products, vitamin A cream, glycolic acid products, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide should discontinue use for 2-7 days prior to the procedure, and wait until two days after the procedure to restart use. Sun exposure should be avoided and sunscreens should be used for at least a week after the procedure.
As with chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion, microdermabrasion carries certain risks. The reactivation of herpes simplex and an outbreak of cold sores are one such risk. Those with recurrent herpes simplex infections should start anti-viral treatment one day prior to the procedure and maintain anti-viral therapy for 7-10 days afterward. Patients with acne who have been treated with Accutane should have completed such therapy a year prior to having this procedure. Also, this procedure may not be appropriate for anyone who has a history of keloid formation. Some patients may experience pigmentation changes after the treatment, in which case lower pressures should be used in subsequent treatments.
What does it cost?
The treatments takes about 20-30 minutes for the face and there is minimal discomfort and recovery. Some describe it as being licked by a cat. The sensation of having a mild windburn or sunburn will also pass after a few hours. The cost of the procedure varies enormously depending on geography and who administers it. Generally, a session will cost anywhere from $90 - $200.
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To view Personal Stories about this procedure contributed by our members, Click Here.
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