Dermabrasion is a method that surgeons use to make scars less prominent, by removing part of the upper layers of skin with an abrading tool, chemical techniques, or laser light, until the skin is leveled out. Dermabrasion can soften scars left by acne, accidents or burns, giving the skin a smoother appearance.
The scar will remain, but it will be smoother and less visible.
Dermabrasion is also a cosmetic medical procedure used to treat age spots, wrinkles and acne lesions. This treatment can enhance your appearance, but neither treatment will remove all scars and wrinkles permanently. It will take some time before you see the final results after treatment, but most patients experience dramatic improvements in the surface of their skin. Generally, you can resume your normal activities 10 days following surgery. Your surgeon may recommend an ointment and some medication to help your skin in the healing process. You’ll probably be adviced to wear non-allergic makeup when you go out.
Dr. Espinosa will obtain a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination, including preoperative photography. He will explain the procedure in detail, along with its benefits for your specific case.
What you must know about Dermabrasion:
It is important to protect your skin from the sun and wind during the first year. You should use sun block and a hat to protect the new sensitive skin to prevent burning and changes in color of the skin.
This procedure is usually done on an out-patient basis, and may be performed under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia, or general anesthesia. You should arrange for someone to drive you home, and to stay with you, for the first days, following your discharge from our medical center.
In order to keep your skin moist skin moisture and prevent skin infections, your surgeon will give you detailed instructions to care for your skin after surgery.
For a few days following dermabrasion, your skin will be quite red and sensitive. It may be uncomfortable to move the muscles of your face (talking, eating). Your physician may recommend that you try not to talk too much for the first days.
Right after the procedure, eating and talking may be difficult. Your physician will recommend a soft diet and suggest that you try not to talk too much for the first days following the procedure. Gradually you will develop normal movement.
Medications will be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort you may have.
A scab or crust will form over the treated area as new skin starts to grow.
Your face may itch as the pink skin forms. Dr. Espinosa may recommend an ointment to make you more comfortable.
Swelling over the treated area is normal and it takes some days to diminish.
For men, the physician may recommend not to shave for a while.
You can expect to go back at work in about two weeks. Your recovery and healing time after dermabrasion depends on the size and depth of the area that was treated. The new skin is a pink or red color, which usually fades within 4-6 weeks. Because swelling and pinkness may still be present, patients who are very concerned about privacy may require a longer recovery time.
Do not drink alcohol for the first weeks following the procedure.
Active sports should be avoided until your complete recovery.
You are not allowed to go swimming for the first weeks after the procedure.
Older patients may need longer time to recover.
Avoid taking Aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid).
Stop smoking before and after the procedure.
Please inform your physician about your allergies, medications and past anesthetic experiences.
A comfortable bandage may be placed over your skin to protect the treated area.
Dr. Jorge Alberto Espinosa Reyes works in Plástica Colombia - Facial Surgery